Bell Helicopter looking at maintenance unit, alliances in India

New Delhi: Texas-based Bell Helicopter, which awaits government nod to sell 197 Bell 407 choppers to the Indian Army, is planning a maintenance, repair and overhaul unit in the country at an investment of $60-$100 illion.
The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, is also looking at strategic partners for the maintenance unit, and may also enter the business of pilot training and assembly of choppers eventually, a top official said.
'We have made helicopter deliveries worth $20 million in India this year. And we have firm orders for another $20 million. India is a strategic market for Bell Helicopter,' said Michael A. Redenbaugh, chief executive of the company.
According to company officials, Bell has sold 76 helicopters in India to date and clients include companies like state-run Pawan Hans, Air Deccan and Global Vectra, as also some state governments. It commands a 50 percent market share.
02/11/06 Monsters and Critics.com, UK

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