Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a signed contract with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) for the supply of seven Bell 412EPI helicopters to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The aircraft will support the CCG’s maritime security and fisheries activities and will contribute to the safety, accessibility, sustainability and security of Canadian waters.

The aircraft were signed for by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, in a formal signing ceremony at the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Ltd. Assembly Center.

“The selection of the Bell 412EPI will help improve the CCG’s support capability to ensure the safety, security and environmental protection services to the fishing industry and all mariners,” said Minister Lebel. “The CCG operates in some of the harshest flying conditions on the planet, so the performance capabilities of the aircraft are exactly what they need to support their operations.”

The contract has a value of approximately CAN $155 million and was awarded to Bell Helicopter within the context of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in June 2016, with one helicopter expected to be delivered every three months thereafter. This contract for Bell 412’s follows a CCG contract announced in May 2014 for 15 Bell 429 helicopters. Bell Helicopter delivered the first of the 15 Bell 429’s in late March.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Coast Guard, and have been proud to support the Bell 206 and Bell 212 aircraft in their current fleet,” said Raymond Leduc, president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada. “The Bell 412EPI will continue to not only support their current efforts, but provide them with the expanded capabilities, safety and flexibility to serve the people of Canada.”

CCG will utilize the flexibility of the Bell 412EPI to support the non-military activities of multiple government departments and agencies, including the Department of National Defense, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Environment Canada. The aircraft will operate in all areas of Canada, including both coastal regions, inland waters such as the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, and Canada’s expansive Arctic areas.

“When operating in locations with extreme environments, the Bell 412EPI is the workhorse that will support these missions with superior performance,” added Mr. Leduc.

The contract was negotiated by PWGSC on behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

BELL press release