Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is delighted to announce that the Bell 407 is continuing to gain traction in Italy with the sale of the first 407GXP to a private customer.

“We are delighted with the traction that the Bell 407 is gaining in Italy,” said Roberto Farnese, Sales Director Western Europe, Bell Helicopter. “The aircraft is proving itself in the region and we are noticing an increase in demand for the Bell 407, particularly in Western Europe.”

The Bell 407GXP is the latest upgrade to the best-selling Bell 407 platform, with added value through class leading performance, payload capability and operating economics. With an additional 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of carrying capability, coupled with the new M250 Rolls-Royce engine that boosts power and fuel efficiency, the Bell 407GXP delivers best in class hot and high performance. The aircraft also features avionics improvements in the weight and balance pages, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours.