Bell Helicopter Inks Purchase Agreements for 16 Aircraft at Airshow China

Zhuhai, China - - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced that it has signed purchase agreements for 16 aircraft during the 2012 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), held in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, Nov. 13-18, 2012.

“Customers are excited about the high quality products and support that Bell Helicopter is bringing to the Chinese market,” said John Garrison, President and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “There is a significant opportunity for us to provide valuable solutions to Chinese customers and we are expanding our in-country presence to serve them. According to recent forecasts, China is poised to become one of the largest rotorcraft markets in the world. Bell Helicopter offers a range of products that are ideally suited to China’s diverse terrain, climates and flying conditions.”

Bell Helicopter signed agreements for the following during Airshow China:

Aerochine Aviation – two Bell 429s
Astro Airlines – one Bell 407GX
Beijing Fanya General Aviation – one Bell 206L4
General Dynamics – one Bell 407GX
Guanchen Aviation – four Bell 407GXs
Reignwood – four Bell 407GXs and two Bell 206L4s
Riverside – one Bell 407GX

“We have received tremendous customer acceptance and demand for Bell products and services in China,” said Garrison. “Our focus in China is to expand our infrastructure and support network as the infrastructure, needs and regulatory environment evolve.”

In addition to a strong sales performance, Bell Helicopter made several major announcements during Airshow China. Bell Helicopter announced that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429, which will allow customers in China to fully utilize the capabilities of the aircraft.

Additionally, Bell Helicopter announced the appointment of Chris Jaran as managing director for Bell Helicopter in China. In this role, Jaran is responsible for all helicopter sales activities within China as Bell Helicopter continues to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific.

Bell Helicopter continues to reinforce its industry leading reputation for support and service with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou Civil Aviation College to assist with the establishment of a maintenance training facility for the Bell 206L and Bell 407. Bell Helicopter also appointed Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co., Ltd. and H&P General Aviation Service Co., Ltd. as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facilities.

For more information about Bell 206-L4, Bell 407GX and the Bell 429, please visit the Online Media Kit page for product fact sheets, photos and videos.

About the Bell 429
The Bell Helicopter 429 is one of the most advanced light twin IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopters ever developed. The 429 has set the standard for light twins, delivering exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced safety margins. The 429 boasts a spacious cabin with 204ft3 (5.78m3) of usable volume, optional rear clam-shell doors and seating for 7 passengers and 1 crew.

About the Bell 407GX
Built on the success of the Bell 407, the 407GX is the only helicopter equipped with the innovative Garmin G1000H™ integrated glass flight deck, making it the most advanced light, single-engine rotorcraft on the market. The Garmin G1000H™ enhances mission awareness with HTAWS, TIS, moving map display and Garmin’s Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology (HSV™).

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.


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