LCI AND SMFL DOUBLE JOINT VENTURE FLEET TO US$420 MILLION IN TWO YEARS
LCI, a leading aviation leasing company, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), have acquired and committed to a further five next generation helicopters.
These additional aircraft bring their total Joint Venture (JV) portfolio to 38 units valued at over US$420 million – a doubling in size in less than two years from when the JV was launched in September 2020 with 19 aircraft.
The most recent helicopters consist of two Airbus H145 D3, two Airbus H145 T2, and one Leonardo AW139. They will be deployed in mission-critical roles in Europe and Asia.
More than 75% of the JV’s total fleet is now deployed on ESG-focused missions such as emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and serving offshore wind farm operations. The fleet is in operation across various countries including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Norway, as well as Australia.
Jaspal Jandu, Chief Executive Officer at LCI, said: “Our continued expansion is a clear demonstration of the initial success and long-term potential of LCI’s partnership with SMFL. Using our collective expertise, I am confident that we can achieve further growth with an increasing focus on socially-aware helicopter missions across the globe.”
Shin Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer at SMFL, said: “The synergy between LCI and SMFL’s shared values and respective strengths continues to deliver impressive results. We will maintain our dynamic and proactive approach so as to contribute positively to society.”
LCI has consistently grown in scale and value as it has diversified over time. The lessor’s highly experienced management team has built strong relationships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, customers, and leading financial institutions.
Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken in excess of US$8 billion of transactions in the fixed-wing and helicopter markets.
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Notes to Editors
About LCI
LCI is a leading helicopter and commercial aircraft leasing company with offices in Dublin, London and Singapore. LCI is principally owned by the Libra Group (www.libra.com), an international business group with subsidiaries active in 35 countries across six continents. Libra Group’s subsidiaries are focused on six core sectors: aviation, energy, hospitality, real estate, shipping, and diversified investments. www.lciaviation.com
For more information regarding LCI, please contact:
Charlie Hampton / Rosie Causer
Pembroke and Rye
Tel: +44 (0)7884 187297
E-Mail: lci@pembrokeandrye.com
About SMFL
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing has been one of leading Japanese leasing companies for more than 50 years. SMFL is owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, one of the biggest banking groups, while Sumitomo Corporation is a top-tier trading company. SMFL provides aircraft and engine leases to the global aviation industry and other asset-based finance such as real estate and energy facilities, in addition to other types of finances like financial leases, debt and equity investments, and various financial products.
For more information regarding SMFL, please contact:
Yusuke Kataoka, Aviation Business Development Section
SMFL
Tel: +81 (0)3 6695 3989
Email: kataoka-yu@smfl.co.jp