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Columbia Helicopters
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Heavy-lift helicopter operator and maintenance provider
Columbia Helicopters
Work Here?
Heavy-lift helicopter operator and maintenance provider
Overview
Columbia Helicopters operates heavy-lift helicopters worldwide and provides depot-level maintenance for aircraft and components for commercial and military customers. Its flight services move oversized loads—such as power line towers, pipelines, steel, and ski lifts—and it supports timber harvesting by helicopter, military operations, petroleum exploration, firefighting, and other missions. The company also offers engine, transmission, hydraulic, avionics, sheet metal, testing, painting, and other on-site or depot maintenance services. Its goal is to deliver reliable, safe heavy-lift transportation and comprehensive aircraft maintenance worldwide while maintaining a long history as a leader in helicopter logging.
About Columbia Helicopters
Industries
Aerospace
Defense
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$560M
Headquarters
Aurora, Illinois
Founded
1957
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Columbia renewed Turkey firefighting support for 2025, deploying four 234 helicopters.
- Columbia's July 2026 website promotes 107-III and 234SP commercialization.
- Piasecki partnership expands remanufacturing capacity and Part 145 support in Pennsylvania.
What critics are saying
- CEO turnover from Tremlett to Balevic to Bergier signals unstable leadership since 2022.
- The 107-III depends on FAA certification; delays stall commercialization and cash flow.
- If legacy airframes age out, Columbia risks becoming a niche MRO with shrinking demand.
What makes Columbia Helicopters unique
- Columbia owns FAA type and production certificates for 234 and 107-II.
- Its tandem-rotor heritage fits heavy-lift firefighting, defense sustainment, and disaster-relief missions.
- The 107-III and 234SP programs target cheaper, standard-category heavy-lift aircraft.
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Funding
Total Funding
$560M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
1 Rounds
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Wellness Program
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 2%1 year growth
↑ 2%2 year growth
↑ 2%Helicarrier has acquired two Model 234 UT Chinooks from Columbia Helicopters, to support its aerial operations across a number of roles.
Heavy-lift, tandem rotary specialist Columbia Helicopters is teaming up with Piasecki Aircraft to upgrade its Model 107-II aircraft.
AURORA, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Columbia Helicopters (“Columbia” or the “Company”) announced today that David Balevic has been appointed President CEO, effective immediately. Balevic will succeed Michael Tremlett, who is departing the company to pursue other opportunities. Columbia Helicopters is a global leader in the heavy and super heavy-lift helicopter sector, with a more than 60-year track record of innovation, technological firsts, and industry milestones. The Company manufactures, provides sustainment services for, and operates the Model 234, CH-47D Chinook, and Model 107-II tandem-rotor helicopters. The Company’s principal customers include the U.S. military, foreign allied militaries, U.S
AURORA, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Columbia Helicopters (“Columbia” or the “Company”) announced today that David Balevic has been appointed President CEO, effective immediately. Balevic will succeed Michael Tremlett, who is departing the company to pursue other opportunities. Columbia Helicopters is a global leader in the heavy and super heavy-lift helicopter sector, with a more than 60-year track record of innovation, technological firsts, and industry milestones. The Company manufactures, provides sustainment services for, and operates the Model 234, CH-47D Chinook, and Model 107-II tandem-rotor helicopters. The Company’s principal customers include the U.S. military, foreign allied militaries, U.S
Columbia Helicopters announced a new development program to redefine Chinook commercial operations worldwide.
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About Columbia Helicopters
Industries
Aerospace
Defense
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$560M
Headquarters
Aurora, Illinois
Founded
1957
Columbia Helicopters is Hiring for 9 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today