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Bell 407 reaches historic production mark

"Bell customers count on our helicopters to go to work for them every day and we work hard to meet their high expectations," said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. "We are honored that Shin-Nihon Helicopter has chosen to extend our long business relationship by adding this historic aircraft to their busy fleet."

This year is the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Shin-Nihon Helicopter. Shortly after its foundation, the company began operating the Bell Model 47G2. Today, its helicopter fleet includes seven 206L-3s, one Fuji-Bell 204B-2, three 427s and two 407s. The 1,000th 407, Serial No. 54000, will supplement that 407 fleet. As part of its purchase of the 1,000th 407, it has a fourth 407 on order in a transaction arranged by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, Bell's independent representative in Japan for more than 50 years.

"Our company well recognizes that helicopters manufactured by Bell have outstanding performance and exactly meet the requirements to fulfill the tasks assigned to us," Shin-Nihon Helicopter Executive Director Kouji Izumi said. "As a matter of fact, of the 13 helicopters Shin-Nihon owns, 12 are Bell helicopters. Thus, we are truly part of the extended Bell family.

"Considering such circumstances," he said, "I hope that relationship between Bell and Shin-Nihon Helicopter will grow tighter and tighter and would like to ask Bell to continue to provide its high level of customer support."

Shin-Nihon Helicopter will use the 1,000th Bell 407 to perform power-line patrols and contribute to its other missions, which include transportation of materials and equipment for construction, comprehensive aerial survey and photographing services, and transportation and filming and image analysis. The company also develops video equipment and analysis equipment, provides contracted operation and maintenance of helicopters and trains pilots and mechanics.