Bamberg-based BHS Helicopterservice GmbH initiated the purchase of the helicopter business of its Stuttgart-based cooperation partner DC Aviation GmbH with the contract signing on 2 May 2019. The acquisition of the subsidiary, DC Aviation Switzerland AG, will help the exclusive business helicopter flight provider expand its portfolio of services. The partnership between DC Aviation Stuttgart and BHS Helicopterservice established in 2016 will continue unchanged for now.

Initially, BHS Helicopterservice and DC Aviation Switzerland will continue to operate under their existing names at their respective locations in Bamberg/Germany and Zurich/Switzerland. Both companies will also keep their current teams. DC Aviation Switzerland employs 16 people, while BHS Helicopterservice employs eight.

“BHS Helicopterservice and DC Aviation have enjoyed a close, successful partnership for more than three years. I see tremendous potential in the acquisition of the Swiss subsidiary: in continuing to grow our business with helicopter charter flights and helicopter management in Germany and Switzerland,” explains BHS CEO Maximilian Stoschek.

BHS Helicopterservice has specialized in business aviation with helicopters since 2008. DC Aviation Switzerland was formed from the Swiss private carriers Jet-Link and Heli-Link. Like BHS Helicopterservice, the company offers a range of passenger and business air travel services with helicopters. Moreover, DC Aviation is a long-standing partner for professional helicopter management. Its comprehensive portfolio includes flight planning and organization, providing experienced professional pilots and crew members along with maintenance, insurance and optional helicopter chartering services.

DC Aviation arose in 2007 from the former DaimlerChrysler Aviation, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG founded in 1998. Thanks to its over twenty-year history, the company has very extensive experience in the field of business aviation. The DC Aviation fleet includes the Cessna Citation XLS+, long distance jets like the Gulfstream G650 and large-cabin jets like the Airbus 319 CJ. In March 2016, DC Aviation expanded its operating license to include the commercial use of helicopters.

BHS will continue to work with DC Aviation Stuttgart to operate flights with business jets and helicopters. “The sale is based on our decision to concentrate all of our efforts on the management, chartering and maintenance of fixed-wing aircraft and business jet handling,” explains Michael Kuhn, CEO of DC Aviation Stuttgart, adding: “We are pursuing an overarching group strategy in this segment aimed at continuously expanding our market position.”

The objective of BHS Helicopterservice GmbH is to establish itself as a commercial aviation company. This means meeting a range of organizational, technical and operational prerequisites. An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is required, among other things. BHS Helicopterservice plans on submitting the necessary applications for operating approval. After earning its own AOC, the cooperation with DC Aviation Stuttgart will evolve into an exclusive sales partnership.

The responsible managers and contacts will remain the same for customers for the time being. As always, charter inquiries may be directed to DC Aviation Stuttgart, BHS Helicopterservice or DC Aviation Switzerland.
BHS Helicopterservice and subsidiary DC Aviation Switzerland will share an exhibit with DC Aviation from 21 to 23 May at the EBACE in Geneva/Switzerland, the premiere event for the European business aviation community.