Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the order of a VIP configured Bell 429 to be delivered to the VanAllen Group, a business aviation consulting service, for delivery for a private customer.

“The Bell 429 is an incomparable aircraft, featuring a glass cockpit, luxury seating and superior speed and performance,” said Anthony Moreland, Bell Helicopter’s managing director of sales for North America. “We have seen a great amount of interest throughout North America from corporate and VIP operators looking for a highly capable luxury aircraft.”

The VanAllen Group directly coordinated with Bell Helicopter for the order. The buyer will take advantage of the Bell 429’s exceptional flight performance as well as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability certified for single or dual pilot operations. In addition to a stylishly innovative and adaptable design, the Bell 429 offers maximize situational awareness and reduced pilot workload. It is the first choice aircraft for corporate and VIP travel, delivering a range of 380 miles and cruise speed of 153 knots. To date, Bell Helicopter has received more than 140 Bell 429 orders across the globe.

“As we evaluated options on behalf of the delivery customer, we wanted to find an aircraft that was not only known for overall performance, but also offered low noise and vibration levels during flight,” said Pete Agur, president of The Van Allen Group. “Bell Helicopter not only offered the best solution, but remained flexible and easy to work with throughout the entire purchasing process.”

One of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, the Bell 429 offers exceptional flight performance with a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Additional safety features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators.