Turkish operator Saran Aviation has become the European launch customer for Bell Helicopter’s 407GXP single. The aircraft will be outfitted for corporate and VIP charter missions.

Bell launched the 407GXP at the HeliExpo show in March. It gives customers an additional 50 pounds of payload and, thanks to its Rolls-Royce M250 turboshaft engine improved fuel efficiency and hot and high performance. The cockpit includes new features such as an improved hover performance calculator system. The transmission has a time-between-overhaul extension of 500 hours, reducing maintenance costs.

“We are thrilled to be the first customer in Europe to purchase a Bell 407GXP and spearhead the region with some of the most advanced technology on the market,” said Jakub Hoda, Saran Aviation’s vice president and managing director of European sales. “This aircraft will provide us effective transport in the environments we often experience around Istanbul.”