LCI Helicopters places a second Airbus H225 with CHC Helicopter

November 19, 2015

LCI Helicopters (LCIH), the helicopter leasing division of LCI, has concluded the sale-and-leaseback of a second Airbus H225 helicopter delivery to global helicopter operator, CHC Helicopter.

The financing of the Airbus H225 is the second of two aircraft which were acquired by CHC in 2014.

Valued in excess of $50 million, the sale-and-leaseback transactions are the first in what both LCIH and CHC hope to be a long-term partnership between the companies.

Crispin Maunder, LCI’s Executive Chairman, said: “We are delighted to forge this exciting and novel partnership with CHC which supports their strong worldwide customer base. Leasing provides a flexible and cost-effective means of replenishing and developing helicopter fleets, and we look forward to supporting CHC’s strategies and operations in the years ahead.”

The H225, built by Airbus Helicopters, is the latest development of the highly successful Super Puma family, and offers a higher payload–range than any other type in its category. Over 100 of this type have now been delivered to operators, and are deployed on a broad variety of missions in all regions of the world.

Lee Eckert, CHC’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “CHC is delighted to have entered into this new relationship with LCI. The provision of attractive and flexible leasing terms positions us to meet the forecasted long term demand from oil and gas customers while improving our capital efficiency.”

LCI is the aviation leasing arm of the Libra Group. Its helicopter division comprises a fleet of delivered and ordered helicopters approaching 90 new units, including the market-leading AgustaWestland AW139, and shortly to include the AW189 and AW169 helicopters.

Earlier this year LCI Helicopters committed to expansion of its fleet with a firm order for an additional 11 AgustaWestland aircraft valued at US$125 million. The company also announced placement of 10 new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for air ambulance and search and rescue utilization in Australia.

For more information, please contact:

Charlie Hampton/ Pedro Sismeiro
Bell Pottinger
Tel: +44 20 7861 2431/ 2514
E-Mail: champton@bellpottinger.com

Simon Walsh
Communications Manager, Libra Group
Tel: +44 20 7245 8700
E-Mail: simon.walsh@libra.com