In 1996, Bristow Helicopters was purchased by "Offshore Logistics", an American offshore helicopter operator which previously operated as "Air Logistics" in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, and was structured as a reverse takeover. The group operates and maintains a global fleet of over 400 aircraft. In February 2006, Offshore Logistics decided to re-brand itself as "The Bristow Group". In January 2010, Bristow announced the retirement of the Air Logistics name and Gulf of Mexico operations would operate under the name Bristow.