BELL LAUNCHES CERTIFIED TRAINING FACILITIES TO EXPAND GLOBAL TRAINING OFFERING

HELIDEAL FRANCE TO BECOME FIRST INTERNATIONAL BELL 505 CERTIFIED TRAINING FACILITY

Helitech, The Netherlands (17 October 2018) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the launch of Certified Training Facilities (CTFs) to expand its global training offering. CTFs such as Helideal, a Bell Independent Representative based in southern France, will provide the highest standard of initial and recurrent pilot training under the umbrella of the renowned Bell Training Academy.

“The Bell 505 has been a global success story for Bell,” said Patrick Moulay, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business – International. “With a rapidly growing Bell 505 international footprint, we are focused on providing local support solutions to our international customer base for the entire lifecycle of their aircraft, and CTFs will play a key role.”

"Training has been an integral part of Bell’s aftermarket program for more than 65 years,” said Chad Oakley, Manager, Flight Training, Bell. “We have trained over 140,000 customers in more than 135 countries throughout the world, and we are looking forward to our global training solution expansion through strategically located CTFs.”

“We are excited to be the launch Bell CTF,” said Jean-Francois Giron, Helideal President and Chairman. “We have been operating a variety of Bell aircraft, including the Bell 505, and have been training pilots for more than 25 years. We will be offering pilot training on the Bell 505 beginning in January 2019.”

Bell has a strong history of providing the highest level of support to the customer. From the development of our products through the operational safety or our fielded fleet, Bell is dedicated to delivering solutions that meet the safety and performance demands of the industry. Bell Training Academies are located in Texas – USA, Valencia – Spain and Singapore.

SAF expands fleet with an order for six light single and light twin helicopters

Amsterdam, French Alps-based civil operator SAF Group has ordered six new Airbus’ helicopters for emergency medical service (EMS) operations, mountain rescue, aerial work and passenger transport. The order includes three light single and three light twin helicopters to be operated in Metropolitan France and in the Reunion Island, where SAF has recently acquired Hélilagon. Delivery of the six aircraft is planned for 2019.

“We are very proud of the long relationship we have with Airbus Helicopters, declared Tristan Serretta, CEO of SAF. “In such a rapidly evolving market, a close relationship with the manufacturer is crucial to guarantee the performance and profitability of our operations.”

The new aircraft will further expand SAF Group’s fleet of 44 Airbus’ helicopters operating seven days a week for all types of civilian rescue and protection operations, alongside safety services. SAF’s fleet is mainly composed of light singles and twins, including 24 helicopters of the H135 family type, making SAF one of the largest H135 commercial operator in France.

“I want to thank SAF for placing their trust once again in Airbus products”, said Olivier Michalon, Senior Vice President, Head of Europe at Airbus Helicopters. “We are certain these new helicopters will meet SAF’s stringent requirements for performance and reliability and will increase their capability to carry out critical missions.”