Bell 505 Achieves Over 700 Flight Hours with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Bell 505 Surpasses 700 Flight Hours on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

We are witnessing a pivotal shift in the rotorcraft industry as manufacturers move from theoretical demonstrations to practical, sustained applications of green technology. On November 24, 2025, during the European Rotors 2025 trade show in Cologne, Germany, Bell Textron Inc. announced a significant achievement in this domain. A dedicated Bell 505 helicopter has successfully surpassed 700 flight hours using blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This milestone marks a transition from short-term testing to long-term operational validation.

The flight hours were accumulated at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. By utilizing a training aircraft for this initiative, Bell has demonstrated the viability of SAF in high-volume, daily operations. This is not merely a proof of concept, it is a stress test of the fuel’s reliability under the rigorous demands of pilot training. The initiative highlights the seamless integration of alternative fuels into existing platforms without disrupting standard operating procedures.

This achievement is the result of a strategic collaboration between Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines. It underscores a shared commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of vertical lift operations. As the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to meet global sustainability targets, data-driven milestones like this provide the necessary evidence to encourage broader adoption of SAF among operators and regulatory bodies.

Operational Reliability and Technical Specifications

The aircraft at the center of this milestone is the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, a short light single-engine helicopter known for its versatility in corporate, public safety, and training missions. Powered by the Safran Arrius 2R engine, the aircraft utilized a specific type of fuel known as “blended SAF.” This mixture typically combines 30 to 50 percent pure sustainable fuel with conventional Jet A fuel. The accumulation of over 700 flight hours confirms that the engine and airframe can operate consistently on this blend without requiring mechanical modifications.

One of the most critical aspects of this program is the demonstration of “drop-in” capability. In the context of aviation, a drop-in fuel is one that can be substituted for conventional jet fuel within existing infrastructure and engines. The Safran Arrius 2R is currently certified to operate on up to a 50 percent SAF blend. By logging substantial hours at the Bell Training Academy, we see proof that operators can integrate these fuels into their current logistics chains without the need for expensive retrofits or specialized handling equipment.

The fuel for this initiative was supplied through partnerships with key industry providers, including Neste and Avfuel. These collaborations are essential for establishing a reliable supply chain, which remains one of the primary hurdles for widespread SAF adoption. The successful completion of these flight hours serves as a signal to the market that the hardware is ready, provided the fuel supply continues to scale to meet demand.

“Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives. Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”, Robin Wendling, Managing Director of Europe, Bell.

Strategic Implications and Future Roadmap

This 700-hour milestone is part of a broader timeline of sustainability efforts by Bell and its parent company, Textron. It supports Textron’s “Achieve 2025” Sustainable Footprint goal, which targets a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the enterprise. Furthermore, it aligns with the general aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We recognize that incremental steps, such as validating blended fuels, are necessary precursors to achieving these ambitious long-term targets.

While the current operations utilize a blend, the technology is rapidly advancing toward higher concentrations of sustainable components. In February 2023, Bell and Safran achieved the world’s first single-engine helicopter flight using 100 percent SAF with the Bell 505. The current 700-hour achievement complements that breakthrough by focusing on endurance and daily utility rather than maximum capability. Safran has indicated that its engines will soon be capable of operating on 100 percent drop-in SAF, which would significantly maximize emission reductions.

Commercial interest in the Bell 505 remains strong alongside these sustainability developments. At the same European Rotors 2025 event, German operator Heli Transair signed a purchase agreement for three additional Bell 505 aircraft. This suggests that the market is responding positively to the platform, viewing its compatibility with sustainable practices as a value-add rather than a compromise on performance or cost-efficiency.

“We are particularly pleased with these SAF flights in partnership with Bell. SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use… Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel.”, Jean-François Sauer, EVP Programs, Safran Helicopter Engines.

Conclusion

The accumulation of over 700 flight hours on blended SAF by the Bell 505 represents a tangible step forward for sustainable rotorcraft operations. It moves the industry discussion from theoretical possibilities to proven realities, demonstrating that eco-friendly fuels can support the rigorous demands of pilot training and daily flight operations. By validating the performance of the Safran Arrius 2R engine with drop-in fuels, Bell has reduced the perceived risk for operators looking to transition to greener alternatives.

Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift toward increasing the availability of SAF and certifying engines for 100 percent sustainable fuel use. As manufacturers like Bell and Safran continue to refine the technology, and as supply chains mature, we anticipate that SAF will become a standard component of aviation logistics, driving the sector closer to its net-zero aspirations.

FAQ

What is the significance of the 700-hour milestone?
This milestone proves that the Bell 505 can operate reliably on blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) over a long period in a high-volume training environment, validating the fuel for daily use.

Does using SAF require changes to the helicopter engine?
No. The blended SAF used is considered a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it requires no modifications to the Safran Arrius 2R engine or the airframe.

What is the difference between this milestone and the 2023 SAF flight?
The February 2023 flight demonstrated the capability to fly on 100% SAF. The current milestone focuses on the endurance and operational reliability of using blended SAF over 700 accumulated flight hours.

Sources

Textron Investor Relations