FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 21, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announces its show plans for the world’s largest helicopter trade show and exposition, HELI-EXPO 2014. Hosted by the Helicopter Association International (HAI), HELI-EXPO 2014 will be held February 25-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. With the opportunity to meet with current and prospective customers, Bell Helicopter plans to showcase a number of aircraft and program updates, including its progress on the newest products designed with continuous customer input – the Bell SLS and Bell 525 Relentless.
“HELI-EXPO is the premier trade show in our industry and unquestionably one of our most important events each year,” said John Garrison, Bell Helicopter’s president and CEO. “With more than 20,000 industry professionals expected to attend, it is the ideal venue for Bell Helicopter to interact with our customers, learn more about what is important to them, and discuss how we can continue to meet their needs now and in the future.”
In addition to an opening press conference the day before the show for registered media, Bell Helicopter invites all attendees to its opening event at booth 4536 on February 25, at 11:00 a.m. for exciting product news on the Bell SLS and Bell 525 Relentless. The company will also host Mission Theater - a series of thought-leadership presentations. Each 30-minute briefing will highlight how Bell Helicopter continues to lead the industry in adding value for customers and industry partners alike. Those interested in participating can see the schedule and register for sessions at http://www.bellonamission.com/. Flight demonstrations of the Bell 429 and Bell 407GX will occur daily as well, giving customers the opportunity to see firsthand how Bell Helicopter continues to upgrade and modernize its products to best meet a variety of mission needs. Finally, the booth will also include the Bell 407GX and the Bell 429 WLG, which first debuted in late 2013.
Bell Helicopter is committed to putting the customer at the center of everything the company does, and with positive results. In 2013 year, Bell Helicopter once again delivered strong results, with a 12 percent increase in commercial deliveries. The company continues to invest resources in creating differentiated products for its commercial business. In addition to the new Bell 525 Relentless and Bell SLS, other commercial products, including the Bell 407GX, Bell 407GT, Bell 412EPI and Bell 429WLG have all featured new upgrades to help customers enjoy the latest in aircraft technology, including glass cockpits and modern avionics for increased situational awareness.
"New and improved product offerings would not be possible without the valuable input and involvement of our customers," said Garrison. "Our customers remain engaged throughout our entire planning and development process. They provide us with actionable insights about what they want to see improved and what they will need for their missions in the coming years. Working side by side with our customers ensures that we deliver the products that address specific market needs – and the market is responding very favorably.”
In addition to focusing on the customer throughout the product development process, Bell Helicopter remains committed to providing world-class support and service as it continues to increase its international capabilities to be closer to its growing global customer base. The company's focus on its customers is a key differentiator from the competition, as evidenced by Bell Helicopter's consistent number one ranking in Pro Pilot’s service and support rankings for the 20th consecutive year.
To accommodate the advancement of its commercial and military programs, Bell Helicopter is preparing to open a new corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas in the second quarter of 2014. The company is investing in the facilities as part of a comprehensive revitalization effort designed to consolidate more than 1.2 million square feet of excess space, reduce building maintenance costs and increase the company's cost-competitiveness. The move will also improve coordination and collaboration among its 6,000 North Texas-based employees. .
HELI-EXPO 2014, held in the Anaheim Convention Center, will host 20,000 industry professionals, more than 700 competitive exhibitors, over 60 helicopters on display and more than 50 educational opportunities, including education courses, seminars, workshops and forums.
