Orlando, FL (March 4, 2015) – Bell Helicopter a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the sale of a Bell 407GX to Italy-based, Elicompany. The aircraft, configured for corporate and VIP transport and charter, will be the first Bell 407GX to operate in Italy, and was the first sale conducted by Bell Helicopter’s new office in Milan, Italy.

The aircraft was signed for by Cristian Forghieri, co-owner and flight operations manager of Elicompany, in a formal signing ceremony at Heli-Expo.

“We were looking for an ultra-low vibration, high performing aircraft with a large luxury cabin space to serve our VIP customers, with particular regard to charter flights from our base in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia,” said Forghieri. “After testing out the aircraft during one of Bell Helicopter’s demonstration flights, we decided the Bell 407GX provided exactly what we were looking for at an incredible value. The helicopter boasts a full leather corporate interior, air conditioning, ANR headsets and the new Bell autopilot integrated to the Garmin G1000H avionic suite, granting the highest comfort level. We simply believe they offer the best single-engine helicopter available on the market today for corporate and VIP transport.”

Elicompany was established in 1979 and offers services such as corporate charter, power line inspection, pipeline patrol, mapping, aerial filming, and flight training. This is the first Bell helicopter purchased by Elicompany, and the organization will begin expanding its main base by constructing a new modern, high quality accommodation for the Bell 407GX and its crew shortly after its delivery.

“We have invested and see incredible potential in the European region,” said Roberto Farnese, regional sales manager of southern Europe. “After only seven months of Bell Helicopter’s Italian office opening, this sale is a testament to our commitment to our global customers, and demonstrates the benefits of working closely with our local customers in the region.”

The Bell 407GX delivers power and speed with a smooth, quiet ride and a spacious cabin that accommodates six passengers. The aircraft also features the fully-integrated Garmin G1000H™ flight deck, providing critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and increased safety. The Bell 407GX flight deck's high resolution LCD screens host primary flight and multi-function display information, including Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology™, Traffic Information Systems and more. The Bell 407GX also features a tail rotor camera, allowing the pilot a clear view of the tail during take-offs and landings.

From L to R: Roberto Farnese, regional sales manager of southern Europe, Cristian Forghieri, co-owner and flight operations manager of Elicompany, Patrick Moulay, vice president of global sales and marketing, Scott Donnelly, chairman and CEO of Textron

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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 Elicompany

Elicompany was established in 1979 and offers services such as corporate charter, power line inspection, pipeline patrol, mapping, aerial filming, and flight training. Elicompany has partnered with their sister company, For Aviation using their support in flight operations at the Budrione airfield (LIDU) in Capri, Italy.

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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, 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.