Greenwich AeroGroup announced that it has acquired an economic interest in Helivia Aero Taxi, S.A. a key transportation service provider to the oil and gas industry in Brazil.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Helivia Aero Taxi, S.A. was founded in 1987 and pioneered onshore helicopter services in the Amazon. For the last 15 years it has serviced offshore and onshore clients in the oil and gas industry operating a broad array of helicopters.
“We are extremely pleased that we can provide the funding needed to grow this vital business in Brazil,” said President and CEO of Greenwich AeroGroup Jim Ziegler. “Helivia has a long history of providing high quality services and with our assistance they will be able to continue to grow and expand.”
Greenwich AeroGroup will hold a 60 percent economic interest in Helivia and 20 percent of its voting shares, which is the maximum amount currently authorized for foreign investors in Brazil.
“The Brazilian oil and gas industry is booming and we see an opportunity to invest up to $50 million in Helivia over the next few years. We have already acquired four helicopters that will become part of Helivia’s fleet, and we are providing additional funds to support the company’s operational growth,” added Ziegler.
This initiative is being led by Greenwich AeroGroup Executive Vice President Gerry Goguen, who is working closely with Helivia’s founder, Helio Ribeiro, in developing and implementing a strategy to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities in servicing the Brazilian oil and gas industry.
Greenwich AeroGroup companies such as DAC International, Matrix Aviation, Summit Aviation and Professional Aviation Associates will provide critical logistical support to enable Helivia to maintain high levels of helicopter reliability and availability.