A decision should be made in a matter of days on whether Bell Helicopter Textron's proposal to buy Boeing's commercial helicopter business will get the green light.
Bell executives confirm evaluation of the business is almost complete. President and CEO Terry Stinson told delegates at last week's Heli-Expo conference in Anaheim to expect news "-by the end of the month."
Textron, Bell's parent, is being tipped strongly by industry analysts as the buyer, following Boeing's strategic decision to leave the commercial helicopter market. Boeing is believed to have spoken to other interested parties, including Schweizer Aircraft, but Bell is the clear front-runner.
There are significant overlaps between the Bell and Boeing ranges of commercial helicopters, with Boeing's new MD-600N sitting between Bell's Model 206 and 407 turbine singles and its MD-902 Explorer between Bell's 427 and 430 turbine twins.
The Boeings have gained a reputation in the industry for their quietness and if the deal does go ahead Boeing may help Bell to fill niche markets which demand minimal noise.
Boeing will also dispose of its 49% stake in the Bell Boeing 609 civil tilt rotor, with Bell assuming full ownership on 1 March. Boeing is to remain part of the venture as a major subcontractor and the two companies will continue to be partners on the V-22 military tilt rotor.
Whether in the long term Bell will maintain 100% ownership of the 609 programme remains unclear. "Textron has the financial depth to give the venture full backing," says Carl Harris, Bell's director of public affairs, "but we would like to find a partner, although possibly not on the same level as Boeing."
Harris says the 609 programme is continuing on track with an order book which now tops 60 aircraft. Recent new order announcements include a three-aircraft contract with Lider of Brazil and single unit orders from golfer Greg Norman and US businessman Wayne Huizenga.
"We have 61 sales commitments from 36 customers and we're very pleased with the progress," says Harris. "The Pacific Rim has always been a sound market for us and although there is concern about the economic situation here, we need to look long term."
Bell enjoyed a successful week at the Dubai International Airshow in November, winning potential orders for the 609.
Source: Flight Daily News
