Helicopter transport by air, ocean, and road
Moving a helicopter is high-stakes, but it does not have to be hard.
With the right plan, your aircraft travels safely from hangar to hangar, on time, and within budget.
Texas International Freight ships helicopters for operators, OEMs, MROs, and buyers—alongside other project cargo such as breakbulk machinery, agricultural equipment, oil rigs, and construction gear.
When helicopter shipping makes sense
- Relocating a leased aircraft between bases or projects.
- Delivering a newly purchased helicopter to the end user.
- Sending airframes to MRO facilities for heavy checks.
- Moving grounded aircraft for engine swap or major repair.
We handle single lifts and multi-unit programs with the same care used for breakbulk cargo and oil and gas logistics.
How we move helicopters
Air charter
For time-sensitive moves, we load the airframe and removed components on wide-body freighters with proper lift plans, slings, and load sheets. Learn more about aircraft charter and air freight.
Ocean—Ro-Ro, flat-rack, or open-top
For longer timelines and lower cost, we ship by sea. Ro-Ro fits wheeled ground-handling frames. Flat-racks or open-tops work when rotors, tail booms, or landing gear are removed. See our container options.
Domestic road—air-ride and climate-controlled
We collect from your hangar with air-ride trailers, soft straps, custom cradles, and escort vehicles where required. Read about heavy-haul trucking.
Export packing and protection
We design skids, cradles, and rotor boxes; apply vapor barriers; add desiccants; and provide blocking and bracing to marine surveyor standards. Our export packing team photographs each stage for your records.
Typical helicopter models we ship
- Light: Robinson R44/R66, Bell 206/407.
- Intermediate: Airbus H125/H130, H135/H145.
- Twin/utility: Leonardo AW139/AW169, Sikorsky S-76.
- Mission craft: EMS/air ambulance, offshore support, law-enforcement variants.
We move these alongside power packs, transmissions, blades, avionics crates, and ground support equipment.
Step-by-step process
- Survey and plan. We record condition, weights, and dimensions; confirm door sizes, crane needs, and tie points; and select the mode and route.
- Prepare the aircraft. Drain fuel, purge lines, disconnect batteries, remove or fold main and tail rotors, secure doors and fairings, and cap ports.
- Pack and load. Build cradles and rotor boxes, wrap sensitive areas, then load with cranes or air-ride ramps using a lift plan and sign-off.
- Ship and monitor. Track milestones from pickup to POD with real-time updates.
- Reassembly and hand-over. At destination, supervised reassembly and final inspection return the aircraft to pre-ship condition.
Compliance and documents
- Commercial invoice with detailed descriptions and HS codes.
- Packing list with piece marks, weights, and dimensions.
- Air waybill or bill of lading.
- Certificates of origin and any buyer-required tech docs.
- Export control checks (EAR/ITAR may apply based on spec and accessories).
Our customs support covers export filings and hand-off to vetted brokers for import clearance.
Cost and timing
Budget depends on size, configuration, mode, origin, and delivery scope. Air charter costs more but cuts downtime. Ocean reduces spend and fits planned projects. Share your target date and we will price both options with a clear schedule. Ask for all-risk cargo insurance with your quote.
Prep checklist
- De-fuel to carrier limits and purge lines.
- Remove blades, secure tail boom if required, cap and bag open fittings.
- Protect avionics, pitot-static ports, sensors, and windows.
- Confirm lifting points and center of gravity.
- Label all pieces to match the packing list and stow plan.
- Provide maintenance manuals needed at reassembly.
Project experience across regions
We run regular programs across the Middle East and beyond. If your route includes the Gulf, link helicopter moves with heavy equipment for rigs and infrastructure. Plan connected lanes with Houston to Dubai (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, and other Middle East destinations.
Why teams choose Texas International Freight
- Helicopter focus with aviation-grade packing and handling.
- Air, ocean, and road options from one project manager.
- Crane, rigging, and survey support at both ends.
- Door delivery through trusted partners worldwide.
Ready to plan the move? Request a fast quote or contact us.
FAQ: Helicopter shipping
Do the main and tail rotors need to come off?
Usually yes. Removing blades reduces height and risk and allows flat-rack or air-ride loading. We provide rotor boxes and padding to protect each blade.
Air vs. ocean—what should I choose?
Pick air for urgent projects or AOG situations. Pick ocean for planned moves with tight budgets. We can price both and suggest the best fit for your dates.
What export controls apply?
Civil models generally fall under EAR, but accessories or mission kits can change li
