Providence, RI - January 16, 2008 - In a move to further broaden its award-winning customer support and service capabilities, Textron Inc.'s (NYSE: TXT) Bell Helicopter segment announced the acquisition of SkyBOOKS, an innovative aviation management solutions business that provides comprehensive information necessary for compliance with the regulations of the FAA and international regulatory agencies.
"With this transaction, Bell adds important capabilities to its existing customer support and service businesses and advances its strategy to deliver broader and more integrated solutions to the worldwide aviation industry," said Dick Millman, Bell Helicopter president and CEO. "SkyBOOKS also gives Textron's businesses top-notch tools for the management of critical aviation data that is important both to the company and the customer."
SkyBOOKs was developed by Aerospace Investments, LLC and is located in Florida, adjacent to the Jacksonville International Airport. This operation provides an online service that includes maintenance tracking, flight operations, expenses, pilot currency, document archiving and electronic logbooks. These business services have been developed for the full spectrum of business, private and governmental rotary and fixed-wing aircraft operators. In addition, SkyBOOKS provides critical management information to support organizations such as repair stations, aircraft resellers and dealers, and financial institutions.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor 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 an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. 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 Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems Corporation and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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