Orlando, FL (March 4, 2015) – Bell Helicopter a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the sale of a Bell 407GX to Italy-based, Elicompany. The aircraft, configured for corporate and VIP transport and charter, will be the first Bell 407GX to operate in Italy, and was the first sale conducted by Bell Helicopter’s new office in Milan, Italy.

The aircraft was signed for by Cristian Forghieri, co-owner and flight operations manager of Elicompany, in a formal signing ceremony at Heli-Expo.

“We were looking for an ultra-low vibration, high performing aircraft with a large luxury cabin space to serve our VIP customers, with particular regard to charter flights from our base in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia,” said Forghieri. “After testing out the aircraft during one of Bell Helicopter’s demonstration flights, we decided the Bell 407GX provided exactly what we were looking for at an incredible value. The helicopter boasts a full leather corporate interior, air conditioning, ANR headsets and the new Bell autopilot integrated to the Garmin G1000H avionic suite, granting the highest comfort level. We simply believe they offer the best single-engine helicopter available on the market today for corporate and VIP transport.”

Elicompany was established in 1979 and offers services such as corporate charter, power line inspection, pipeline patrol, mapping, aerial filming, and flight training. This is the first Bell helicopter purchased by Elicompany, and the organization will begin expanding its main base by constructing a new modern, high quality accommodation for the Bell 407GX and its crew shortly after its delivery.

“We have invested and see incredible potential in the European region,” said Roberto Farnese, regional sales manager of southern Europe. “After only seven months of Bell Helicopter’s Italian office opening, this sale is a testament to our commitment to our global customers, and demonstrates the benefits of working closely with our local customers in the region.”

The Bell 407GX delivers power and speed with a smooth, quiet ride and a spacious cabin that accommodates six passengers. The aircraft also features the fully-integrated Garmin G1000H™ flight deck, providing critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and increased safety. The Bell 407GX flight deck’s high resolution LCD screens host primary flight and multi-function display information, including Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology™, Traffic Information Systems and more. The Bell 407GX also features a tail rotor camera, allowing the pilot a clear view of the tail during take-offs and landings.