Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. is a global helicopter aviation services provider operating a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft for offshore energy transport, government search and rescue, and military support across 35+ countries, with a growing advanced air mobility initiative.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1959
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Bristow Group does
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a global provider of vertical flight solutions operating a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft across 35+ countries. Founded in 1959 by Alan Bristow (and rebranded from Era Group Inc. around 2019), the company pioneered civilian search and rescue in 1971 and has since built the industry's largest fleet of AW139, AW189 and S-92 helicopters. Operations are organised around four service lines: Offshore Energy Services (helicopter personnel and cargo transport for major integrated, national and independent energy operators across the North Sea, Gulf of America, Brazil, West Africa and Australia), Search and Rescue under long-term government contracts (UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency's £1.6 billion UKSAR2G programme, Irish Coast Guard, Netherlands Coastguard, Dutch Caribbean Coastguard), Government Services including military support via the BIH subsidiary (Falklands, 18-year MoD partnership) and the pending Berry Aviation acquisition (DoD-approved air carrier, ~$108M 2025 revenue), and Advanced Air Mobility partnerships with five eVTOL/hybrid-electric OEMs (BETA Technologies, Electra.aero, Elroy Air, Eve Air Mobility, Vertical Aerospace) plus vertiport developer Skyports.
Revenue is generated primarily through multi-year managed services contracts with governments (typically 10-year terms such as UKSAR2G, Irish and Netherlands coast guards) and recurring charter agreements with offshore energy companies, distributed via direct enterprise field sales and competitive government procurement. Headline financials show full-year 2025 revenue of approximately $1.5 billion (up from $1.4 billion in 2024) and net income of $129.1 million (vs. $94.8 million in 2024), with Q1 2026 revenue of $388.7 million. The capital structure was reinforced in January 2026 with a $500 million senior secured notes offering due 2033 (refinancing 2028 maturities) and £55 million in 12-year secured equipment financing for UKSAR2G helicopter deliveries. Leadership is headed by President and CEO Christopher Bradshaw (CEO since 2014) and CFO Jennifer Whalen, with Alan Corbett (COO, Government Services) retiring at end-2026 and Anne Rappold appointed Chief Legal Officer.
Bristow Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bristow Group
- Legal name
- Bristow Group Inc.
- Website
- https://bristowgroup.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1959
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Bristow Group Inc. is a global helicopter aviation services provider operating a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft for offshore energy transport, government search and rescue, and military support across 35+ countries, with a growing advanced air mobility initiative.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bristow Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Helicopter Aviation Services
- NAICS
- Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Air Transportation (481)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind) (TLAFACAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Helicopter Passenger Services (TLAFAAAE), Air Medical Transport (Helicopter/Fixed-Wing) (HLAFANAD)
Keywords
Where Bristow Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Bristow Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Offshore Energy Transportation: Helicopter transportation services for offshore energy companies including personnel transport, cargo delivery, and offshore construction support. Revenue generated through charter contracts with major integrated, national and independent offshore energy companies.
- Government SAR Services: Search and rescue services provided to government agencies under long-term contracts. Includes UK SAR (HM Coastguard), Irish Coast Guard, Netherlands Coastguard, Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, and U.S. government contracts. Revenue from multi-year government contracts typically 10 years in duration.
- Military Support Services: Helicopter support services for UK Ministry of Defence including SAR and Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST) helicopter support. Provided through British International Helicopter Services (BIH) subsidiary.
- Advanced Air Mobility: Future revenue stream from electric and hybrid-electric aircraft operations including urban air mobility, regional air mobility, and unmanned aerial systems for cargo and special missions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | UKSAR2G Contract - Government SAR services for UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Bristow Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bristow Group provides helicopter transportation services to offshore energy companies for personnel, cargo, and construction support, and delivers search and rescue (SAR) and government aviation services to coast guards, ministries of defence, and civil government organizations worldwide. The company operates a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft and is the largest operator of AW139, AW189, and S-92 helicopters in the industry.
Product overview
Bristow Group is a global provider of vertical flight solutions offering a portfolio of helicopter aviation services including Offshore Energy Services (helicopter transportation for energy companies), Search and Rescue services (government and commercial SAR), Government Services (military support, coast guard operations), and Advanced Air Mobility initiatives (partnerships with eVTOL and hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturers). The company operates a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft including Sikorsky S-92, Leonardo AW189, AW139, and other light twins and single-engine helicopters. Services are delivered through government contracts (UK HM Coastguard, Irish Coast Guard, Netherlands Coast Guard) and commercial agreements with energy companies worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Offshore Energy Services Helicopter transportation services for offshore energy companies, providing passenger transportation, offshore construction services, and hoist operations for offshore windfarms. Operates the largest fleet of AW139, AW189, and S-92 helicopters in the industry for major integrated, national and independent offshore energy companies.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Services Government and commercial search and rescue services operating from multiple global locations. Since 1971, Bristow has conducted more than 85,000 flight hours supporting over 31,000 SAR missions and rescuing more than 19,000 people worldwide. In 2025 alone, Bristow completed 4,416 SAR missions and rescued or assisted 784 people globally.
- Government Services Comprehensive government aviation services including UK HM Coastguard SAR under UKSAR2G (£1.6 billion 10-year contract), Irish Coast Guard, Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard operations, U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Gulf of America services, and military support operations including UK Ministry of Defence Falkland Islands contract through the BIH subsidiary.
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic initiative to integrate next-generation electric and hybrid-electric aircraft into Bristow's fleet. Partnerships include BETA Technologies (ALIA eVTOL with up to 55 aircraft ordered), Electra.aero (EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric with 5 firm + 45 options), Elroy Air (Chaparral autonomous cargo drone, LOI for 100 aircraft), Eve Air Mobility (up to 100 eVTOLs), and Vertical Aerospace (Valo eVTOL with 25 + 25 option). Targets regional mobility, cargo delivery, and urban air mobility.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31,000+ SAR missions completed since 1971
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Bristow Group
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Bristow Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature4 records
Bristow Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- AvinorcoreNorway International Test Arena partnership for zero- and low-emission aviation. Avinor serves as state-owned airport operator providing regulatory sandbox framework and infrastructure development for electric aircraft operations.
- Norwegian Civil Aviation AuthoritycorePartnership for electric aviation testing under Norway's regulatory sandbox. CAA Norway established framework to evaluate existing safety regulations for electric aviation and develop new regulatory standards.
- Skyports InfrastructurecorePartnership for electric air taxi route development in New York. Skyports developing vertiport infrastructure including Downtown Skyport in Manhattan. Routes planned to connect Manhattan to JFK, Newark, and East Hampton airports.
- Electra.aerocoreLaunch customer agreement for EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. Bristow secured first delivery slot for 5 aircraft with options for 45 more. Multi-million-dollar pre-delivery payment made. Aircraft capable of 150-foot takeoff/landing for advanced air mobility services.
- Elroy AircorePartnership for Chaparral autonomous eVTOL cargo drone operations. Letter of intent signed for 100 aircraft capable of carrying 300-500 lbs of cargo over 300-mile range. Bristow participating in U.S. DOT eVTOL Integration Pilot Program with Elroy Air.
- BETA TechnologiescorePartnership for ALIA eVTOL aircraft operations. Bristow signed order of up to 55 BETA ALIA-250 aircraft. Conducted successful electric flight test campaign in Norway with 126 flights and 7,000+ nautical miles completed.
- Eve Air MobilitycorePartnership to develop Urban Air Mobility operating model and Air Operator's Certificate for eVTOL aircraft. Bristow placed order for up to 100 eVTOLs with deliveries expected to start in 2026. Collaboration covers vehicle design, vertiport design, and regulatory development.
- Vertical AerospacecorePartnership to develop and deploy VA-X4/Valo eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility. Bristow committed to initial order of 25 aircraft with option for another 25. Collaboration includes regulatory certification, operational planning, and potential commercial taxi flights in new markets.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Bristow Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Heli-Union: Heli-Union is a French-headquartered offshore helicopter operator serving primarily European, African, and Middle Eastern markets with similar crew transfer and offshore support services, comparable in scale and mission profile but with a more regional footprint.
Emerging players
- Joby Aviation: Joby Aviation is an eVTOL air taxi developer pursuing the urban air mobility market that Bristow is positioning to operate in through its AAM partnerships. Represents the broader competitive threat as well as the addressable opportunity in next-generation air mobility.
- Air Methods: Air Methods is the largest US helicopter emergency medical services operator, adjacent to Bristow's SAR business. Different sub-segment (HEMS) but comparable helicopter emergency services operating model and clinical crew integration.
- Coulson Aviation: Coulson Aviation is an emerging player in aerial firefighting and SAR services, with overlap in government helicopter services, heavy helicopter fleet operations, and special mission capabilities similar to Bristow's public-sector work.
Direct peers
- PHI Aviation: PHI Aviation is a major US-based offshore helicopter services competitor to Bristow, providing crew transport to Gulf of Mexico and international offshore oil & gas customers with similar fleet mix and contract-based service offering.
- CHC Helicopter: CHC Helicopter is the largest direct competitor to Bristow in offshore helicopter transportation and SAR services globally, serving similar offshore energy and government customers with comparable AW139 and S-92 fleets across the same geographies.
- Babcock International: Babcock International's aerospace and defense segment competes with Bristow in UK and international SAR and government helicopter services, including coast guard and military support contracts across multiple allied jurisdictions.
Others
- Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin): Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, manufactures the S-92 heavy helicopter in Bristow's fleet. A key OEM supplier rather than a direct competitor in helicopter services.
- Airbus Helicopters: Airbus Helicopters is a major helicopter OEM supplying various light, medium, and heavy models to the offshore and SAR industry, adjacent to Bristow as a fleet supplier and competitor at the OEM level.
- Leonardo: Leonardo is the OEM of the AW139 and AW189 helicopters that form the backbone of Bristow's fleet. A key supplier and industry counterparty in fleet procurement and support rather than a direct services competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bristow Group social profiles
Digital presenceBristow Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bristow Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Bristow Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Bristow Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bristow Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bristow Group
What does Bristow Group do?
Bristow Group provides helicopter transportation services to offshore energy companies for personnel, cargo, and construction support, and delivers search and rescue (SAR) and government aviation services to coast guards, ministries of defence, and civil government organizations worldwide. The company operates a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft and is the largest operator of AW139, AW189, and S-92 helicopters in the industry.
Is Bristow Group a public or private company?
Bristow Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Bristow Group founded?
Bristow Group was founded in 1959. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Bristow Group based?
Bristow Group is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bristow Group make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Offshore Energy Transportation is the primary driver. The others are government SAR Services, military Support Services and advanced Air Mobility.
Who are Bristow Group's main competitors?
Heli-Union is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Joby Aviation, Air Methods and Coulson Aviation. Direct peers are PHI Aviation, CHC Helicopter and Babcock International. Others are Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin), Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo.
Does Bristow Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bristow Group.
What industry is Bristow Group in?
Bristow Group's product category is Helicopter Aviation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFACAH, Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind), with a secondary code of TLAFAAAE, Helicopter Passenger Services. Its NAICS code is 481219 and its SIC code is 4512.