Billings Flying Service (BFS) has performed final inspections and taken delivery of six Netherlands Defense Ministry surplus Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters.
The sale was approved by the Netherlands’ Defense Materiel Sales committee at the end of 2022, and announced earlier this year.
The aircraft will be used to support the company’s heavy lift, aerial firefighting, and utility/infrastructure operations.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of these six CH-47D Chinook helicopters to our fleet,” said BFS president Nick Nenadovic in a press release announcing the delivery.
He added that the acquisition represented a “significant milestone” for the company.
“With the unmatched capabilities of the CH-47D and a strong BFS team, we are positioned to significantly enhance our aerial firefighting and heavy-lift operations.”
The aircraft were previously operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), but the service retired the last of its CH-47D fleet in December 2021 after upgrading to the CH-47F. It received its 20th CH-47F in November 2022.
All six of the aircraft delivered to Billings come equipped with glass cockpits, night vision goggle compatibility, and auto hover features.
The operator said it will perform additional modifications to the aircraft at its Federal Aviation Administration-certified part 145 and AS9110C maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, which supports both internal and external customers.
Nenadovic said the fleet expansion demonstrated the operator’s “unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and providing reliable heavy lift solutions in the face of challenges.”
“This is an exciting year with tremendous opportunity, and we’re looking forward to putting these assets to work,” he added.
The sale included associated spare parts and device-specific test equipment. The aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Montana in late summer 2023.
