Post Year: 2013

LCI, the aviation division of the Libra Group, has delivered a new AugustaWestland AW139 helicopter to SFS Aviation in Asia.

SFS Aviation, the first operator of the AW139 in Thailand, has leased the helicopter as part of a medium-term commitment, and it will be used by to provide offshore support services to a number of multi-national oil companies in the Gulf of Thailand, such as PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) and CPOC.

The new aircraft, which was delivered recently, is the fourth in SFS Aviation’s growing fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters based at Songkhla in southern Thailand. SFS Aviation also has a further commitment for four AW189 aircraft, which will enable it to enjoy the commonality benefits across the AugustaWestland family of new generation helicopters. SFS Aviation has 23 years’ experience in helicopter operations and is the only operator in Thailand which is 100% Thai-owned. The company has a zero accident operating history and is a leader in the implementation of Safety Management Systems, investing in safety over and above regulatory requirements. AgustaWestland has recognised the operations and support capabilities of SFS Aviation by appointing them as an authorised service centre for the region.

Crispin Maunder, Executive Chairman of LCI, says: “The delivery of the market-leading AW139 to SFS Aviation cements a relationship with one of the key helicopter operators in Asia. SFS Aviation is committed to developing a modern fleet of new-generation helicopters and we are pleased to be supporting that growth through the flexibility of an operating lease.”

Chira Ratanarat, Chairman of SFS Aviation, adds: “The acquisition of a new AW139 is the latest part of our fleet development programme which allows us to offer the highest standards of service to our clients in Thailand. The trend for our customers here is to go further offshore and the AW139 allows us to cover these longer distances with the greatest possible efficiency and safety, while ensuring our passengers travel in the comfort offered by AugustaWestland’s new-generation helicopters”.

This delivery marks the latest aircraft service entry for LCI’s new helicopter division, which was launched in 2012 with a $400m order for a mixed fleet of AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters.

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Experienced industry executive Mark Kelly has been appointed Vice President – Marketing at LCI. With a particular focus on the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, he brings his combined years as a senior executive in the sector as well as his extensive helicopter piloting experience to both LCI and its leasing customers.

Joining this week, Mr Kelly will be based in the firm’s Dublin office with a remit to cover both helicopter marketing and business development. Mark’s unique experience as a helicopter pilot and an executive with one of the largest and most diverse helicopter operators in the world will bring particular value to LCI’s customers.

Prior to joining LCI Mark Kelly was the managing Director of CHC in Ireland where his main responsibility was the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the search & rescue service for the Irish Coast Guard. Having led the bid for the contract, he was involved with its fleet replacement process, including team, management and project innovation. In addition he was central to the establishment of CHC’s Dublin-based aircraft leasing division, serving as a director on the board of the unit from its formation. As a search & rescue commander, Mark flew over 250 missions and was awarded by the Irish State for his part in the FV Celestial Dawn rescue when it ran aground in 2002.

Mike Platt, LCI’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “Mark brings a wealth of expertise to LCI and will be a huge asset to our helicopter leasing division. It is always good to have someone with commercial and flying experience on the team and Mark Kelly is particularly distinguished in that regard.”

Mark Kelly says: “This is a very exciting time for helicopter leasing and I am very happy to be joining LCI which has proved itself a market leader in the aviation leasing field.”

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LCI announces its delivery of two AgustaWestland helicopters to Malaysian operator Weststar Aviation Services in a longterm lease. The new AW139 helicopters, valued at over $30 million, will be initially operated under contract to Tullow Oil. They have both been delivered this week.

The two AW139 helicopters will be used to support Tullow Oil’s offshore operations off the west coast of Africa.

The aircraft are additional to the order announced by LCI in 2012 valued at approximately US$400 million for new AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters, deliveries of which are already in progress. LCI’s helicopter fleet now exceeds 40 either delivered or on order.

Michael Platt, LCI’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re delighted to be able to help Weststar expand its services overseas with our new generation AgustaWestland helicopters. By leasing these brand new helicopters Weststar is able to respond quickly to their customers’ requirements and do so on attractive financial terms.”

Weststar Aviation Services is the largest provider of offshore helicopter services in Asia and already operates fourteen AW139 helicopters for major oil and gas companies. The contract with Tullow Oil in Mauritania marks the beginning of an international expansion.

Tan Sri Muhammad Ismail, CEO of Weststar Aviation Services, says: “LCI were a supportive and important partner in the provision of these helicopters. They were able to respond rapidly to our needs and give us access to the right technology on terms that suited this offshore deployment.”

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired fixed wing and rotary aircraft with a value approaching US$5 billion. Today the company has a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft on lease to some of the world’s leading airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air France and Asiana. LCI is also a launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries and has placed an order for 20 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion, with options for a further 20. The helicopter leasing division was established in 2012 with a $400m order for AgustaWestland helicopters.

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LCI, the aviation division of Libra Group, the international business group, announces that it has entered into a long-term lease with the Avincis Group (Avincis), the world’s leading provider of mission critical services, for a new AW139 helicopter.

LCI’s new helicopter division was launched at Heli-Expo 2012 with a $400m order for a modern, versatile fleet of market-leading AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters.

The new agreement with Avincis will secure a helicopter for its Aberdeen-based subsidiary Bond Offshore Helicopters to provide offshore crew change support to a new oil and gas customer in the UK North Sea.

Headquartered in the UK, the Avincis Group provides central resources, global standards and systems and expertise to its 13 local operating companies who operate a fleet of around 350 aircraft. Last year the group flew over 108,500 hours, conducted over 50,600 emergency health care missions, rescued more than 8,600 people at sea or on mountains, helped to put out over 7,800 fires and carried more than 175,900 passengers in the oil and gas industries.

Avincis Group Director of Fleet & Engineering Martin Whittaker said: “I’m delighted to be working with LCI to secure another new generation helicopter for our growing Energy Services business. This is a welcome addition to Avincis’ 350-strong global fleet.”

Crispin Maunder, LCI Executive Chairman, said after the signing at Heli-Expo 2013: “We welcome today’s announcement with Bond Offshore Helicopters which is one of the world’s leading helicopter operators, and are confident that our new generation fleet of AgustaWestland models is the perfect fit for mission-critical crew transportation services.”

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired aircraft with a value approaching US$5 billion. Today the company has a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft on lease to some of the world’s leading airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air France and Asiana. LCI is also a launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries and has placed an order for 20 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion, with options for a further 20.

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