Bell inks helicopter deal with Chinese company

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, a Texas-based helicopter manufacturer, signed a new sales agreement with Reignwood International Investment Group Co Ltd in Beijing on Wednesday, as US President Donald Trump started his state visit to China.

Reignwood, a multi-industrial conglomerate, has agreed to purchase an additional 50 Bell 505s, a light single-engine helicopter. Reignwood will become the exclusive reseller for the aircraft in China and establish a Bell 505 delivery and maintenance center.

The new contract follows previous purchase agreements signed in March, when Reignwood bought 60 Bell 505s, making it the largest operator for Bell 505. Bell said it is bullish about China's demand and plans to triple the size of its fleet here in the next five years.