Bell Textron appoints INAEC Aviation as approved maintenance centre in Philippines

INAEC Aviation Corporation, a Philippines-based helicopter operator, has been appointed by Bell Textron Inc. as an Approved Maintenance Center for the Bell 429 helicopter, enhancing local support for Bell operators in the country, according to Daily Tribune.

The appointment follows Bell's due diligence and qualification review, which INAEC successfully completed in December 2025.

With the designation, INAEC becomes the seventh Bell 429 Approved Maintenance Center in the Asia-Pacific region and joins Bell's global network of more than 50 authorised service centres. INAEC has more than 30 years of experience in helicopter operations and maintenance, with a track record of servicing Bell aircraft dating back to 1993.

Founded by the Lopez family in 1932, INAEC, or Iloilo-Negros Air Express Company, was the first airline in the Philippines. It was reborn in 1993 as INAEC Aviation, specialising in air charter, medical evacuation, and aircraft maintenance services. During early operations, the company carried out mission-critical work using the Bell 206 JetRanger, supporting aerial news gathering and offshore transport for oil and gas companies.

Chris Schaefer, Vice President of Global Customer Solutions at Bell, stated the company values the Philippines as a stable and consistent market for its helicopters. INAEC's extensive experience in helicopter operations and maintenance provides confidence that the firm will uphold Bell's standards and strengthen the support network for Bell operators in the Philippines.

INAEC President Benjamin Jay R. Lopez noted the designation highlights the broader potential of the local aviation sector. The Philippines possesses the technical capability and specialised skills required to operate and maintain modern aircraft, positioning INAEC to deliver reliable, high-standard maintenance services for Bell operators across the country.

Explore the full announcement on INAEC Aviation's Bell 429 maintenance centre appointment in the complete report.