Canadian Helicopters Announces Proposed Name Change

MONTREAL, April 17, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) ("the Company"), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, previously announced that it will hold an annual and special meeting of shareholders ("Meeting") on May 11, 2012. At the Meeting, the Company intends to seek shareholder approval of a special resolution to change the Company's name from "Canadian Helicopters Group Inc." to "HNZ Group Inc.". The purpose of the name change is to increase the Company's global marketability and branding by distinguishing the Company from similarly named Canadian competitors and to leverage the existing HNZ brand recognition.  The name change is subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders and the Toronto Stock Exchange. If all approvals are obtained, the Company intends to implement the name change during the summer of 2012.

Additional information concerning the proposed name change is available in the Company's management information circular that is being mailed to shareholders in connection with the Meeting, and which will be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

ABOUT CANADIAN HELICOPTERS GROUP INC.
Canadian Helicopters Group is an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services with fixed primary operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and regions of Southeast Asia. The group also delivers contracted on demand support in Afghanistan and Antarctica. Charter operations are provided under two brands: Helicopters New Zealand (HNZ) in the Asia Pacific and Antarctica regions and Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL) in Canada and Afghanistan. In addition to charter services, the Company provides flight training and third party repair and maintenance services. With headquarters near Montreal, Canada, the Company operates approximately 140 helicopters and employs approximately 800 personnel.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the date on which they were made. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless being required by applicable laws.

Canadian Helicopters Group Inc.
Don Wall
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tel: [phone]
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