PARIS, FRANCE - June 18, 2013 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced its service facility, Aviation Service a.s., located in Prague, Czech Republic, was granted expanded and updated terms of its Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The expansion of the DOA certification allows Aviation Service to perform major changes on the primary structure and cabin interior on all Bell aircraft models.
"Providing exceptional customer support and services worldwide is a strategic priority for Bell Helicopter, and EASA's approval plays an important role in expanding our capabilities in Europe," said Michael T. Reagan, director, Global Services for Bell Helicopter's Customer Support and Services organization. "With the broader scope of DOA certification, we have significantly increased our ability to incorporate customizing and completion services on new Bell aircraft to be delivered in region."
The expanded DOA terms include designing changes to aircraft related to electronic instruments, communication and navigation radio equipment, cabin interior and related structures. All changes must meet the applicable type-certification and environmental protection requirements and must fall under Part 21 design activities.
"The DOA also grants us the ability to obtain EASA approval for supplemental type-certificates and furthers our ability to customize an aircraft based on our customers' mission specific requirements," said Reagan.
Acquired by Bell Helicopter in 2010, Aviation Service a.s. is certified by EASA and the Ukraine State Aviation Administration to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul services on Bell 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.
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 is 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.
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