Canadian offshore helicopter specialist CHC Helicopter has gained a toehold in the Brazilian market by acquiring an option to take an equity stake in Brazilian Helicopter Services (BHS).
CHC’s Vancouver-based International division has signed a deal with BHS that will see the two co-operate in as-yet unspecified areas. BHS, one of the largest helicopter operators in the Brazilian offshore sector, has 11 helicopters, including Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma Mk2s and Sikorsky S-76s based at Macaé and São Tomé in Rio de Janeiro state, serving the Campos Basin oil fields.
BHS has a contract with Brazilian oil giant Petrobras to provide offshore personnel transport. Petrobras has around 50 helicopters used for offshore transport. The company is constructing an additional 10 offshore platforms and is understood to be seeking a more modern fleet and inviting foreign operators to invest.
CHC’s Heli-One subsidiary will provide helicopter leasing services and access to its worldwide fleet of aircraft and power-by-the-hour maintenance support.
Source: Flight International
