This symposium is part of Bell’s broader commitment to the African market, which continues to grow in strategic importance for the company. With more than 65 active public safety helicopters in Africa, Bell recognizes the increasing demand for versatile, reliable aircraft to support law enforcement, humanitarian missions, and economic development.

Africa’s diverse geography, rugged terrain, vast distances, and evolving infrastructure require advanced rotorcraft capable of operating in challenging environments, making Bell’s vertical lift solutions an essential asset for the region. Its proven commercial aircraft are long established across the African continent, supporting generations of pilots on their various missions, comfortably navigating hot and high conditions, as well as other demanding weather scenarios and terrains. It is unsurprising that Bell platforms have earned the status of trusty workhorses, easily deployed at a moment’s notice – a particularly important quality in law enforcement and emergency response.

As African governments and industries continue to invest in aviation technology, Bell aims to deliver tailored solutions that address local needs while supporting the continent’s growth. The event in Botswana reaffirmed Bell’s dedication to its African partners, emphasizing safety, partnership, and innovation as the cornerstones of its engagement within the region.

Bell’s Regional Sales Manager, Lynette Loosen, along with Bell’s independent representative from National Airways Corporation, Gary Phillips, delivered key presentations on operational insights and the latest innovations in helicopter technology for public safety. Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s Public Safety Manager, highlighted the importance of “Safety Through Teamwork”. Bell’s invited Keynote Speaker, Dan Millon, from San Diego, California, shared

his experience and insight on “The Aviation Mindset”. Delegates were also addressed by representatives from Safran Helicopter Engines and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

An interactive roundtable discussion was welcomed by participants, allowing them to share their unique challenges and lessons learned in airborne policing and cross-pollination of best practices globally and within Africa.

“The Bell Symposium was a valuable event to attend. Our members got to partake in the round table discussion which covered all aspects from Normal Operating Procedures to Training and even Crew Resource Management. Such discussions help foster a culture of Aviation Safety, which will inevitably assist any agency to increase its productivity, save lives while maintaining a healthy working environment.

It is also worth noting that the platform created by the Symposium organizers allowed the participants to engage industry experts in a semi-formal environment. This allowed for probing questions, open-minded solutions and best practices to be shared among the representatives of the different agencies.

We would definitely encourage other Law-Enforcement agencies and partners in the SADC region to take part in the next or similar event.” Colonel Siba Tyu | Sub-Section Commander: Helicopters | Visible Policing and Operations | South African Police Service Air Wing

Bell’s Customer Service Engineers, Lukas von Benecke based in South Africa and Hans Arnold based in Namibia, were also available during the Law Enforcement Symposium for any technical and aftermarket support discussions specific to operators in the region.

The event was one of a series of symposiums hosted by Bell, which provided a valuable opportunity for the various stakeholders in essential industries, such as law enforcement, to come together. In turn, these events help Bell to innovate and deliver platforms and systems that meet and exceed its customers’ expectations.