LCI has purchased a fleet of seven new EMS-configured Leonardo AW169 helicopters. The aircraft have been acquired as part of LCI’s joint venture with SMFL. They will be leased to Babcock Canada, which will be operating them across British Columbia on a subcontract from Ascent Helicopters on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
Following an EMS fit-out carried out by HeliMods in British Columbia, the first aircraft has already been handed over, with the remainder expected to be delivered by the end of January. The arrival of the first aircraft makes Ascent the first Canadian operator of the AW169.
Commenting on the announcement, Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, said: “LCI is honoured to support the important roles that Ascent and Babcock are playing in the expansion of vital EMS operations in British Columbia. This development in our longstanding partnership with Babcock demonstrates how LCI can deliver tailored financing solutions for highly specialised, mission-critical assets such as emergency medical service helicopters, giving maximum flexibility and support to our customers in providing essential operations.”
Meanwhile, Jerry McLean, CEO of Babcock Canada, added: “Babcock Canada is delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable, and mission-ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”
With the painful lessons of a decade ago fresh in mind, helicopter lessors appear cautiously optimistic about an oil-and-gas market rebound, though several of the key players are calling for discipline and restraint to avoid another disaster.
In a roundtable discussion hosted by the Aero Asset market intelligence firm and moderated by former Waypoint Leasing CEO Ed Washecka Dec. 12, major lessors LCI Aviation, Milestone Aviation Group, Macquarie Rotorcraft and start-up lessor GDHF, noted varying degrees of hopefulness.
“There’s no question the market’s gotten a lot better since Waypoint fell apart,” said Washecka, whose former company filed for bankruptcy in 2018 following the Chapter 11 filing of CHC Helicopter, one of its largest customers.
The looming question: Will a market rebound coincide with better decision-making all around, or are lessors likely to repeat the mistakes of the past?
Some are more bullish than others, but several players exhibit a positive outlook.
“At the moment, supply is limited into many of the markets that we’re active in, and lead times for new deliveries are now 24 months—even longer, in some cases,” said Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer at LCI. “I think somebody needs to be able to provide helicopters in the near term.”
“I think we’ve learned our lessons,” Leishman added. “It’s more about just making sure that there’s some discipline out there.”
The oil-and-gas industry downturn that began in 2014 led to major turmoil for helicopter lessors, some of whom had agreed to customer-friendly contracts that could be cancelled on short notice.
Operators also parked aircraft during the downturn, and an influx of new aircraft orders contributed to oversupply in the leasing market.
Despite a recent rebound, some lessors are maintaining a conservative approach, with modest order books and a focus on managing portfolios of existing aircraft.
“Most of us have been through the worst of the oil-and-gas segment,” said Sebastien Moulin, chief commercial officer at Milestone.
“I think keeping a modest order book across the industry is probably key, and discipline … is obviously very important.”
Dublin-based GHDF has a more aggressive approach, targeting a $1 billion fleet portfolio, including an order book of 50 Airbus H160s.
In the panel discussion, GDHF CEO Michael York defended that stance, saying the previous downturn had an “oversupplied market with a lot of froth and bubble.”
“I see a different market now,” he said.
He pointed to a sustained period of few aircraft deliveries in the heavy and super-medium space, leading to what he said is a “very finely-balanced market, very tight.”
“Lessor fleets are utilized, operator fleets are fully utilized, and … now we’re seeing a healthy, sustainable price being paid for helicopter services that washes through the MROs, the financiers, all the way back to the OEMs.”
York also pointed to the projected need to replace nearly 200 Sikorsky S-92 heavy helicopters which he says are approaching retirement age, along with about 80 super-medium helicopters, roughly evenly split between Airbus H175s and AW189s.
“We feel that ecosystem is solid,” he said. “We do know in the next 10 years, those S-92s are going to retire … and that’s pretty mechanical. That will happen. The zero-growth thesis of GDHF is based around this mechanical aging-out reality, and the need for metal. Someone’s got to supply the market.”
There’s also an apparent shift away from easy-to-cancel contracts.
“Fortunately, in this market, we’re seeing more discipline from the operators,” said Trey Wade from Macquarie. “I am pleased that not only oil companies, but the operators, they’ve learned their lessons, too. Obviously, all of us have learned some very painful lessons. So things are getting better. We’re still not there yet. But I think the progress is encouraging.”
As lessors manage their legacy fleets, they’re also looking toward the planned arrival of the Bell 525 Relentless, which secured its first orders early this year as it continued on its certification path.
“It’s an extraordinarily impressive aircraft, maybe the smartest aircraft out there,” said Wade. “It’s got some stuff that no other super-medium, or even a 92, can do. It is a really impressive machine.”
While Wade predicts a “natural transition” to super-mediums, some lessors are taking a wait-and-see approach.
“We follow that [525] program with interest,” said Nigel Leishman from LCI. “The 525 is obviously that next development, but at the end of the day, like any lessor, we’re looking at helicopter types that have large operating bases, multi-mission, proven markets. So it’s going to be very hard to go to our investment committees or shareholders to look at some of these helicopters, which at the moment are very early in the development phase.”
20th November, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, has purchased a fleet of seven, new emergency medical services (EMS) configured Leonardo AW169 helicopters.
The helicopters are being placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL: SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited. The joint venture has acquired the aircraft and will be leasing them to Babcock Canada (Babcock).
Babcock, a global leader in the delivery of engineering and critical support services, has been subcontracted by Ascent Helicopters, who will be providing EMS operations across the province on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
The first helicopter has now been handed over, with the remaining six set to be delivered by January 2025. This agreement marks Ascent Helicopters as the first operator to bring the AW169 to Canada.
The highly capable AW169s will be specially equipped with night vision goggles and state of the art medical interiors completed by HeliMods in British Columbia. These modifications will enable the helicopters to meet the most mission critical operational requirements in British Columbia.
BCEHS carries out medical emergency evacuations and patient transfers between healthcare facilities, responding to calls from over 7,800 patients a year.
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, says: “LCI is honoured to support the important roles that Ascent and Babcock are playing in the expansion of vital EMS operations in British Columbia.”
“This development in our longstanding partnership with Babcock demonstrates how LCI can deliver tailored financing solutions for highly specialised, mission critical assets such as emergency medical service helicopters, giving maximum flexibility and support to our customers in providing essential operations.”
LCI is a longstanding leasing partner to the Babcock International Group, currently providing 17 helicopters for a wide variety of operational roles in markets across the globe.
Jerry McLean, CEO of Babcock Canada, says: “Babcock Canada is delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable, and mission-ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”
Each of these helicopters will support local communities and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good health and well-being (SDG3), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9) and Sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). Over half of LCI’s fleet is deployed on EMS operations.
LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving ESG related goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the helicopter, commercial fixed-wing, and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately owned global business group with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp).
For more information, please contact:
Charlie Hampton / Anshika Nagar
LCI
Tel: +44 (0)7884 187297
E-Mail: lci@pembrokeandrye.com
About Ascent
Ascent Helicopters is a helicopter charter company, headquartered in Parksville BC. Celebrating 20 years of specialized operations, Ascent is a leader in rotary wing aviation in Canada. Ascent is very proud to support BCEHS in their delivery of safe and efficient pre-hospital emergency services and interfacility transfers; to the benefit of all BC communities.
For more information, please contact:
info@ascentheli.ca
About Babcock Canada Operating in Canada since 2008, Babcock Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, a global defence, aerospace, and security company. For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role in supporting Canada’s safety and security, delivering engineering and critical support services to defence and civil customers.
Babcock combines the best Canadian talent and in-country expertise with deep global knowledge. Drawing on decades of international experience, Babcock delivers fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment across the land, marine, and aviation sectors.
Now more than ever, what we do matters: creating a safe and secure world, together. Whether providing through-life technical and engineering support or designing and manufacturing a range of defence and civil equipment, Babcock ensures our services are equipped to fulfil our customers’ missions wherever, whenever, and however needed.
30th August, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, has delivered two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock Australasia (Babcock) for emergency medical services (EMS) operations across the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula of Queensland, Australia.
The helicopters, which were delivered to Australia to begin modification for their EMS role in late August, have been placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL: SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited. The aircraft will be based at Horn Island and support Babcock’s operations for the Queensland Government, including the delivery of 24/7 EMS and search and rescue (SAR) services across the Torres Strait.
The new aircraft offer flexibility, high performance, and reliability. Travelling further, faster and with greater capabilities than the previous generation aircraft they are replacing, the helicopters will provide local communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Cape York Peninsula with improved patient care.
The AW139s are fitted with a power loading stretcher system, a winch and an Electro Optic/Infra-Red Camera for enhanced SAR, EMS and other lifesaving work within the remote island community.
Accomplished Torres Strait Islander artist, Alick Tipoti, has designed two dramatic liveries for the helicopters which will be instantly recognisable to the Torres Strait Islander communities of North Queensland that they will serve. Torres Strait Islander Peoples use the word ‘Kuyup’ in reference to the rescue helicopter, which translates to dragonfly. The overall design is known as ‘Kuyupaw Yabu’, which translates to the flight path of the dragonfly, and incorporates elements such as migrating birds, sea spirits, reefs and lagoons. The Kuyup (dragonfly) is central to the design.
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, says: “We are delighted to be providing two new AW139 helicopters, equipped with latest equipment for EMS and other mission critical services, to our longstanding partner Babcock. These state-of-the-art helicopters will improve the speed, range and capability of its operations in Queensland.
“The striking Kuyupaw Yabu liveries will boost the visibility of emergency operations across remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula, and we are proud to have co-sponsored the artwork alongside Babcock and Leonardo.”
LCI is a longstanding leasing partner to the Babcock group, and now provides 18 helicopters for a wide variety of operational roles in markets across the globe.
Duncan Milne, Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services for Babcock Australasia, says: “LCI has helped us to deliver EMS and mission critical solutions of exceptional quality across the globe for many years. These latest helicopters are a significant step forward for both LCI and Babcock in our support of highly effective emergency services in the harder to reach parts of Australia.”
Each of these aircraft deliver this mission critical support to local communities and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good health and well-being (SDG3), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9) and Sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). Over half of LCI’s fleet is deployed on EMS operations.
LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving ESG related goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately owned global business group with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp).
13th August, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, has placed two H145D3 helicopters on lease, one direct to Santos Limited (Santos) and one to Pacific Helicopters (PHL). The placement with Santos represents LCI’s first ever direct lease to an end-user.
Santos is a global energy company with operations across Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Timor-Leste and the US. PHL is the leading provider of helicopter services for energy, mining, construction and telecommunications companies in Papua New Guinea, and will operate both aircraft on behalf of Santos subsidiary, Oil Search (PNG).
The two new helicopters will be leased from LCI’s joint venture (JV) with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). They have been delivered in recent weeks on long term leases and will support liquid natural gas (LNG) and other energy facilities in PNG with a significant export content to Japan. The helicopters will also support Santos Foundation activities in PNG and its work to build resilient communities.
The Airbus H145D3 is the quietest helicopter in its class and has a proven track record of performance, capability and flexibility. Its combination of a small footprint and a large, flexible cabin make it well-suited for a broad variety of missions.
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, says: “We welcome this new partnership with Santos and Pacific Helicopters, and are excited to support their operations in Papua New Guinea. This transaction demonstrates that end users of helicopters can step into leases, thus benefitting from our availability and efficiencies directly.”
Michael Sleightholme, Aviation Manager EA / PNG of Santos, says: “LCI’s wide ranging experience and bespoke approach made them a natural partner for a direct lease, and the helicopters are already bringing greater efficiency, performance and reliability to our operations.”
Eddie Matane, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Helicopters, says: “LCI’s proven track record supporting energy operations across the globe made them a natural choice as a leasing partner. The new and versatile helicopters will help enable us to deliver reliable and efficient operations in Papua New Guinea.”
PHL has supported and engaged PNG Nationals since its inception, employing over 160 people and creating opportunities for locals to become pilots and engineers. PHL adheres to international safety standards and provides reliable and secure aerial solutions in challenging environments. PHL were supported in the arrangement of its lease by Russell Allen & Partners, an aviation company that provides asset management, lease and technical services.
Santos (ASX: STO) is a global energy company headquartered in Adelaide, which reported revenues of US$5.9bn for financial year 2023. Its goal is to be a global leader in the energy evolution to low carbon fuels that help the world decarbonise and continue to provide the reliable, affordable energy the world needs for modern life and human progress.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately owned global business group with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp).
21st May, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), have announced an order for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters from Airbus.
The major new order from LCI and SMFL’s joint venture leasing operation, SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH), consists of 14 firm orders plus 7 options. It is made up of a mix of light twin H145, medium twin H160 and super medium H175 helicopters.
The new helicopters will be delivered through to 2028 and will be aimed at a variety of operating segments such as emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and offshore energy, including wind.
The order marks the next phase of the pioneering Flight Path partnership between LCI and Airbus Helicopters, which aims to address the long-term capacity and financing requirements of the industry in a responsible manner.
The new Airbus helicopters will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions than comparable types and other transportation modes. In addition, they will be equipped with the latest suite of navigational and safety features and will also be capable of using blended Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs).
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “We are delighted to announce our continued business with Airbus. The helicopter marketplace is facing a number of key capacity decisions as it looks to match supply with underlying demand requirements. This order for up to 21 latest generation helicopters reflects our combined determination to deliver solutions for operators and end users in a lasting, efficient and pragmatic way.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, says: “This substantial new helicopter order from LCI and SMFL marks the next exciting phase of our Flight Path partnership, and aims to provide the required support, at the substantial scale needed, to the mission critical sector. With our combination of technical and financial innovation, and market knowledge and presence, I’m confident there will be many more chapters to come.”
The Flight Path partnership builds upon a 20-year relationship between LCI and Airbus, and the initial phase will see the committed delivery of at least seven latest generation Airbus helicopters by 2025.
LCI and SMFL’s combined fleet currently includes over 40 Airbus helicopters. They are deployed by 12 operators in over 10 countries across the globe on a range of missions including EMS, SAR and offshore wind, all of which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The new helicopters align with LCI and SMFL’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth. LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
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Notes to Editors
About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately owned global business group with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp). For more information, visit www.lciaviation.com
VAI Heli-Expo, Anaheim – 28th February, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, has unveiled a new Flight Path partnership with Airbus Helicopters, which will address the long-term capacity, sustainability and financing requirements of the industry.
Airbus predicts demand for over 16,000 new helicopters by 2041, with a combined value approaching $130 billion. The new partnership will see LCI and Airbus Helicopters leveraging their combined knowledge, experience and analytical capabilities to identify the infrastructure and financial innovations that will address this demand.
Flight Path builds upon a 20-year relationship between the companies, which most recently culminated in a collaboration agreement to develop advanced air mobility ecosystems around the CityAirbus Next Gen programme. Going forward, it will also include investment in further helicopter units, types and technologies, with a growing emphasis around sustainability.
The first phase of Flight Path will see the committed delivery of at least seven latest generation Airbus helicopters to LCI by 2025.
LCI has ordered five new Airbus H145 helicopters, all of which are being placed in its joint venture (JV) with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). The first two aircraft are being delivered by the end of March 2024 and will be operated in Oceania.
In addition, LCI will deliver two H175 helicopters by the end of March 2024. The aircraft will be operated in South America.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “This strategic partnership between LCI and Airbus signals our collective commitment to deliver long-term, sustainable capacity solutions to the market. The combination of Airbus’ long-standing expertise in business development, forecasting and planning, with LCI’s track record in leasing, investing and financial innovation, will enable us to sustainably address the multibillion dollar requirements of the market.”
LCI’s fleet currently includes over 45 Airbus helicopters. They are deployed by 14 operators in over 10 countries across the globe on a range of missions including emergency medical services, search and rescue and offshore wind.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, says: “LCI and Airbus have worked together in close cooperation for almost two decades, culminating most recently in the delivery commitments for seven next generation helicopters. This new partnership is a natural elevation of this relationship and one that reflects our shared capabilities. Together with our partners, Airbus Helicopters is committed to delivering sustainable growth and innovation to its customers as they undertake their mission-critical work.”
The new partnership aligns with LCI’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth. LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately-owned international business group whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in nearly 60 countries and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp). For more information, visit www.lciaviation.com
HAI Heli-Expo, Anaheim – 27th February, 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, and Airbus have announced a collaboration agreement to jointly develop ecosystems for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The collaboration will focus on the development of partnership scenarios and business models in three core AAM areas: strategy, commercialisation and financing.
Both partners will collectively develop AAM market perspectives and forecasts, conduct industry research, and harness data analytics to understand new applications and missions. They will support the development of new AAM solutions, evaluate new commercial structures in areas including fleet, battery and charging network solutions.
As part of the collaboration, LCI will become a key financial partner for Airbus’ Advanced Air Mobility projects around certain mission types such as emergency medical services and will leverage its network to aid global take up and acceptance. It will also explore innovative leasing and finance solutions for potential customers for CityAirbus NextGen.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “We are delighted to be forging this new partnership with Airbus. For two decades, LCI and Airbus have delivered capacity and financing solutions to airlines and operators across the globe, and we are now extending that to advanced air mobility.”
“Transportation and logistical networks have a duty to be efficient, sustainable, and scalable. Both LCI and Airbus take a holistic and pragmatic view of advanced air mobility, including vehicles and also infrastructure, financing, and network adoption. By combining our respective strengths, we will incubate and accelerate an entirely new generation of aviation.”
Balkiz Sarihan, CEO and Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, says: “We are excited to extend our long-standing relationship with LCI, an innovative lessor that is globally unique in its positioning across the commercial fixed wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors.”
“LCI’s combination of operational expertise, customer networks, and financial insights, complements Airbus’ technical innovation in flight technologies, and will enable us to collectively drive the development of advanced air mobility. Together, we will take concrete steps towards the co-creation of next generation AAM ecosystems and our decarbonisation roadmap.”
Airbus finalised the assembly of its CityAirbus NextGen and powered on the vehicle at the end of 2023. In the next phase, the company will commence the vehicle’s test campaign, during which it will make use of its dedicated new AAM testhouse in Donauwörth, Germany. Airbus is also expanding its global network and partnerships to create a unique ecosystem that will foster a successful and viable AAM market.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter committing to Net Zero by 2050.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately-owned international business group whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in nearly 60 countries and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp). For more information, visit www.lciaviation.com
22nd February 2024: LCI, a leading aviation company, has announced a framework agreement for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters from Leonardo, comprising of 10 firm plus 11 options.
The innovative new framework agreement covers the latest generation light-intermediate AW169, intermediate AW139 and super-medium AW189 helicopters, which will collectively address industry renewal and replacement requirements.
The new helicopters will be delivered through to 2028 and will be aimed at a variety of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), offshore energy, including wind. The helicopters will be strategically allocated between LCI and SMFL LCI Helicopters, LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL).
They will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions than comparable types and other transportation modes, thereby helping operators to reduce their carbon footprint whilst maintaining mission-critical and life-saving operations.
In addition, they will be equipped with the latest suite of navigational and safety features and will also be cleared to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in the future, leveraging the certification standards already obtained by Leonardo for SAF use.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “We are extremely pleased to extend our deep and long-standing relationship with Leonardo. The helicopter market is seeking to review, renew and replenish capacity in a disciplined and pragmatic way. We want to help customers, operators and end-users to grow sustainably whilst using some of the most modern, efficient and technologically innovative helicopters in the skies.”
These commitments build upon LCI’s decade long partnership with Leonardo during which it has already taken delivery of over 50 helicopters making it one of the manufacturer’s largest customers for new equipment.
Stefano Villanti, SVP Marketing and Sales of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with LCI as they continue to rely upon our technology to meet multiple requirements in the market. This will bring greater efficiency to LCI’s customers and help them reduce their environmental impact whilst offering significant performance enhancements.”
LCI’s fleet currently includes 77 Leonardo helicopters in operation in 20 countries across the globe. Many are deployed on mission critical and socially responsible sectors such as EMS, SAR and offshore wind energy.
The new helicopters align with LCI’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth. LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
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About LCI
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, Governments and end-users.
LCI is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a privately-owned international business group whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in nearly 60 countries and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) (www.smfl.co.jp). For more information, visit www.lciaviation.com
