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Specialist helicopter services connecting the British Isles.
Founded
1986
Headquarters
Penzance, United Kingdom
British International Helicopters (BIH) was a UK-based helicopter airline that operated scheduled and charter services, most notably connecting the Isles of Scilly and the Scottish islands with the mainland. The airline held the IATA code BS and ICAO code BIH, operating under the callsign BRINTEL.
The company was a successor to British Airways Helicopters, which was sold off in 1986, and continued to provide essential air links to remote island communities that were difficult to serve by fixed-wing aircraft. BIH became known for its North Sea offshore operations as well as its passenger services.
British International Helicopters ceased operations in 2013 following financial difficulties, ending decades of helicopter airline service in the United Kingdom. Its routes and some operations were subsequently taken over by other operators.
Hubs & network
Primary operations were centered at Penzance Heliport, with additional bases supporting North Sea offshore and Scottish island services.
Fleet
BIH operated Sikorsky S-61N helicopters as its primary aircraft type, well suited for overwater and offshore operations.
Notable facts
- ›British International Helicopters was formed in 1986 following the privatization and sale of British Airways Helicopters.
- ›The airline operated the world's oldest scheduled helicopter service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
- ›BIH provided significant North Sea oil and gas support helicopter operations alongside its passenger services.
- ›The company ceased all operations in 2013 due to financial difficulties.
- ›The Penzance to Isles of Scilly route it operated was a lifeline service for island residents and tourists.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
