BHS Helicopterservice initiates DC Aviation Switzerland purchase

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BHS Helicopterservice, a rotary operator based in Bamberg, Germany, has initiated the purchase of DC Aviation Switzerland (DCAS), the helicopter business of its Stuttgart-based partner DC Aviation.

Established in 2008, BHS Helicopterservice provides corporate helicopter flights for automobile supplier, Brose. Under the terms of an agreement with DC Aviation, its helicopters have also been operated under DC’s AOC for the commercial transport of passengers since 2016.

The partnership between the two companies will continue unchanged for now, and BHS and DCAS will initially continue to operate under their existing names at their respective locations in Bamberg and Zurich. 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,” comments BHS CEO Maximilian Stoschek. “I see tremendous potential in the acquisition of the Swiss subsidiary, and in continuing to grow our business with helicopter charter flights and helicopter management in Germany and Switzerland.”

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. DCAS is a long-standing provider for professional helicopter management. Its comprehensive portfolio includes flight planning and organisation, providing 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. The DC Aviation fleet includes the Cessna Citation XLS+, long distance jets like the Gulfstream G650 and large-cabin jets like the Airbus ACJ319. In March 2016, as part of its partnership with BHS, DC Aviation expanded its operating licence 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 DC Aviation Stuttgart CEO Michael Kuhn. “We are pursuing an overarching group strategy in this segment aimed at continuously expanding our market position.”

The objective of BHS Helicopterservice is to establish itself as a commercial operator by acquiring an AOC. 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.

The two companies will exhibit jointly at this year's EBACE in Geneva.