PDG secures funding for expansion

UK rotorcraft charter operator PDG Helicopters is poised to expand through acquisition after sealing a new £7.5 million ($12 million) funding package. As part of the deal, Scottish group Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity paid £2.8 million ($4.3 million) to increase its stake in PDG from 20 percent to 47 percent.

PDG chief executive Jerry Francis said the Inverness-based operator will be looking to expand its operations into England. It currently has bases in Scotland and Ireland and operates a fleet of 19 helicopters, including a mix of Eurocopter Squirrels, Twin Squirrels and Dauphins, as well as a Bell 206 JetRanger.

The firm, which was formed from the 1995 merger of PLM Helicopters and Dollar Air Services, claims to be the UK’s largest onshore helicopter operator. In July it acquired Dublin-based Irish Helicopters. PDG’s work includes executive and private transport, construction and forestry support and aerial filming and photography.