Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first customer for its Customer Advantage Plan (CAP) support solution in Japan. SECO International signed a letter of intent (LOI) for CAP coverage of their two future Bell 505’s while at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition.

Bell Helicopter’s Customer Advantage Plans provide customers with comprehensive coverage solutions for daily operations. The plans offer a fixed-cost-per-flight-hour service option that provides predictable maintenance costs, priority access to parts and assemblies, and ease of maintenance and planning.

“We are delighted to provide SECO International with a reliable supportsolution giving them peace of mind in their operations,” said Glenn Isbell, executive vice president, Customer Support and Services for Bell Helicopter. “Bell Helicopter is and will continue to be the leader in customer support with innovative programs like our Customer Advantage Plans. We continue to work hard to provide the most value, responsiveness and cost competiveness for our customers.”
“This announcement marks another key milestone for the region and demonstrates the interest and excitement Bell Helicopter is generating in Japan,” said Richard Thornley, Bell Helicopter’s managing director in Japan.

Known for its industry-leading customer support, Bell Helicopter provides its customers with local support in every corner of the world and has the largest support network in the industry with more than 100 Authorized Customer Service Facilities in 34 countries.Bell Helicopter’s office in Tokyo serves as a hub for sales, marketing, and aftermarket service efforts. Customers in Japan are also supported by authorized Customer Service Facilities, Fuji Heavy Industries, Nakanihon Air Service Co., Ltd. and Aero Asahi. Bell Helicopter is committed to having resources where customers operate to speed up delivery of service and support, and give customers access to service professionals that are easy to reach, know the operating environment and understand their needs.

With a cruise speed of 125 knots (232 km/h), range of 360 nautical miles (667 km) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (608 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. The Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics Suite provides pilots critical flight information at a glance to maximize situational awareness. Pilot workload is further reduced by the Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).