FORT WORTH, TEXAS (March 10, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it received 41 signed contracts at HELI-EXPO 2011 in Orlando, Fla., this past week.

“This was an exceptional show for Bell Helicopter,” said John L. Garrison, president & CEO, Bell Helicopter. “Spending time with our customers and listening to their needs and direct feedback is invaluable. Generating a record number of orders at HELI-EXPO this year – selling over 40 aircraft – is an indication of customer trust in Bell Helicopter and that we are meeting their mission needs. The mix of aircraft and the geographic diversity are positive indications for our entire industry – and more importantly global confidence in Bell Helicopter.”

The product mix included several 412EPs, 429s, 11 new 407GXs as well as 206L4s representing North America, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
 
“We can definitely start to feel a change in the climate,” said Larry Roberts, senior vice president, Commercial Business for Bell Helicopter. “I was especially delighted that we enjoyed sales across the product range in particular with the Bell 412EP, the 407GX and the 429. This demonstrates that whether mature technology or new innovation our aircraft remain in demand confirming to a large measure that Bell Helicopter solutions are relevant in the market place. The industry wants Bell Helicopter solutions and we aim to keep providing them.”

At this year’s Heli-Expo, Bell Helicopter announced the 407GX a new version of the Bell 407 equipped with the innovative Garmin G1000HTM Integrated Flight Deck and the 407AH, the first Bell-qualified armed commercial aircraft across the market.

Source and photo: Bell