FORT WORTH, TX (May 25, 2015) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announces today the signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429 at HeliRussia that will operate in extreme cold weather conditions in Siberia.

“The Bell 429’s superior performance in extreme cold weather conditions was a key decision factor for our client,” said Alexander Evdokimov, general director, Jet Transfer. “This aircraft will provide our client with an extremely reliable, safe and comfortable aircraft that can cost-effectively operate in adverse climates.”

With offices in Moscow, Jet Transfer is an independent sales representative of Bell Helicopter for Russia specializing in the management of charters and aircraft sales. The aircraft will be used for commercial use within the Siberian region.

“This is the first Bell 429 sold in Siberia,” said Patrick Moulay, vice president global sales, Bell Helicopter. “Customers who face adverse weather conditions have shown great interest in the Bell 429, as it delivers exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced safety margins, with comfort and cost management unmatched by any other aircraft in its category.”

With seating for seven passengers and one pilot, the Bell 429 is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, offering a fully integrated glass cockpit with advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Additional safety features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operation.

The Bell 429 is in service today with customers around the world including Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East, and Asia Pacific – across all the market segments, Energy, Parapublic, HEMS, O&G, Corporate.

Press release and photo: Bell Helicopters