CHC Helicopter Corporation Overview and History

Author

Reads 6.9K

Close-up of military helicopter in flight with soldiers visible inside, surrounded by trees.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of military helicopter in flight with soldiers visible inside, surrounded by trees.

CHC Helicopter Corporation was founded in 1968 by a group of entrepreneurs in Vancouver, Canada. The company's early focus was on providing helicopter services to the offshore oil and gas industry.

CHC's first helicopter was a Bell 47, a small, single-engine aircraft. The company's growth was rapid, with a fleet of helicopters operating in the Gulf of Mexico by the early 1970s.

CHC's expansion continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with the company establishing operations in the North Sea and other regions. By the end of the 1980s, CHC had become one of the largest helicopter operators in the world.

History

CHC Helicopter has a rich history that spans over six decades. The company was founded in 1956 under the name Scancopter-Service A/S, using small helicopters for operations.

By 1966, the company had acquired two Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and changed its name to Helikopter Service, marking a significant shift in its operations. The company continued to grow, operating 20 helicopters by 1980.

A fresh viewpoint: Helicopters Fly

Credit: youtube.com, Inside The Black Box (Aviation Disasters) Episode 6 - CHC Helikopter Service 241

CHC Helicopter started to renew its fleet in 1982, introducing the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma and later the Eurocopter Super Puma 2. The company also started operating the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin with search and rescue capabilities in 1993.

CHC Helicopter has undergone several name changes over the years, including to Helicopter Services Group in 1996 and back to CHC Helikopter Service in 2010.

A fresh viewpoint: Puma Company Ceo

Era

The Era of Human Development was marked by significant advancements in technology and societal structures.

The Bronze Age, which spanned from around 3000 to 1200 BCE, is often referred to as the first era of human development.

During this time, humans began to develop more complex societies and trade networks.

The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the late 18th to the mid-19th century, was a major turning point in human history.

It brought about significant changes in the way goods were produced and consumed, and had a profound impact on the way people lived their lives.

The era of the Information Age, which began in the mid-20th century, has seen the widespread adoption of digital technologies and the internet.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Sereboff V. Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Inc.

History

A detailed black and white image of a helicopter in flight against cloudy skies.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed black and white image of a helicopter in flight against cloudy skies.

CHC Helicopter's history dates back to 1956 when it was founded as Scancopter-Service A/S, operating small helicopters. The company changed its name to Helikopter Service in 1966.

In 1966, the company acquired two Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and started operating in the Norwegian oil exploration industry. By 1980, the company had 20 such helicopters in its fleet.

The airline was acquired by Scandinavian Airlines and Fred. Olsen in 1980. CHC Helicopter started renewing its fleet in 1982, introducing the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma and later the Eurocopter Super Puma 2.

Here are the key milestones in CHC Helicopter's history:

CHC Helicopter's name has changed multiple times over the years, with the most recent change happening in 2010.

Services

CHC Helicopter offers a range of services that cater to various needs. Their fleet of helicopters is equipped to handle private Search and Rescue operations in the Norwegian North Sea.

In Norway, CHC's Search and Rescue services work in tandem with government operations. This collaboration ensures a swift response to emergencies in the region.

The CHC SAR fleet consists of three AS 332L1 helicopters based offshore, as well as an EC225 at Statoil's Statfjord field. This allows for a rapid deployment of SAR resources when needed.

Related reading: Aveos Fleet Performance

EMS and SAR

A bright yellow SAR helicopter mid-air, performing a mission under clear blue skies.
Credit: pexels.com, A bright yellow SAR helicopter mid-air, performing a mission under clear blue skies.

CHC provides private Search and Rescue services in the Norwegian North Sea, working in concert with government SAR operations. Their SAR fleet includes three offshore-based AS 332L1 helicopters, along with an EC225 at Statoil's Statfjord field, which can be converted to SAR duty within 15 minutes.

Several Super Pumas in CHC's Norwegian fleet are also prepared for quick changes to SAR configuration. This highlights the importance of flexibility in emergency response situations.

CHC operates in various regions, including Australia, where they provide a range of EMS and SAR services. In Western Australia, they provide a Bell 412 EP aircraft for emergency response.

Here's a breakdown of some of the EMS and SAR services CHC offers:

CHC's services are designed to provide rapid response and effective emergency care in a range of situations.

Fleet

CHC operates a global fleet of aircraft, with a presence in over 10 countries across 4 continents.

Their fleet is impressive, with a total of 109 aircraft.

CHC's aircraft are strategically located at various bases, including the Global Distribution Centre.

Here's a breakdown of their aircraft types:

Operations

Credit: youtube.com, CHC World Helicopter Day 2019

CHC Helicopter's operations are a testament to their commitment to safety and efficiency. They have a global presence with bases in over 30 countries.

Their fleet consists of more than 250 aircraft, ranging from small helicopters to large offshore transporters. Each aircraft is meticulously maintained to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

CHC Helicopter's operations are supported by a team of over 3,000 employees, who work together to provide top-notch service to their clients.

Introducing Tech-Based Innovations and Reducing Overheads

CHC Helicopter, the world's largest helicopter services company, needed a provider that could deliver quick, effective, and innovative solutions to their operations.

Their internal team was thrilled with the solutions implemented by Vocus, which were not only operationally superior but also highly cost-effective.

The greatest benefit of Vocus's solution was the redundancy it provided, which is crucial to CHC's operations.

Recently, Vocus was able to notify CHC's team that an outage had occurred, but with inbuilt redundancy, they experienced no interruption to their business.

See what others are reading: Redundancy Payments Act 1965

Credit: youtube.com, Lowering Operational Costs With Innovation

CHC had previously suffered from downtime due to outages, which created a raft of overheads and could even keep aircraft grounded.

With the new Vocus services in place, CHC Helicopter had no downtime, allowing them to offer superior search and rescue services in remote areas.

This new infrastructure also increased the efficiency of business operations across the board.

The implementation of Vocus's infrastructure has been a game-changer for CHC Helicopter, enabling them to operate more smoothly and effectively.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, CHC provides crew change support services to the UK offshore energy industry from its bases in Aberdeen, Norwich, and Humberside.

CHC has long-standing relationships with major oil and gas customers such as Shell and Equinor. They also support the offshore wind industry, notably the development of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn.

The Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world when completed.

Helicopter Landing on Rooftop in City
Credit: pexels.com, Helicopter Landing on Rooftop in City

CHC was initially selected as the "Preferred Bidder" for a 25-year contract to provide a civilian Search and Rescue service throughout the United Kingdom as part of the Soteria SAR consortium.

However, the British Government halted the process in February 2011 after CHC disclosed unauthorized access to commercially sensitive information.

Australia

In Australia, CHC is the largest provider of emergency medical helicopter services in Western Australia. They offer these services to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia.

Repair Focus in the Late 1990s

In the late 1990s, CHC began to focus on repair and overhaul as a key part of its business.

Repair and overhaul contributed more than a third of CHC's revenues in 1997, with the work being performed at two subsidiaries: Atlantic Turbines Inc. on Prince Edward Island and Acro Aerospace in British Columbia.

CHC aimed to expand the repair side of the business since it was less cyclical than helicopter operations.

View from inside an old helicopter looking into lush grassland.
Credit: pexels.com, View from inside an old helicopter looking into lush grassland.

The company made a significant move in 1998 by buying Hunting Airmotive in southern England for CAD 60 million.

By spinning off its engine overhaul business as Vector Aerospace Corp. in June 1998, CHC was able to free up resources and focus on its core operations.

CHC sold off its remaining 20 percent stake in Vector Aerospace Corp. in September 1999.

CHC's revenues grew to CAD 354 million in 1998, a significant increase from previous years.

The company had a large fleet of 200 aircraft operating from 69 bases across the globe, demonstrating its global reach and capabilities.

A new CAD 22.5 million, 60,000-square-foot aerospace composites fabrication plant opened in August 1999 in Gander, Newfoundland, further expanding CHC's capabilities.

Accidents and Incidents

CHC Helicopter has unfortunately been involved in several accidents and incidents over the years.

The most notable incident occurred on 29 April 2016, when a CHC Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma crashed near Turøy, Norway, killing all 13 occupants.

Credit: youtube.com, Shetland Islands helicopter accident: helicopter crashes into water, four dead

In 2013, a CHC Super Puma L2 crashed 2 nm from Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Scotland, resulting in the deaths of 4 passengers and the rescue of 14 others.

There have been other incidents as well, including a 2006 crash of a CHC Scotia Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin in the Irish Sea, where four passengers died and one was missing.

Here are some of the key statistics from these incidents:

  • Number of fatalities: 23
  • Number of passengers and crew involved: 37
  • Number of incidents: 4

Company

CHC Helicopter has a rich history that spans over 70 years, with its roots dating back to 1947. The company was founded by a group of helicopter enthusiasts who were passionate about exploring the possibilities of rotorcraft.

CHC Helicopter is a leading provider of helicopter services, operating a fleet of over 250 aircraft worldwide. The company has a strong presence in the oil and gas industry, supporting offshore operations in many regions.

CHC Helicopter has a global reach, with operations in over 30 countries across the world. The company's expertise in helicopter services has made it a trusted partner for various industries, including oil and gas, search and rescue, and medical transport.

Company Perspectives:

Credit: youtube.com, Company Perspectives with Greg Cavaleri

Our customers want one consistent standard of safety and service around the globe. They expect to receive the same level of quality wherever they are.

CHC lists shares on the New York Stock Exchange, providing a platform for investors to buy and sell shares. This listing gives the company access to a global market.

The company has moved its headquarters to Vancouver, a strategic decision that allows for easier communication with customers and partners worldwide.

Principal Subsidiaries

CHC Helicopters has a significant presence in various countries, with a total of 34 principal subsidiaries listed globally.

CHC Helicopters International Inc. is a notable subsidiary, operating in Barbados, while CHC Scotia Limited is based in England and Wales.

Canadian Helicopters (UK) Limited is located in Scotland, and Vinland Denmark A.S. is established in Denmark.

Norway is home to several subsidiaries, including Vinland Helicopters A.S., Helikopter Services Group A.S., CHC Helikopter Service A.S., and Astec Helicopter Services A.S.

Australia is also a key location, with Lloyd Helicopter Services Pty. Ltd. operating in the country.

CHC Composites Inc. and CHC Denmark ApS are two subsidiaries operating in North America and Europe, respectively.

Chart Group LLC

Gray Helicopter on Gray Road
Credit: pexels.com, Gray Helicopter on Gray Road

Chart Group LLC is involved in the stock market and stock market news, as seen in their contract with Ørsted for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm crew transport.

Their work with Ørsted involves transporting crew to the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, a significant project in the renewable energy sector.

The contract with Ørsted is a notable development in the company's operations, highlighting their expertise in helicopter services for offshore wind farms.

Here's a brief overview of the contract:

  • Company: CHC Group LLC
  • Project: Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm crew transport
  • Client: Ørsted

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a CHC Helicopter do?

CHC Helicopters provides helicopter services for offshore energy, search and rescue, and government operations, as well as maintenance and repair services for helicopters. They offer a range of helicopter services to support various industries and organizations.

How much is the CHC Helicopter worth?

The CHC Helicopter company was valued at $3.7 billion in an all-cash transaction. This valuation makes it the largest-ever buyout in the oilfield services industry.

Who are the competitors of CHC helicopters?

CHC Helicopter's main competitors include Erickson, PHI Aviation, Columbia Helicopters, Global Vectra Helicorp, Pawan Hans, and two other companies. These aviation companies offer similar helicopter services in various markets.

Bertha Hoeger

Junior Writer

Bertha Hoeger is a versatile writer with a keen interest in financial institutions and community development. Her work primarily focuses on banking and microfinance sectors, providing insightful analyses of various Indian financial entities and organizations. She has covered a range of topics, from banks based in Maharashtra and those established in 2019 to private sector banks and microfinance companies.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.