Bell 505 and 429 Recognized as Best-in-Class Aircraft by Customers in Business Jet Traveler Survey

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Bell 505 earned the top spot in the Business Jet Traveler’s Annual Readers’ Choice Survey as the preferred customer aircraft in the light single-turbine helicopters category. This is one of the many praises the aircraft has received as it continues to garner global attention for its standout benefits and advanced technology. From utility uses like cargo movement in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains to cutting down time wasted during corporate travel, the short single light aircraft offers exceptional performance in dynamic roles.

Texas real estate developer Clayton Boyd states that “with the Bell 505, I'm ready to go in five minutes, fly to destination, land at destination, do my business, stop, get fuel, grab something to eat and come home,” said Boyd. “It just cuts my day in half as far as transportation.”

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In Europe, Bell recently celebrated its 60th Bell 505 delivery in region to the Montenegro Air Force. “The Bell 505 is one of the most modern helicopters to recently enter the commercial market, and we know we made a great decision,” said Predrag Boskovic, former Minister of Defence, Montenegro Air Force. “With a small country and small military force, the key is modernization. Working with Bell, we believe that the helicopters are of high quality, and this gives us security knowing they allow us to complete the mission.”

The first Bell 505 delivery took place in 2017, and there are now 300 aircraft in operation across six continents, with customers logging a total of more than 70,000 global fleet hours. It is one of Bell’s fastest growing commercial programs to date, surpassing several significant milestones since its inception and carrying on the world-renowned Jet Ranger legacy.

But the Bell 505 isn’t the only customer favorite highlighted in the 11th annual survey. The Bell 429 was named the most favored aircraft for the light twin-turbine helicopters category. In 2021, Bell delivered its first Bell 429 to Cambodia for corporate travel; we also collaborated with a German systems supplier to showcase a Bell 429 ESG law enforcement demonstrator to potential police and military customers in Europe.

Bell continues to invest in new technology to enhance our commercial platforms for our global customers, delivering high-performing solutions for a broad range of missions. Hearing their feedback reminds our teams why we dedicate ourselves to every customer and every flight.

About Bell

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 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 advanced air 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, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. 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.

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