Company Reports 35 Orders Over Three Days In Orlando

As ANN readers know, the National Business Aviation Association held its annual convention last week in Orlando, FL -- and for Bell Helicopter, it was a record breaking show, as the company reports it took orders for 35 aircraft during the three-day convention, more than tripling its NBAA order number from last year.

Bell took orders for two-206Bs, 18-407s, 13 of their new 429s, one-412EP as well as an order for one used 206L3 during the NBAA.

"To put this in perspective, at NBAA 2004, we had our best show in decades and took orders for 10 helicopters,” explained Bell Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh. "This year we shattered that number. That in and of itself is fantastic, but the fact that we took orders for so many helicopters at a predominately fixed wing show is really remarkable. It shows that people are really beginning to see the value of having a vertical lift capability."

According to a company release, Bell attributes the success they've had this year to the range of products the company offers.

"Whatever the need whether corporate, offshore, firefighting or law enforcement, tourism, utility or any other mission, we have a helicopter that will meet the need," said Bob Fitzpatrick, Senior VP for Marketing and Sales at the company.

Fitzpatrick said the company took aircraft orders from six different countries, including Canada, Brazil, and New Zealand, from private and corporate entities, as well as governments.

"...If our success at NBAA this year is any indication of what’s to come," said Redenbaugh, "then Bell Helicopter’s future is very bright."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com