Bristow Helicopters operate a large fleet of 490 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. It operates 24 helicopter types in 2015, but intends to reduce the variety to 6 types. The fleet includes unconsolidated affiliates and joint venture partners, as of 31 December 2008 is as follows:
Contents
Small helicopters
Small helicopters carry 4 to 6 passengers for smaller production facilities, daytime flights and shorter routes. All of these smaller helicopter types have now been removed from the fleet with the exception of a number of Bell 407 rotorcraft and one Bell 206B with the latter strictly being used for training.
Medium helicopters
Medium helicopters carry up to 13 passengers and are the most versatile type of helicopter. All of the Bell 212, Bell 412, Eurocopter EC 155 and Sikorsky S-76A rotorcraft have now been removed from the fleet.
Large helicopters
Large helicopters carry up to 20 passengers. They can fly longer distances and in harsher weather conditions.
Training helicopters
Training helicopters are used for initial pilot training, typically carrying up to 4 passengers and crew. Many of Bristow's aircraft are part of a technologically advanced fleet from an avionics perspective. This has allowed pilots from the academy to transition more smoothly into various roles including aerial tours, utility, and various other operations. While the majority of Bristow's training helicopters are operated by Bristow Academy in Titusville, Florida, a small number of aircraft operate out of a secondary training base located in New Iberia, Florida.
Fixed wing aircraft
Bristow's Fixed Wing Service provides a range of fixed-wing transportation services for crew transport to helicopter bases around the world. Bristow operates jet and turbo prop aircraft to meet the needs of the global oil and gas industry. For subsidiary Eastern Airways fixed wing jet and turboprop aircraft, see Eastern Airways.
Orders
Orders have been placed for 47 aircraft, which includes 1 small helicopter, 27 medium helicopters and 19 large helicopters.