The Hindu Business Line : Bell to take part in air show

Its fellow Textron companies, Cessna and Textron Systems, will showcase a range of Textron corporate products, a release said. Currently, the US major is actively looking for long-term partners to help it meet the growing global demand for helicopters. Other plans are to set up a training centre in India and improve helicopter infrastructure in the country. It recently signed an MoU with HAL to expand their relationship. HAL has also assembled a 407 at its Bangalore facility for one of Bell's Indian customers.

At the air show, Bell itself will display small military and commercial helicopter models, along with a full-scale model of the Armed 407, the model currently in the running as the replacement helicopter for the Indian Army's Reconnaissance and Observation Helicopter Programme.

Mr Bob Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales; and Mr Max Wiley, Vice President, Asia, will be at the head of an eight-member delegation, including Mr Jay Ortiz, Director Army Helicopter Programme, and Mr B.S. Singh Deo, Managing Director of Bell Helicopter India.

Bell has participated in three previous Aero India shows. "With 73 helicopters flying in India and with over 50 per cent of the commercial market, Bell sees a bright future for our products in India. Bell will showcase the versatile 407, a best seller in the commercial market, and our candidate for the Army programme," the release said.