Billings Flying Service (BFS) has completed the purchase of six Netherlands Defense Ministry surplus Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters. The sale was approved by the Netherlands’ Defense Material Sales Committee at the end of 2022.
“We are pleased to confirm a contract for the purchase of six surplus Boeing CH-47D helicopters from the Netherlands Defense Ministry has been executed, with near-term plans to bring the aircraft stateside," said BFS President Nick Nenadovic. "The latest acquisition of heavy lift helicopters will allow our organization to grow on a global scale while concurrently supporting our North America-based partners.”
“With the additional aircraft, our team will be prepared for mobilization in support of fire suppression, aerial heavy lift, and other significant projects around the world. These are very exciting times for the organization as a whole.”
The aircraft will be transported to Billings, Montana, to undergo an in-house reset and modification program to support the company’s heavy lift, aerial firefighting, and utility/infrastructure operations. Expected entry into service is late 2023 through 2024.
BFS' latest acquisition will bring the fleet of CH-47 aircraft to a total of fourteen aircraft, making it the largest operator of the CH-47 in North America. The new aircraft will join the rest of the BFS fleet, including a Black Hawk, a Bell 206, and a PC-12.
About Billings Flying Service
Celebrating 40 years in 2023, Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a heavy lift helicopter solutions provider specializing in CH-47 Chinook operations in aerial firefighting, utility, and construction. BFS owns and operates an FAA 145, AS9110, and Boeing-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the CH-47 Chinook and an authorized Honeywell CH-46, 234, CH-47D and CH-47D+ Flight Control Systems (FCS) Repair Station, both of which support the BFS Chinook fleet, commercial CH-47 customers, the United States military, and foreign militaries. For more information, please visit billingsflyingservice.com
