BELL EXPANDED GLOBAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES NETWORK
BELL EXPANDED GLOBAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES NETWORK
A New Service Center Established in China
Zhenjiang, China (15 July 2020) - Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is strengthening its customer service and support offerings with the acquisition of Zhenjiang Aerochine Aviation Limited to increase Bell’s helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in China. Previously appointed as an Authorized Maintenance Center, the acquired Zhenjiang Aerochine – now Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Service Co. Ltd (Zhenjiang Bell) - was a wholly owned subsidiary of Aerochine Aviation Limited.
Zhenjiang Bell is a part 145 repair station certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The acquisition enables Bell to directly provide MRO services to operators in China for the Bell 407 and 206 models, with plans to add all operational models, including Bell 505, Bell 429, Bell 412 and legacy models, in the future.
"Bell is known worldwide for its industry-leading support and services, and this milestone will enhance our award-winning customer service in China," said Michael Reagan, Director of Bell Support & Services - International. "The growing fleet in China warrants an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) MRO center, so we decided to further increase our investment in China."
“This acquisition showcases our commitment to provide our know-how and expertise to our customers locally,” said Jacinto Monge, Managing Director of Bell North Asia. “Our customers are our priority, and we will continue to focus on providing them with an excellent experience throughout the lifetime of their aircraft, right here in China.”
“Celebration Aerochine’s 10-year anniversary as a Bell Independent Representative, the sale of the MRO operation is a vote of confidence and recognition of the company’s contribution in the China market. We will continue to work alongside Bell to serve our customers.” said Diana Chou, Founder & Chairman of Aerochine.
Since entering the Chinese market, Bell has become a key player in the Chinese helicopter market. There are approximately 200 Bell helicopters operating across China. That number is expected to continuously grow in the coming years.
In addition to the new MRO center- Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Service Co. Ltd., Bell also has a supply center in Shanghai and multiple authorized maintenance facilities providing MRO support to its customers.
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 80 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of on-demand mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.