Air Methods Corporation Comes Back to Bell Helicopter

October 11, 2010

Orders Fifteen (15) Bell 407s to Continue Fleet Replacement and Modernization Plans

Air Medical Transport Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL – October 11, 2010 – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that Air Methods Corporation, the largest provider of air medical transport services in the world, has signed an agreement to purchase fifteen (15) Bell 407s, one of the most successful single- engine turbine engine helicopters ever produced. All deliveries are planned for 2011.

“Air Methods is widely recognized as one of the global leaders in the air-medical industry and we are extremely excited that they have placed their trust and faith back in Bell Helicopter and in the 407 as they continue their fleet modernization and replacement plan”, said John L. Garrison, Bell Helicopter president and chief executive officer.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, Air Methods provides air-medical services through both their Life-Net and Health-Net Divisions servicing 249 bases and providing Operator services to some the largest hospital systems in the US. Air Methods’ Products Division which designs manufactures and installs aircraft medial interiors and other aerospace or medical transport products will customize the 15 Bell 407s.

“This is a great opportunity for Bell and you can be assured that every employee at Bell Helicopter understands the commitment and the level of performance that Air Methods expects from us and deserves,” said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president Commercial Business. “The 407’s service record and Bell Helicopter’s customer service recognized as the best by ProPilot and AIN remains unmatched in the industry and we look forward to the continuing opportunity to go on providing that level of service to Air Methods.”

Air Methods Corporation (NASDAQ: AIRM) is the largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems. The company is dedicated exclusively to air medical transport, focusing on the quality of care to patients, and safety in aviation operations. With 30 years of experience, the company transports more than 98,000 patients annually who require intensive medical care from either the scene of an accident or general care hospitals to highly skilled trauma centers or tertiary care centers. Air Methods operates a fleet of 320 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft at 237 bases in 42 states.

The Bell 407, a single-engine helicopter that seats seven in total, is used in a wide variety of civilian missions, from air ambulance and airborne law enforcement to corporate/VIP transport and offshore oil and gas support. Versions of the aircraft are used by military services around the world. Bell 407s are in service in 51 countries around the world. In June 2010, Bell Helicopter's 407 reached a historic milestone when the company delivered the 1,000th 407 production aircraft.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. More information is available at www.bellhelicopter.com.

About Textron Inc.
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 in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Press Contact

Kathy Searle
(817) 280-8245 (office)
(706) 836-3024 (cell)
ksearle@bellhelicopter.textron.com

Connect with Textron IR

David Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288
Kyle Williams, Manager, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

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