FB Heliservices Ltd was initially formed as a joint venture between
Bristow Helicopters and
Cobham Aviation Services and specialises in the provision of helicopters, including operational support and training services, to military and government agencies in the UK and worldwide. Since 2013 is fully owned by Cobham.
Originally a consortium of FR Aviation, Bristow Helicopters Ltd and Serco, FBS was formed to bid for the UK's Defence Helicopter Flying School contract in 1995. The team won against competition from Shorts and a consortium between Bond and Huntings. By entering an innovative bid for a 15 year contract (the contract was originally for 10 years) the team were able to make their relatively expensive aircraft choice more affordable. Soon after contract award in late 1997, Serco withdrew from the consortium and the company was eventually re-named FB Heliservices. The original contract covers provision of aircraft and services at the Defence Helicopter Flying School sites at RAF Shawbury (HQ), RAF Valley (SAR training) and AAC Middle Wallop (advanced Army Air Corps training). Additional MoD and third party contracts have expanded the FBH fleet and share of the market.
In 2011, FB Heliservices was operating the Bell 212 of
Brunei Flight for the British Army, the
Griffin SAR service in Cyprus for the RAF.
