Press Release

Issued by Airlift AS.

December 22, 2014

NHV, the international helicopter operator, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Blueway, making it one of the largest European helicopter transport operators.

As part of its drive to ramp up expansion and enable it to provide even more efficient services to its clients, NHV, supported by its majority shareholder Ardian and its founder and ceo, Eric van Hal, has moreover ordered 16 Airbus Helicopters EC175s, and is the first operator of these new generation helicopters, the first two of which were delivered in December. These additions reaffirm NHV's position as owner and operator of one of the youngest, state-of-the-art and safe fleets in the industry. 

The combined group is the only operator with a presence in all oil and gas producing countries in the North Sea region, as well as a leading position in west Africa. The combined group now employs around 650 people across the globe, with a combined turnover of more than $270 million.

Eric van Hal, ceo and co-shareholder of NHV, said: “Ardian's support and expertise have already been greatly beneficial to NHV, and we are now seeing the advantages of working with a partner that has considerable experience in helping companies achieve internal and external their growth ambitions.”

Béatrice Beitmann, managing director mid cap buyout at Ardian, added: “The way we have worked with NHV to structure the Blueway acquisition with a low level of leverage demonstrates how Ardian uses its experience to help its partners grow and take advantage of opportunities while ensuring responsible financing. We are delighted that the transaction is now completed, making NHV a leader in its industry.”