Sold to Launch Customer Air Methods

Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh Monday announced that Air Methods Corporation has placed an order for fifteen (15) Bell Model 427i twin-engine helicopters. According to Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer of Air Methods Corporation this order is part of the Air Methods long-term fleet expansion and modernization program. The 427i aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in late 2007. The agreement provides for a minimum delivery of three aircraft per year.

Redenbaugh said, "We are both pleased and excited about this sale to Air Methods. The 427i is an aircraft that will have tremendous performance capability. To have it operated by the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals in the business is a testimony to the acceptance the 427i has already received in the market place. We couldn't be more pleased."

Air Methods CEO Aaron Todd agreed. "We are pleased to be designated as the launch customer for the Bell 427i aircraft. Our purchase agreement ensures full recovery of residual values for a majority of our Bell 222 fleet, while providing for a cost efficient solution for their ultimate replacement over the next several years. We believe that the Bell 427i aircraft will offer an attractive option for our current Bell 222 customers that require two patient, cabin class capability, while maintaining cost sensitivity."

The sales agreement gives Air Methods, as the launch customer, a trade-in option for up to 15 of the 22 Bell 222 twin-engine aircraft Air Methods currently operates, with minimum guaranteed trade-in values.

The Bell Model 427i aircraft is expected to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification during the fourth quarter of 2006, with initial deliveries expected during the final quarter of 2007. The new configuration will be well-suited for emergency air medical transports, offering single pilot instrument flight rule capability, wide sliding doors, and dual patient capacity with both medical personnel positioned at each patient's head.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com