HNZ Group has been awarded a contract by Shell Canada Energy (“Shell”) to provide offshore personnel and cargo transport, medevac and search and rescue services from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The services will be delivered by HNZ’s subsidiary Canadian Helicopters Ltd, which has provided emergency medical services support to Nova Scotia’s Emergency Health Services from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport since 1999.

The contract, was awarded in support of Shell’s “Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project” which is expected to commence mid-year of 2015 for a duration of approximately 260 days. The contract will utilize two leased Sikorsky S-92 aircraft for offshore personnel, cargo and medevac transport and a third leased Sikorsky S-92 for dedicated search and rescue operations. Over the term of the initial contract period, revenues are expected to be approximately CAD$20 million dollars.

HNZ’s President and CEO, Don Wall, said “we are excited to expand our current aviation operations in Halifax to include this important step in supporting Shell’s exploration operations offshore Nova Scotia and we appreciate the continuing confidence Shell has placed in HNZ. We look forward to providing a safe and efficient service, while expanding our capabilities in Nova Scotia into heavy offshore helicopters including a full, all weather search and rescue service, in the North Atlantic. This contract indicates success in executing our expansion and diversification strategy post-Afghanistan, and as a Canadian owned Corporation, marks the natural next step of entering the Canadian offshore oil and gas market.”

This contract is HNZ’s third offshore oil and gas support contract with Shell globally and represents its first offshore contract in Atlantic Canada.

L to R: Reg Milley, President & CEO, Edmonton Airports; Randall Findlay, Director & Chair, HNZ Group; Don Wall, President & CEO, HNZ Group; Carmen Loberg, Director, HNZ Group; Larry Pollock, Director, HNZ Group; John Whaley, Mayor of Leduc County

On October 1, Canadian Helicopters and HNZ Group celebrated the Edmonton branch’s relocation from the soon-to-be decommissioned City Centre Airport to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA). An Open House/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was organized to mark the occasion

The event drew a crowd of over 150 clients, vendors, EIA employees and neighbouring businesses who were treated to tours of the office space, food & drinks, and live entertainment. The event was commemorated by a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by Don Wall, President & CEO, HNZ Group; Reg Milley, President & CEO, Edmonton Airports; and John Whaley, Mayor of Leduc County. Local TV, newspaper, and radio provided media coverage of the event.

A highlight for many attendees was the unique opportunity to experience an aerial helicopter tour of the airport and surrounding communities. Guests were encouraged to make a donation in support of Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS.org), an Edmonton based youth emergency shelter. A total of $1,122 was raised in support of YESS.

Canadian Helicopters is very excited to be at Edmonton’s vibrant and growing International Airport. The fourth level of EIA’s iconic Central Tower is now home to HNZ executive offices, and Canadian Helicopters’ administrative and pilot training facilities.