Bell, Nunavik Rotors and Advisory360 Celebrate Bell 407GXi Delivery and Fixed-Float Research & Development Collaboration

Nunavik Rotors has accepted delivery of a Bell 407GXi. The aircraft will be based in Kuujjuaq (QC) and support the wider Nunavik region of Quebec.

“Bell is proud to support Nunavik Rotors as they expand their capabilities across Arctic Canada with the addition of the Bell 407GXi,” said Michael Nault, vice president and general manager, Bell Textron Canada Ltd. “As the customer provides a range of mission services from lifesaving missions to tourist opportunities, this multi-purpose aircraft, along with proven performance and reliability, will enhance their ability to serve remote northern communities and deliver unforgettable experiences to customers flying over the region’s landscapes.”

Nunavik Rotors, based in Kuujjuaq in the Arctic region of Canada, has been in operation since 1998 and provides a wide range of helicopter services that support remote northern and Indigenous communities. The company provides community support missions, search and rescue, medical evacuations and emergency response, playing a critical role in maintaining safety across the region.

“Nunavik Rotors, wholly owned by the Inuit of Nunavik, is proud to introduce its new Bell 407GXi built in Mirabel to the Nunavik region and beyond as well as the R&D collaboration to help shape a solution designed for the realities and needs of operators everywhere.” said Johnny Adams, President, Nunavik Rotors.

Advisory360 is an Indigenous-owned professional services firm supporting regulated industries through engineering, project management, and marketing. In this collaboration, Advisory360 oversees the project, with Tulmar Safety Systems leading the design, engineering, manufacturing, and certification of the fixed-float landing gear kit and Anish Branding providing marketing support. A portion of Advisory360’s development project revenue will support First Assist’s mission to develop future leaders in Indigenous communities through leadership training.

This project is part of Bell’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments to Canada. Through these commitments, Bell is working with Canadian industry and investing in the Canadian economy as part of its obligations under the ITB Policy.

As part of this collaboration, Bell is working with Nunavik Rotors and Advisory360, two Indigenous-owned small businesses, on a research and development project to develop and certify a fixed-float landing gear kit for the Bell 407 series, enabling water takeoff and landings. This ITB initiative will conduct flight operations, perform certification & flight envelope testing, and support kit installation development using its Bell 407GXi. Advisory360 will oversee the engineering, manufacturing and the delivery of a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), sharing certification expertise with Nunavik Rotors for future projects. The project is intended to expand Nunavik Rotors’ mission capabilities, including search and rescue, first response, patient care and utility operations, and create a new Canadian product for export to global markets.

“The delivery of the Bell 407GXi shows tangible results for Canadians by supporting teams with small and medium-sized businesses through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. The announcement highlights how Canadian innovation and Indigenous collaboration can benefit Quebec industry and northern communities. This collaboration strengthens local aviation services, creates skilled jobs, and promotes a Canadian-made solution with global export potential.” said The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), Defence Investment Agency.

“Advisory360 is proud to work with Bell and Nunavik Rotors on a project that brings together Indigenous leadership and Canadian aerospace expertise. With Tulmar Safety Systems’ technical expertise, we’re not only developing a Canadian-made solution that will strengthen mission capabilities in the North but also creating a new product that can compete in markets around the world. We are equally proud that this project will allow us to contribute to First Assist’s mission of developing the next generation of Indigenous leaders”, said Shawn Rivers, president, Advisory360.

The Bell 407GXi delivers strong performance and reliability with single-pilot IFR capability, a flexible cabin and the advanced Garmin G1000H NXi Flight Deck, which reduces pilot workload and enhances situational awareness. Designed for demanding mission environments, the aircraft supports a wide range of operations in the harsh and remote conditions of the Arctic, with efficient cruise speeds and space for equipment.