Story ID: 013Dec17
Bell Helicopter Boosts Exports to China
By: Mark Huber
Caption: New contract for 50 Bell 505s from Reignwood follows previous agreements signed earlier this year for sixty 505s, totaling 110 of the light helicopters.
Word Count: 178
Bell Helicopter signed an agreement today with Reignwood International Investment Group for the purchase of an additional 50 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light singles over three years and to act as the exclusive reseller for the 505 in China and establish a 505 delivery and maintenance center. The new contract follows previous purchase agreements signed earlier this year with Reignwood for 60 Bell 505s, totaling 110 of the model.

Today’s agreement was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross as part of President Donald Trump’s trade mission to China. Signing for Bell Helicopter was president and CEO Mitch Snyder, who was also a member of President Trump’s trade mission, and Reignwood Aviation chairman Zheng Gang.

“Between Shaanxi Helicopter’s order for 100 Bell 407GXPs and Reignwood’s purchase agreements for 110 Bell 505s, demand for Bell helicopters in China has surged this year,” said Snyder. “This signature solidifies our relationship with Reignwood and our commitment to develop the commercial rotorcraft industry in China.” Bell delivered the first 407 from the $300 million Shaanxi order in August.