This is the definitive history of the company which grew from inauspicious beginnings to become one of the largest independent helicopter fleets in the UK, serving the oil rigs of the North Sea as well as charters. The firm of Bristow was founded in 1952 and has grown to be the largest civilian helicopter fleet in Europe with over 120 aircraft. It provides support for the offshore industry as well as search and rescue services around the British coast. The company operates in many parts of the world and is truly a global business.