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Universal Helicopters has announced the purchase of Lakelse Air of Terrace, B.C., and in the process, becomes Canada’s only coast-to-coast Indigenous-owned helicopter services company.
The purchase includes the Lakelse Air fleet of 12 aircraft as well as its other assets. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Universal Helicopters president and CEO Shane Cyr said the acquisition of Lakelse Air provides Universal with a pan-Canadian footprint.
“We have operated mainly in Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Arctic,” said Cyr. “This purchase firmly establishes Universal as a coast-to-coast to coast provider of quality air services.”
Lakelse will continue to operate as a separate company under its existing management and staff. A senior leadership team headed by Universal president and CEO Shane Cyr, and comprised of Lakelse and Universal senior managers, will provide strategic direction to Lakelse.
This acquisition allows Universal to grow its business in a part of the country with great potential. Lakelse Air has significant experience and expertise in current and emerging areas of activity in northwestern British Columbia, including aerial construction and powerline activity, mining and exploration, oil and gas, and in forestry and forest fire suppression.
“There is huge mining potential in the ‘Golden Triangle,’ a mineral-rich area of northwestern B.C.,” said Cyr. “We see opportunity in transporting people and supplies to these remote areas, as well as in supporting the construction of power lines.”
Universal is Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned helicopter services company.
“Indigenous groups want true partnerships that build long-term benefits for their communities,” said Cyr. “Lakelse has built sound relationships with the Haisla, Nisga, and Tahitan people. Universal strongly supports that approach and we are anxious to explore opportunities that will result in even more beneficial ties with Indigenous groups across the country.”
