Press Releases

20^th 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).

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. 

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.

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