Over Ten New 427IFR Light Twins Ordered and the First Bell 210 Sales

HAI 2004 - Las Vegas, NV - March 16, 2004 - HAI 2004 has resulted in the largest number of sales orders for Bell Helicopter at a show in recent memory. Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh today announced the receipt of signed sales orders and purchase agreements for new Bell helicopters totaling more than $150 million dollars for delivery over the next several years.

Mr. Redenbaugh began the announcement by saying, "I am extremely pleased at the number of sales we have had at this show. I believe these sales are reflective of the future for Bell. We have listened and responded to our customers to meet their needs in our current products and develop outstanding new products. Our customers have responded by showing their confidence in Bell with the strongest sign possible...they bought our aircraft."

Highlight of the orders was for ten 412s by Asesa. Eleven 427IFR orders were made from customers around the globe. Also received were orders for the first Bell 210's. The 407 was a strong seller with 11 aircraft bought by international customers as well as those in the United States. The rest of the sales were made up of four 427VFR's, 430, 412's and 206Bs. Actually delivered at the show was the new Fort Worth Police Department 206B3.

Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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 Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.