PHI, Inc.

PHI, Inc. is a major global provider of helicopter transportation services, primarily supporting the offshore oil and gas industry. Founded in 1949, the company operates one of the world's largest commercial helicopter fleets, serving clients in demanding environments like the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, and West Africa. Headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, its operations are critical for crew change, search and rescue, and logistical support for offshore oil platforms and drilling rigs.

History

The company was established in 1949 by Robert L. Suggs in Lake Charles, Louisiana, initially focusing on crop dusting and aerial application services under the name Petroleum Helicopters International. Its strategic shift to supporting the burgeoning offshore drilling industry in the Gulf of Mexico during the 1950s proved pivotal. Through acquisitions like Helicopter Services Group ASA in 2008, PHI significantly expanded its international footprint, particularly in the North Sea and Australia. The company underwent a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring in 2019, emerging with a recapitalized balance sheet to navigate the volatile energy sector.

Operations

PHI, Inc. provides essential vertical lift services across three primary segments: Oil and Gas, Air Medical, and Technical Services. Its core Oil and Gas operations involve transporting personnel and light cargo between shore bases and offshore installations for major energy companies like BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil. The Air Medical division, operating as PHI Air Medical, delivers emergency medical services across the United States with a fleet of air ambulance helicopters. The Technical Services group offers specialized aviation support for government contracts, wind farm operations, and other industrial projects, requiring operations in remote and challenging locales from Alaska to the Niger Delta.

Fleet

The company maintains a large, modern fleet primarily consisting of medium and super-medium twin-engine helicopters renowned for their performance and safety in overwater operations. Key aircraft types include the Airbus Helicopters H175, the Leonardo AW139, and the Airbus Helicopters H145. PHI was a launch customer for the Sikorsky S-92 and has historically operated a significant number of Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin models. Fleet modernization is continuous, with older models like the Bell 412 being phased out in favor of newer technology that offers greater range, payload capacity, and compliance with the latest ICAO and FAA safety standards.

Accidents and incidents

Given the high-risk nature of its operations, the company has been involved in several notable aviation accidents. A significant crash occurred in January 2009, when a Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma operating in the North Sea crashed near Peterhead, Scotland, resulting in multiple fatalities. Another fatal accident involved a Bell 407 in the Gulf of Mexico in 2017. These events, along with others, have been investigated by authorities like the NTSB and the AAIB, leading to enhanced safety protocols and industry-wide discussions on helicopter airworthiness and ditching procedures.

Financial performance

As a private company following its bankruptcy restructuring, detailed financial disclosures are limited. Its performance is intrinsically linked to the capital expenditure cycles of the global oil and gas industry, with activity levels heavily influenced by crude oil prices. Primary revenue drivers include long-term flight hour contracts with energy producers and Air Medical service contracts with hospitals and government agencies. The company faces significant operational cost pressures from jet fuel prices, insurance premiums, and fleet maintenance, while competing with other major operators like Bristow Group and CHC Helicopter.

Category:Helicopter airlines of the United States Category:Companies based in Lafayette, Louisiana Category:Aviation companies established in 1949