GLOBAL BANKS FINANCE US$420 MILLION TO LCI AND SMFL JV

13th January, 2025: LCI, a leading aviation company, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd (SMFL), have executed US$420 million of loan facilities that can be used for funding social projects.
The loan facilities have been executed with four global financial institutions: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mitsubishi UFJ Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank, and Bank of America. The funds drawn under these facilities will principally be used to purchase emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) helicopters.
Alan O’Rourke, CFO of LCI, says: “We salute the pioneering role played by the four leading financial institutions in committing funds which can be used for social projects. We are proud that we are collectively making a real and tangible difference in supporting social projects and saving lives.”
LCI and SMFL launched a Social Loan Framework under their JV, the first of its kind for the helicopter leasing sector, in November 2023. It was established in accordance with the internationally agreed Social Loan Principles developed in 2023 by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA) and holds the highest rating of “Social 1(F)” from the Japan Credit Rating Agency.
The Framework is an integral part of LCI’s responsibility programme and reflects SMFL’s long term commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the company policy ‘The SMFL Way’. Helicopters in EMS and SAR support local communities and align with ‘Good health and well-being’ (SDG3), ‘Industry, innovation and infrastructure’ (SDG9) and ‘Sustainable cities and communities’ (SDG11).
LCI is also 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.
– Ends –
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