Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced that it has signed purchase agreements for 16 aircraft during the 2012 China International Aviation HAerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), held in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, Nov. 13-18, 2012.

“Customers are excited about the high quality products and support that Bell Helicopter is bringing to the Chinese market,” said John Garrison, President and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “There is a significant opportunity for us to provide valuable solutions to Chinese customers and we are expanding our in-country presence to serve them. According to recent forecasts, China is poised to become one of the largest rotorcraft markets in the world. Bell Helicopter offers a range of products that are ideally suited to China’s diverse terrain, climates and flying conditions.”

Bell Helicopter signed agreements for the following during Airshow China:

• Aerochine Aviation – two Bell 429s
• Astro Airlines – one Bell 407GX
• Beijing Fanya General Aviation – one Bell 206L4
• General Dynamics – one Bell 407GX
• Guanchen Aviation – four Bell 407GXs
• Reignwood – four Bell 407GXs and two Bell 206L4s
• Riverside – one Bell 407GX

“We have received tremendous customer acceptance and demand for Bell products and services in China,” said Garrison. “Our focus in China is to expand our infrastructure and support network as the infrastructure, needs and regulatory environment evolve.”

In addition to a strong sales performance, Bell Helicopter made several major announcements during Airshow China. Bell Helicopter announced that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429, which will allow customers in China to fully utilize the capabilities of the aircraft.

Additionally, Bell Helicopter announced the appointment of Chris Jaran as managing director for Bell Helicopter in China. In this role, Jaran is responsible for all helicopter sales activities within China as Bell Helicopter continues to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific.

Bell Helicopter continues to reinforce its industry leading reputation for support and service with the signing of a memorandum of understanding  with Guangzhou Civil Aviation College to assist with the establishment of a maintenance training facility for the Bell 206L and Bell 407.  Bell Helicopter also appointed Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co., Ltd. and H&P General Aviation Service Co., Ltd. as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facilities.