The american manufacturer will show at Orlando, among all, the new 525 Relentless and the 505 Jet Ranger X. Our exclusive interview with CEO and President John Garrison

The 'new deal' of Bell Helicopter Textron passes through Florida. One year after the show in Anaheim, where the american company stand at HAI Heli Expo was dominated by the Bell 525 Relentless in the US Coast Guard livery and by the new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, the Fort Worth based manufacturer is preparing to dress up again the role of the protagonist.

In Orlando, Bell Helicopter will start again right from its new super-medium helicopter and from its campaign of internal consolidation and international expansion that sees in the spotlight, finally, also Europe.

The first flight target of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X was accomplished less than ten months after the official presentation at Anaheim. After the first step of the light single-engine helicopter, now it is the turn of the first flight of the giant Bell 525 Relentless, a helicopter that can be considered the most important product for Bell Helicopter's long-term programs, especially in the offshore segment.

The line up at HAI Heli Expo 2015 of Bell remains top secret, like that of the main competitors, but it is not difficult to imagine an array consisting of the maximum weight Bell 525 Jet Ranger from X, the Bell 429 and the increasingly launched 407 GX.

Less than three weeks from the start of HAI Heli Expo 2015, this year in Orlando (Florida) 3 to 5 March 2015, we asked an exceptional opinion: Bell Helicopter CEO and President John Garrison, who also spoke about Helipress' first birthday.

Mr. Garrison, how will be the 2015 of the helicopter industry?

"Both the commercial and military segments in rotorcraft faced some headwinds in 2014. This was due to a number of factors including, geopolitical unrest and economic uncertainty. Industry forecasts suggest the rotorcraft industry could grow to more than $24 billion worldwide within the next few years driven by demand in emerging geographies and developing markets, as well as by the need to replace aging helicopter fleets".

How will be the 2015 of Bell Helicopter Textron?

"While overall 2014 was a challenging year for the industry, I think Bell Helicopter weathered the turbulence quite well. We further advanced our market position with new and upgraded products. We also continued our global expansion and secured a number of key customer wins. We’re cautiously optimistic about 2015".

2015 will be the year of the maiden flight of the 525 Relentless.

"In recent years we have seen substantial growth internationally in the commercial space and expect this trend to continue. Additionally there is tremendous interest from foreign militaries about our revolutionary products. We’re excited about the upcoming first flight of the Bell 525 Relentless and continued progress with the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. Bell is celebrating 80 years of changing the way the world flies in 2015 and we look forward to a new generation of industry leadership".

Helipress, the main italian online newspaper about the rotocraft industry is about to celebrate its first birthday: what is your general impression of the magazine?

"We have always been very impressed with Helipress’ coverage of our company and the industry. As we look to expand our global presence, Helipress will be instrumental in reaching out to our international audience, and offers electronic multi-media that never cease to excite".

How do you rate Helipress' editorial offer?

"As our global presence expands, both English and Italian editorial offerings are important in reaching our audiences. The ability to communicate with our customers in their native language is highly valued".