Connect with us

Business Aviation

Summit Helicopters Acquires Blackcomb Helicopters Aviation Assets

Summit Helicopters acquires Blackcomb Helicopters’ fleet and sightseeing operations in BC, continuing services under the Blackcomb brand.

Published

on

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

Photo Credit: Blackcomb Helicopters

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Business Aviation

Atlantic Aviation Breaks Ground on New FBO at Nashville JWN

Atlantic Aviation begins construction of a new executive FBO terminal and hangar at John C. Tune Airport, due Q4 2027.

Published

on

Atlantic Aviation has officially commenced construction on a new executive fixed-base operator (FBO) terminal and hangar complex at John C. Tune Airports (JWN) in Nashville, Tennessee, expanding its infrastructure footprint in the region.

Announced in a press release on August 25, 2026, the project is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. The development follows Atlantic Aviation’s successful bid for a new leasehold through a Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) request for proposals in May 2025 and complements the company’s existing operations at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Facility specifications and infrastructure

The planned facility will feature a 7,500-square-foot executive terminal alongside a 37,000-square-foot hangar and office complex. To accommodate aircraft movement and parking, the project includes the development of approximately 175,000 square feet of new ramp space.

The infrastructure upgrades will incorporate a new fuel farm with a 60,000-gallon capacity for Jet-A and a 12,000-gallon capacity for 100LL aviation gasoline. According to the company, the design integrates Sustainability initiatives, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) focused elements, efficient building systems, and construction waste minimization strategies.

Strategic expansion in the Nashville market

Located eight miles west of downtown Nashville, John C. Tune Airport serves as a primary reliever for BNA and a key gateway for general aviation. MNAA President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Kreulen stated that the expansion marks a major step forward in strengthening access for the area’s growing general aviation community.

“By bringing world-class facilities and services to John C. Tune Airport, Atlantic Aviation is helping us position the airport for long-term success, and we’re excited for the expanded opportunities this Investments will create for our customers and for Middle Tennessee,” Kreulen said.

Atlantic Aviation Chief Executive Officer Jeff Foland described the start of construction as an exciting milestone for the Partnerships. The company previously opened a newly completed FBO facility at BNA in June 2024.

AirPro News analysis

We view Atlantic Aviation’s dual-airport Strategy in Nashville as a direct response to the region’s sustained economic and population growth. By establishing a modern presence at JWN just two years after securing the leasehold, the company is positioning itself to capture overflow corporate traffic that might otherwise face congestion at BNA. The inclusion of substantial ramp space and high-capacity fuel storage indicates an expectation of high-volume, large-cabin business jet traffic at the reliever airport.

Sources: Atlantic Aviation

Photo Credit: Atlantic Aviation

Continue Reading

Business Aviation

Avcon Industries Delivers Modified King Air B200 for Mosquito Control

Avcon Industries delivered a modified Beechcraft King Air B200 to Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida for aerial pest mitigation.

Published

on

Avcon Industries, Inc. delivered its first specially modified Beechcraft King Air B200 equipped for large-scale mosquito mitigation to the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida on August 25, 2026.

In a press release, the Butler National Corporation subsidiary detailed the engineering modifications designed to support rapid airborne liquid dispersal for disease and pest prevention. The delivery provides the Florida district with a twin-engine turboprop platform capable of covering larger areas than traditional ground-based methods or smaller agricultural aircraft.

Engineering and modification details

The special mission modification centers on a removable external under-fuselage pod. The system incorporates an electric pump, aerodynamic fairings, and dispersal booms to facilitate repeatable fluid application.

Avcon Industries President Marcus Abendroth stated the project highlights the company’s capacity to integrate specialized mission systems into established airframes.

“The King Air B200 provides an excellent platform for this mission, and the solution developed by our team creates an opportunity to support similar mosquito-control and airborne dispersal requirements for other operators,” Abendroth said.

Operational impact in Florida

Mosquito mitigation remains a persistent public health requirement in Florida due to the climate and the associated risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The Lee County Mosquito Control District utilizes aviation assets to manage these risks across extensive geographical areas.

Wayne Luettich, Aircraft Maintenance Manager for the district, emphasized the importance of the new platform for local residents.

“Mosquito control has become a significant effort in Florida. We have an important mission to mitigate the impact of the mosquitoes on our residents. We look forward to operating the Avcon-modified airplane and appreciate the Avcon engineering services,” Luettich said.

AirPro News analysis

We note that adapting business aviation platforms like the King Air B200 for public health missions reflects a demand for higher payload and extended range in aerial application. While single-engine agricultural aircraft excel in localized operations, twin-engine turboprops offer the speed and capacity required for county-wide vector control, particularly in coastal regions requiring rapid response to emerging public health threats.

Sources: Avcon Industries, Inc.

Photo Credit: Avcon Industries

Continue Reading

Business Aviation

Embraer Phenom 300EV Earns Triple Certification With Autoland

Embraer’s Phenom 300EV receives ANAC, FAA, and EASA certification, becoming the first twin-engine light jet with Garmin Emergency Autoland.

Published

on

Embraer has secured triple certification from Brazilian, United States, and European regulators for its Phenom 300EV, clearing the way for the aircraft to become the first twin-engine light jet equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland. The August 25, 2026, announcement from the manufacturer’s Melbourne, Florida, facility marks the final regulatory hurdle before global deliveries begin.

In a press release issued Tuesday, Embraer confirmed that the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), the FAA, and EASA have all certified the updated aircraft. The Phenom 300EV builds upon the Phenom 300 series, which has held the title of the world’s best-selling light jet for 14 consecutive years.

Integrating autonomous safety technology

The certification introduces Garmin Emergency Autoland to the twin-engine light jet segment. Previously, this autonomous safety system was restricted to single-engine turboprops and the Cirrus Vision Jet, according to reporting by Flying Magazine. The system is designed to take control of the aircraft, navigate to a suitable airport, and execute a fully automated landing in the event of pilot incapacitation.

Embraer integrates this capability through its Garmin G3000-based Prodigy Touch flight deck. Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, stated that the aircraft builds on the capabilities of the Phenom 300 series, “now enhanced through purposeful innovations that further elevate safety technology, best-in-class performance characteristics, and the customer experience.”

Performance upgrades and delivery timeline

While the airframe remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the Phenom 300EV introduces specific performance and comfort enhancements. AVweb reports that the updated jet features a maximum zero fuel weight increase, providing 430 pounds of additional payload capacity. The aircraft maintains a maximum speed of Mach 0.80 and a range of 2,055 nautical miles with National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) instrument flight rules (IFR) reserves and four passengers.

Passenger comfort upgrades include a maximum cabin altitude of 6,600 feet. Embraer officially introduced the Phenom 300EV on July 14, 2026, focusing the evolution on avionics and cabin technology rather than a clean-sheet redesign. Following this triple certification, Flying Magazine notes that Embraer targets 2028 for the first Phenom 300EV deliveries.

Amalfitano characterized the regulatory approval as a reflection of the manufacturer’s engineering discipline.

“Achieving triple certification is a testament to the dedication of our teams and Embraer’s disciplined approach to engineering excellence and execution. With this important milestone achieved, we look forward to bringing the Phenom 300EV to customers worldwide and extending the remarkable reputation of the Phenom 300 series.”

AirPro News analysis

We view the rapid certification of the Phenom 300EV as a strategic maneuver by Embraer to defend its dominance in the light jet market. By securing ANAC, FAA, and EASA approvals simultaneously, the manufacturer avoids the staggered regional rollouts that often complicate global delivery schedules. The integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland into a twin-engine platform is particularly notable. It establishes a new baseline for safety expectations in the light jet category, likely pressing competitors to accelerate their own autonomous safety integrations. This follows Embraer’s successful triple certification of the Praetor 500E and 600E earlier in 2026, demonstrating a highly efficient regulatory compliance pipeline.

Sources: Embraer

Photo Credit: Embraer

Continue Reading
Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Advertisement

Follow Us

newsletter

Latest

Categories

Tags

Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Popular News