The combined company will be called Bristow and will strengthen its global leadership position with significant operations throughout the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the UK and Australia for offshore aviation transportation and SAR solutions.

Bristow and Era share complementary cultures built on an unwavering commitment to safety and quality

The idea is that the new organisation will offer a broader range of world-class, efficient solutions through enhanced fleet size and diversity. It will continue to invest in new technology and safety features to meet the evolving needs of new and existing oil and gas customers and governmental agencies.

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Era, commented on the merger: “We believe this merger will create substantial value for the stakeholders of both companies. The identified cost synergies are significant and, combined with the strong pro forma balance sheet and absence of capital commitments, support robust free cash flow generation. This merger achieves more efficient absorption of the significant fixed costs required to run an air carrier and better positions the combined company to manage industry challenges.”

L. Don Miller, President and CEO of Bristow, also commented: “Bristow and Era share complementary cultures built on an unwavering commitment to safety and quality through experienced, well-trained trained pilots, mechanics, engineers and support staff. Merging these two companies will further build on that culture to create an even stronger, more integrated industry leader.”