The Bell Helicopter 505 Jet Ranger X has received type certification from Transport Canada, according to announcements from Marc Garneau, Canada’s minister of transportation, and from Bell President and CEO Mitch Snyder. The company expects FAA and EASA certification to follow shortly.

“With more than 400 letters of intent, the marketplace is anxiously awaiting this aircraft,” Snyder said.

The letters have come from operators worldwide from a variety of market segments. Snyder added that the company is emphasizing the 505’s training application. The base price is about $1 million.

Snyder said he expects the first delivery announcements to come at the beginning of next year. 2017 is set to be a ramp-up year for production, with a 1.5-day move rate in 2018. The Bell 505 was designed for quick assembly. Production is set to take place in the company’s Mirabel, Quebec, facility.

“The certification of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a significant accomplishment that contributes to Canada’s thriving aerospace industry,” said Garneau. “By developing and manufacturing a fuel-efficient aircraft here in Mirabel, we are creating good jobs and moving Canada to the forefront of our global commitment to reduce air emissions.”

Bell also said in a news release that the Bell Helicopter Training Academy is set to begin customer training services.

The Jet Ranger X is a single-engine helicopter, powered by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control system Turbomeca (Safran) Arrius 2R. According to Bell, it is the first helicopter in its class to feature a fully integrated glass flight deck with the Garmin G1000H avionics suite. The Bell 505 is designed to carry up to four passengers and has more than 1,500 lb of useful load.