Bell Helicopter President and CEO John Garrison issued the following statement regarding the death of former company CEO James Atkins:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Under his skilled leadership, he guided Bell Helicopter through some of the company’s most challenging times during its postwar diversification. Without Jim’s guidance and direction, Bell Helicopter would not be the industry leader it is today. We are deeply grateful for his extensive contributions and will miss his support. We extend our sympathies to the Atkins family on their personal loss.”

Atkins joined Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York in 1940 and retired as president and CEO in 1983.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.