Fort Worth, TX - Bell Helicopter and its exhibit partner Global Experience Specialists (GES) were recognized at the American Business Awards (ABA) for Bell Helicopter's "Bell 525 Relentless" launch with a Gold Stevie® Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year in the Aerospace and Defense category. The award was presented at the 10th annual ABA new product and technology awards banquet in San Francisco on September 17, 2012.
Kathy Searle, Director of Communications for Bell Helicopter, and Tom Merrill, VP of Business Development for GES accepted the Gold Stevie Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 2012 American Business Awards.
"On behalf of the men and women of Bell Helicopter, I am honored to accept this prestigious award and recognition," said Kathy Searle, Director of Communications at Bell Helicopter. "The Bell 525 Relentless is truly in a class of its own; our goal was to launch it in an equally notable way. With the support of three incredible partners - GES, The Richards Group and the Cirlot Agency, we launched an integrated marketing campaign that kept the aerospace and defense industry and even our employees guessing until the product unveil."
Bell Helicopter's integrated marketing strategy for the Bell 525 Relentless centered around a teaser campaign that culminated with the reveal of the world's first "super medium" helicopter at HELI-EXPO 2012 in Dallas, Texas. More than 2,000 attendees witnessed what was called the "most spectacular aviation product launch ever" by Flying Magazine. The marketing campaign utilized a variety of channels to produce teaser messages, generating interest and excitement from internal and external audiences, via e-mail, direct mail, video, traditional and web ads and social media.
The Stevie Award acknowledges individual and organizational achievement in business in more than 60 countries. The top scoring qualifying entry in each category receives a Gold Stevie Award.
About the 525 Relentless
The Bell 525 Relentless defines the "super medium" product class - positioned at the upper end of the medium class and designed to offer best-in-class capabilities to our customers. It features superior payload and range, cabin and cargo volumes and crew visibility.
The new Bell 525 Relentless will be powered by the reliable performance of world-class GE engines - the GE CT7-2F1.
This latest version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with an emphasis on reliability, fuel efficiency, minimized maintenance costs and other technical features to ensure aircraft meet the requirements of long range, high payload missions. The CT7-2F1 engine includes a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) plus advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.
Capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, the Bell 525 Relentless is designed to support our customers in various mission configurations including oil & gas, search & rescue, helicopter emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.
About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The International Business Awards, The American Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.
Bell Helicopter announces its participation in the seventh annual Jet Expo in Moscow, held September 27-29 at Vnukovo-3 Business Aviation Terminal. Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence as an exhibitor, with a Bell 429 in corporate configuration on static display.
Bell Helicopter will highlight the power and versatility of its newest light twin, the Bell 429, at Jet Expo. The Bell 429 has received worldwide accolades for its luxury seating, glass cockpit and superior speed, making it the first choice for corporate and VIP missions around the globe. The Bell 429 on static display at Jet Expo showcases a first-class interior with wooden trim, video monitors and other VIP features.
"Jet Expo is an excellent platform for forming new relationships with VIP and corporate customers as well as for connecting with our existing operators in Russia," stated Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter's executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The Bell 429 is the quintessential VIP aircraft with its spacious cabin and exceptional flight performance, backed by our world-class customer support and services," added Maldonado.
The only business aviation exhibition in Russia, Jet Expo is an important event in the European luxury sector. This year Jet Expo will host 125 companies from 30 countries and present more than 40 aircraft on static display including jets, propeller planes and helicopters, as well as megayachts. 6,000 visitors attended the exclusive annual event in 2011 and numbers are expected to grow this year.
Bell Helicopter's European presence continues to gain momentum with increased sales and customer support activities, including Bell 407GX and Bell 429 flight demonstration tours and a new customer support facility in Prague. Bell Helicopter is growing its product line and global customer base for an energized resurgence in the commercial aviation industry. Its dedication to customer support and services in addition to its world class aircraft sets the standard for vertical lift in 2012.
The Bell Helicopter 429 is one of the most advanced light twin IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopters ever developed. The 429 has set the standard for light twins, delivering exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced safety margins. The 429 boasts a spacious cabin with 204ft3 (5.78m3) of usable volume, optional rear clam-shell doors and seating for seven passengers and one crew.
Bell Helicopter has been ranked #1 in Customer Support and Services for 18 consecutive years and offers an unparalleled customer experience with complete and seamless support. Bell Helicopter provides customers with local support in every corner of the world with services ranging from state of the art customization, aircraft refurbishment and accessory options to first class maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions, combined with personalized service offerings.
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. (NYSE: TXT) 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 Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.