Bristow Group Announces Three New Aircraft Purchases

HOUSTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), a leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, today announced the purchase from AgustaWestland of three new AW139 medium twin engine helicopters and options for additional AW139 purchases. These purchases will be funded from currently available capital.

The AW139, which will be an additional model type for the Bristow fleet, is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter and meets FAA and JAA FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements.

William E. Chiles, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are adding the AW139 to our fleet as a result of discussions with a number of customers who will require this aircraft model in several of our global markets over the next few years. Taking delivery late in 2009 and in early 2010 gives us sufficient time to have this new model type in our fleet to meet the demand for future requirements."

ABOUT BRISTOW GROUP INC.

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated. Through its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, the Company has major transportation operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and Trinidad. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.bristowgroup.com.

    Contact:
    Linda McNeill
    Investor Relations
    (713) 267-7622

SOURCE Bristow Group Inc.