This article is based on an official announcement from Blackcomb Helicopters and additional industry reporting.

Summit Helicopters Acquires Blackcomb Helicopters’ Aviation Assets and Sightseeing Operations

In a significant shift for the Sea-to-Sky aviation landscape, Summit Helicopters has officially acquired the aviation assets and sightseeing business of Blackcomb Helicopters. The deal, announced on January 22, 2026, transfers the operation of the region’s iconic sightseeing tours and utility contracts to Summit, a subsidiary of the Ledcor Group of Companies.

According to the official announcement from Blackcomb Helicopters, the transaction ensures that the “same friendly team” will remain in place to deliver services. While Summit Helicopters takes over ownership of the fleet and bases, the popular sightseeing tours will continue to operate under the established Blackcomb brand, preserving a name that has served the corridor since 1989.

Operational Continuity and Asset Transfer

The acquisition involves the transfer of Blackcomb Helicopters’ remaining fleet of seven aircraft, along with its operational bases in Whistler and Squamish, British Columbia. Summit Helicopters will now oversee a diverse range of mission profiles previously managed by Blackcomb, including:

• Sightseeing Tours: Continuing under the Blackcomb banner.
• Utility and Film Production: Supporting the region’s heavy industry and Hollywood North productions.
• Emergency Services: Maintaining capabilities for firefighting and search-and-rescue (SAR) response.

In a statement regarding the transition, Blackcomb Helicopters emphasized the continuity of service:

“Summit will now operate our fleet of seven helicopters continuing Blackcomb’s work at our Squamish and Whistler bases in utility, film, firefighting, and emergency response – and will proudly continue to offer our popular sightseeing tours under the Blackcomb brand.”

— Blackcomb Helicopters Official Announcement

Peter Rice, Vice President of Summit Helicopters, welcomed the expansion, noting in industry reports that the move adds valuable talent and fleet assets to Summit’s operations, which already span Northern and Interior British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and international markets.

Context: The Final Step in Restructuring

This transaction marks the conclusion of a strategic restructuring for Blackcomb Helicopters under its previous owner, the McLean Group. Industry reporting indicates that this is the second phase of a two-part divestiture strategy executed over the winter of 2025–2026.

Separating Adventure from Aviation

Prior to this asset sale, the McLean Group sold Blackcomb’s “Tourism Division”, specifically the Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures brands, to Whitecap Alpine Adventures in December 2025. This effectively separated the adventure tourism marketing entities from the aviation operations.

With the current deal, Summit Helicopters acquires the “hard assets”, the machines, hangars, and air operator certificates, necessary to fly the missions. Consequently, Summit is expected to act as the aviation provider for the tourism brands now owned by Whitecap, while simultaneously running its own utility operations.

Executive Commentary

Jason McLean, CEO of the McLean Group, reflected on the family’s tenure owning the operator since 2006. In a statement reported by industry sources, McLean expressed confidence in the new operators:

“After decades of specialized helicopter service which started in the Sea to Sky corridor and expanded throughout Canada, it is time for our family to make a change and pass Blackcomb Helicopters onto new operators. With shared values and commitment to always putting safety and premier customer experience first, we know our customers, our team and the communities we serve are in exceptionally good hands.”

— Jason McLean, CEO, The McLean Group

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the Canadian aviation sector. By absorbing Blackcomb’s Sea-to-Sky operations, Summit Helicopters (backed by the industrial giant Ledcor) secures a lucrative foothold in the Vancouver-Whistler corridor, complementing its existing strongholds in Yellowknife, Terrace, and Kamloops.

For the local market, the retention of the Blackcomb brand for sightseeing is a strategic move to maintain consumer trust. However, the operational shift to a larger corporate parent suggests a move toward greater economies of scale, likely necessary to buffer against the volatility of seasonal tourism and wildfire contract cycles.

Sources

Sources: Blackcomb Helicopters Official Announcement, Summit Helicopters / Ledcor Group Press Materials