Erickson

What Erickson does

Erickson Incorporated is a privately held aerospace OEM and MRO services provider headquartered in Central Point, Oregon, founded in 1971. The company is the sole Original Equipment Manufacturer and FAA Type Certificate holder for the S-64 Air Crane heavy-lift helicopter, a position it has held since acquiring the type certificate from Sikorsky in 1992. The S-64 platform is available in E-model (20,000 lb external lift) and F-model (25,000 lb external lift) configurations and features a 2,650-gallon firefighting tank system, sea snorkel for saltwater refilling in under 30 seconds, and increasingly, FAA-certified Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations.

The company's core technology portfolio includes the proprietary Composite Main Rotor Blade (CMRB) program developed in-house and FAA certified, and it operates an AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 certified FAA and EASA repair station. Erickson monetizes through multiple streams: OEM aircraft sales (S-64 new production and CH-54-to-S-64 conversions), recurring Power by Erickson (PBE) per-flight-hour parts coverage, FAA/EASA-certified MRO services, and—most recently—Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter conversion services through its wholly owned Precision Aircraft Solutions / 321 Precision Conversions subsidiary.

Following the October 2023 divestiture of its aerial firefighting operations to Helicopter Express, Erickson has restructured into a focused aerospace OEM and MRO platform serving civilian, military (including CH-53E RESET programs), and government forestry/fire-service customers across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia. Primary customer segments include government forestry and fire services (Korea Forest Service, Hellenic Fire Brigade, NAFC/AFAC Australia, USFS, LAFD), commercial heavy-lift operators (Columbia Helicopters, Kestrel Aviation, Helicopter Express), and defense/military sustainment programs. Pricing is primarily quote-based for aircraft sales and contracts, while the PBE program operates on per-flight-hour recurring billing.

Name

Erickson

Legal name

Erickson Incorporated

Website

https://ericksoninc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Erickson Incorporated is a privately held Oregon-based aerospace OEM and FAA/EASA-certified MRO provider, serving as the sole manufacturer and Type Certificate holder of the S-64 Air Crane heavy-lift helicopter for government forestry services, commercial heavy-lift operators, and military customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heavy-Lift Helicopter OEM Manufacturing and MRO

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Civil/Commercial Helicopter Manufacturing (IMABABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rotorcraft Parts & Components Manufacturing (Tier Suppliers) (IMABABAM), NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation) (IMABALAJ)

Keywords

• Heavy-lift helicopters
• OEM aerospace manufacturing
• Helicopter MRO services
• Composite rotor blades
• Aerial firefighting platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Central Point

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. S-64 Aircraft Sales: Erickson manufactures and sells S-64 Air Crane helicopters as the OEM. Sales include new production aircraft and CH-54 to S-64 conversions. Comprehensive after-sale support is provided including training, maintenance inspections, and ongoing customer support.
2. Power by Erickson (PBE) Program: Comprehensive program guaranteeing spares for major aircraft components including engines, drive train, and rotor systems. Customers pay a per-flight-hour rate covering just-in-time delivery of parts for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
3. MRO Services: FAA and EASA certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Includes component repair and overhaul, airframe maintenance, engine services, avionics, and structural repairs. AS9100 compliant quality system.
4. Aerial Firefighting Operations: Contracted turnkey solutions providing S-64 helicopters with pilots, maintenance crew, and on-site management for fire seasons. Example: 120-day contracts for Greece fire season (May-October).
5. A321 Freighter Conversion: Through subsidiary Precision Aircraft Solutions and 321 Precision Conversions, Erickson performs Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter conversions, providing STC-approved conversion services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Erickson is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the S-64 Air Crane heavy-lift helicopter, holding the FAA Type Certificate as sole manufacturer since acquiring it from Sikorsky in 1992. The company designs and builds S-64 E-model (20,000 lb) and F-model (25,000 lb) aircraft, produces its proprietary Composite Main Rotor Blades, sells new aircraft and CH-54 conversions, and provides FAA/EASA certified manufacturing and MRO services for engines, airframes, components and avionics across its global customer base of government, commercial, and defense operators.

Product overview

Erickson is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specializing in heavy-lift helicopters and aviation services. The company's core product is the S-64 Air Crane® helicopter, available in E-model (20,000 lbs lift capacity) and F-model (25,000 lbs lift capacity), which it has manufactured since acquiring the Type Certificate from Sikorsky in 1992. Erickson's portfolio includes the proprietary Composite Main Rotor Blade Program (CMRB) that modernizes legacy S-64 fleets, the Power by Erickson (PbE) spares guarantee program, and comprehensive Manufacturing & MRO services covering FAA/EASA certified maintenance, component repair, and overhaul. The company provides turnkey aerial firefighting services, aircraft sales with after-sale support, and defense MRO services including CH-53E RESET programs. A key recent addition is the NVG (Night Vision Goggle) operations certification enabling 24-hour firefighting capability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• S-64 Air Crane Helicopter Heavy-lift utility helicopter manufactured by Erickson as OEM since acquiring the Type Certificate from Sikorsky in 1992. Available in E-model (20,000 lbs max external cargo) and F-model (25,000 lbs max external cargo). Features firefighting tank system, composite main rotor blades, and digital glass cockpit options. Sold to government fire agencies, military customers, and commercial heavy-lift operators worldwide.
• Composite Main Rotor Blade (CMRB) Program Advanced composite main rotor blades developed in-house for S-64 helicopters. Increases performance at hot and high-altitude conditions, lowers cost with advanced materials, reduces fuel burn, and extends platform life. FAA certified. Available to operators of S-64 fleets as a modernization and sustainment upgrade.
• Manufacturing & MRO Services FAA and EASA certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Capabilities include composite, engine & fuel control, airframe, component repair & overhaul, sheet metal fabrication, engineering, supply chain, and avionics. Performs 31 main rotor blades and 24 tail rotor blades annually. AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 compliant quality system; ICAO-framed SMS in place. Offered to government, commercial, and defense operators requiring certified heavy-lift helicopter support.
• Power by Erickson (PBE) Program Comprehensive spares guarantee program covering major aircraft components including engines, drive train, and rotor systems. Customers pay per-flight-hour rate for just-in-time delivery of covered parts and components for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events. Sold to S-64 operators globally as a recurring lifecycle support contract.
• S-64 Aircraft Sales and Conversions Direct sales of S-64 Air Crane helicopters (new build and CH-54 to S-64 conversions), together with comprehensive after-sale support including training, maintenance inspections, CH-54 conversion services, and ongoing customer engagement. Sold to government forestry services, fire agencies, defense customers, and commercial heavy-lift operators worldwide.
• S-64 Manufacturing (OEM Build) Complete S-64 airframe manufacturing as OEM including new state-of-the-art AFCS system, glass cockpit with NVG capability, full airframe revitalization, and CH-54 to S-64 conversions. Sold to operators worldwide.
• Defense & Military MRO Services Maintenance, repair, and refurbishment services for U.S. and allied military heavy-lift platforms including the CH-53E RESET program. Provides certified heavy-lift expertise and obsolescence management for defense customers.
• A321-200 Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion (321 Precision Conversions) STC-approved Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter conversion program performed through Erickson's Precision Aircraft Solutions and wholly-owned 321 Precision Conversions subsidiary. Provides cube space comparable to a Boeing 757 with 737-like operating costs. Sold to cargo airlines and aircraft lessors globally seeking narrowbody P2F solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90%+ reliability rate in Greece over 22 years of operations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.

• Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026Erickson completed full acquisition of 321 Precision Conversions by purchasing ATSG's 49% stake through Precision Aircraft Solutions. Consolidates Erickson's position in narrowbody freighter conversion market with full vertical integration.
• Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU)keyTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2023Partnership to develop and certify NVG (Night Vision Goggle) operations for S-64F helicopter. ASU modified aircraft and provided pilot training; FAA certified NVG operations in April 2023.
• Volo MissionkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Five-year scholarship partnership providing external load training scholarships to Whirly-Girls International, a nonprofit advancing women in helicopter aviation. Nearly $100,000 contributed over 5 years, with recipients receiving comprehensive long-line and aerial firefighting training.
• Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2016321 Precision Conversions joint venture between Erickson's Precision Aircraft Solutions subsidiary and ATSG's Cargo Aircraft Management, to develop Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter conversion program. STC anticipated in 2019, offering cube space comparable to Boeing 757 with 737-like operating costs.
• Kestrel AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Nine-year partnership operating six S-64 Air Crane helicopters in Australia for firefighting operations. Kestrel provides operational support while Erickson supplies aircraft, training, and technical expertise.
• AK Aviation Support ServiceskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing turnkey aerial firefighting solution for Greece, combining S-64 aircraft with pilots, maintenance crew, and on-site management for 120-day fire season deployments.
• National Aerial Fighting Centre (NAFC) / AFACcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner25-year collaboration supporting Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services. Six S-64 helicopters stationed across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth during fire season.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)keyOthersRegulatory and operational partnership requiring routine aptitude demonstrations and proficiency checks. Erickson developed formal annual training program for S-64 pilots and mechanics in coordination with USFS and FAA requirements.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Columbia Helicopters: Columbia Helicopters is a heavy-lift helicopter operator and historical partner of Erickson in timber harvesting, also operating Model 234/CH-47 platforms for similar firefighting and heavy-lift missions. They compete directly for S-64 heavy-lift contracts and represent both a customer and a comparable heavy-lift fleet operator.
• Helicopter Express: Helicopter Express acquired Erickson's aerial firefighting division in October 2023, now operating the S-64 fleet for heavy-lift and firefighting missions. It is both a customer (operating S-64s sourced from Erickson) and a direct competitor in aerial firefighting services globally.
• Bristow Group: Bristow Group is a global helicopter operator providing offshore energy, search and rescue, and government services. They are a direct comparable for Erickson's helicopter services business model and compete in similar government contract segments, including SAR and emergency response.
• Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW): EFW is a leading Airbus A320/A321 passenger-to-freighter conversion provider and Erickson's most direct competitor through 321 Precision Conversions. They compete head-to-head in the narrowbody freighter conversion aftermarket, making them the primary peer for Erickson's Precision Aircraft Solutions business.
• Coulson Aviation: Coulson Aviation is a global aerial firefighting operator using both Sikorsky S-61/S-64 platforms and large fixed-wing airtankers. They compete directly with Erickson-affiliated operators for government firefighting contracts in the US, Canada, Australia, and other markets.

Broad incumbents

• Bell Flight (Textron Aviation): Bell is a major helicopter OEM producing commercial and military rotorcraft including medium and heavy-lift platforms. CEO Barry Kohler's prior leadership at Bell Flight makes this a relevant benchmark for comparable OEM economics and corporate scale.
• Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin): Sikorsky is the original designer and manufacturer of the S-64 (originally the CH-54 Sky Crane) before Erickson acquired the Type Certificate in 1992. As part of Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky is a broad incumbent helicopter OEM producing military and commercial rotorcraft, making it the most direct lineage peer for Erickson's OEM business.
• Airbus Helicopters: Airbus Helicopters is one of the world's largest helicopter OEMs, producing a range of commercial and military rotorcraft. While not a direct S-64 competitor, its super-medium and heavy helicopter portfolio (e.g., H225) competes in adjacent heavy-lift and aerial work segments globally.
• Leonardo Helicopters: Leonardo Helicopters is a major European helicopter OEM producing a range of commercial, military, and dual-use rotorcraft. Their heavy/intermediate helicopters (e.g., AW139, AW189) compete in adjacent utility and government mission segments where Erickson also operates.

Emerging players

• StandardAero: StandardAero is a major independent aerospace MRO provider servicing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms with FAA/EASA certifications. They represent a comparable business model for Erickson's MRO services revenue line and compete for similar component overhaul and engine work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/OfficialErickson
• Facebookfacebook.com/EricksonAviation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ericksonaviation
• Xx.com/ericksoninc

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Erickson