Textron Businesses Generate Strong Orders at NBAA; Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter Make Headlines at Premier Aviation Industry Event

Business Wire, Nov 17, 2005

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) today reported that its Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter businesses have once again yielded strong customer orders and new business opportunities resulting from products announced and/or showcased at the annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, held last week in Orlando, FL.

In total, Cessna received 52 Citation jet orders, worth more than $500 million and Bell received 35 helicopter orders, worth more than $100 million.

Cessna's Citation orders include a $200 million, 20-aircraft deal with Vienna-based Jetalliance, to support its Eastern European expansion. Cessna also received 18 customer orders for its Caravan turboprop and single engine piston aircraft.

During the show, Cessna unveiled its newest aircraft, the Cessna Citation Encore , a successor to the popular Encore. The Encore provides customers with a new integrated avionics suite, increased payload capabilities and efficiencies, and improved cabin lighting. In addition, for the first time at NBAA, Cessna displayed its newly-certified Citation CJ1 and CJ2 -- both announced at last year's show. The company also showcased its new entry-level light jet, the Citation Mustang, which is currently in flight testing with anticipated certification during the fourth quarter of next year.

Bell Helicopter shattered its previous NBAA sales records with aircraft orders across its commercial helicopter line -- largely for its new 429 model, unveiled earlier this year, and for its popular 407 model.

"I am nothing short of thrilled with the results from this year's NBAA show," said Lewis B. Campbell, Textron's Chairman, President and CEO. "Not only did our businesses capture headlines this year with significant news and product announcements, but our order intake was extremely impressive."

"In addition, Bell more than tripled its results from last year's show -- which had previously been its best show in decades," added Campbell. "These results not only signal solid improvements in some of our most important end-markets, but also reflect the strong customer focus and achievements coming out of our businesses. The kind of customer focus, incidentally, that has earned both Bell and Cessna the top spot in customer service ratings in their respective categories from ProPilot magazine."

Cessna, a Textron Company, is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. In 2004, Cessna delivered more than 900 aircraft and reported revenues of about $2.5 billion. The global fleet of more than 4,500 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, is a leading producer of commercial and military helicopters and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 8,000 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this report and other oral and written statements made by Textron from time to time are forward-looking statements, including those that discuss strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; or project revenues, income, returns or other financial measures. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the following: (a) the extent to which Textron is able to achieve savings from its restructuring plans; (b) uncertainty in estimating the amount and timing of restructuring charges and related costs; (c) changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact interest and foreign exchange rates; (d) the interruption of production at Textron facilities or Textron's customers or suppliers; (e) Textron's ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (f) the U.S. Government's ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with Textron for the Government's convenience or for Textron's failure to perform, to change applicable procurement and accounting policies, and, under certain circumstances, to suspend or debar Textron as a contractor eligible to receive future contract awards; (g) changes in national or international funding priorities and government policies on the export and import of military and commercial products; (h) the adequacy of cost estimates for various customer care programs including servicing warranties; (i) the ability to control costs and successful implementation of various cost reduction programs; (j) the timing of certifications of new aircraft products; (k) the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which Textron products are sold or supplied or where Textron Financial offers financing; (l) changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; (m) the impact of changes in tax legislation; (n) the extent to which Textron is able to pass raw material price increases through to customers or offset such price increases by reducing other costs; (o)Textron's ability to offset, through cost reductions, pricing pressure brought by original equipment manufacturer customers; (p) Textron's ability to realize full value of receivables and investments in securities; (q) the availability and cost of insurance; (r) increases in pension expenses related to lower than expected asset performance or changes in discount rates; (s) Textron Financial's ability to maintain portfolio credit quality; (t) Textron Financial's access to debt financing at competitive rates; (u) uncertainty in estimating contingent liabilities and establishing reserves to address such contingencies; (v) performance of acquisitions; (w) the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products; and (x) bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers or customers that could cause disruptions in Textron's supply chain or difficulty in collecting amounts owed by such customers.