Features Aircraft manufacturers
Enstrom Helicopter filing for bankruptcy

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation released a statement that it will shutter operations on Jan. 21, 2022, with its owners declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to what they describe as several financial difficulties. The Menominee, Michigan, company has been in continuous operation for the past 64 years.

“We’ve built more than 1,300 helicopters, operated in over 50 countries around the world,” said Dennis Martin, Director of Sales and Marketing, Enstrom. “Millions of hours flown, tens of thousands of pilots trained, think of all the lives these aircraft have touched. It’s an incredible legacy, and the people of Northern Michigan and Wisconsin who helped start the company, and especially the hard-working employees who kept it going all these years should be proud of what we accomplished.”

Enstrom delivered its final helicopters, a pair for 280FXs for the Peru Air Force in December 2021. “I can’t say enough about the team of people we have here,” said Enstrom’s President, Matt Francour. “They’ve continued to work throughout the pandemic and our financial difficulties to get aircraft out the door and supply parts and technical support to our large in-service fleet. Their dedication to our customers is truly special.”

Enstrom on Jan. 7 stopped taking new parts orders and supplying overhauls, while technical support was provided up until January 19.

Francour noted that multiple groups have already expressed interest in buying Enstrom’s assets out of bankruptcy and restarting the company. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I have a feeling we’ll be back,” he said. Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation designs and produces light single-engine helicopters for the global market.

In its statement, Enstrom thanked all of its past and present employees, dealers, service centres, and customers. Butzel & Long Law Firm, located in Troy, MI, will be handling the bankruptcy.