Vortex Helicopters Inc.

Vortex Helicopters Inc. is a helicopter operator founded in 2003. Its main base is at 371 Snow Eagle Drive in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and it has a second operating base at Cold Lake Regional Airport. The company describes itself as family-owned and fully Aboriginal-owned. Ryan McAssey is listed as owner, president and pilot.

The company mainly does commercial and utility flying. Work it lists includes environmental and oil field support, aerial surveying, power line work, seismic operations, reforestation, precision long-lining, firefighting, photography, infrared scanning and GPS mapping. It also helps clients with logistics such as airport pick-ups and drop-offs.

Vortex flies Eurocopter (now Airbus) AS350 A-Star helicopters. In May 2013 it took delivery of its fourth A-Star, an AS350 B3e, for utility work supporting the northern Alberta oil sands.

Its service area covers northern Alberta, including Fort McMurray, Wabasca and Cold Lake. The company is a member of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association. Its work is aimed at industrial and commercial clients rather than passenger travel or sightseeing.