Global helicopter finance company Waypoint Leasing has closed a second transaction with Brazilian rotorcraft operator Líder Taxi Aereo, which provides support for the offshore oil-and-gas industry. The deal includes the purchase and leaseback of a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. “This transaction strengthens our presence in a significant helicopter leasing market in Brazil and demonstrates our commitment to delivering operators tailored leasing solutions that maximize operational flexibility,” said Waypoint CEO Ed Washecka. Líder is Brazil’s largest aviation service provider, offering a variety of products including maintenance, charter, aircraft management, and ground handling. “As Brazil’s largest oil-and-gas helicopter operator, we rely on leasing to add strength and diversity to our fleet financing,” said Líder CEO Eduardo Vaz. “Waypoint has the market expertise, flexibility and access to capital to close transactions quickly, allowing us to focus on our continued growth.”
Having already delivered 10 helicopters to operators in the region, Ireland-based Waypoint announced it will establish a Latin America regional office in Rio de Janeiro starting next January. “We are excited to officially announce our presence in Brazil after serving the growing Latin American market and working with local and multinational operators, such as CHC/BHS and Líder, since our inception in 2013,” noted Washecka. The office will be headed by Steffen Bay, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, who has more than 15 years of experience in the aviation industry including serving as general manager of Brazilian helicopter operator Aeroleo Aero Taxi immediately prior to his joining Waypoint. “I have worked with Steffen since 2006 when he first joined ERA Helicopters and can attest to his extensive knowledge of the region and the helicopter leasing landscape,” added Washecka. “Over his five years spent in Brazil, Steffen has established strong relationships with all of the country’s major helicopter operators. I am confident that under his supervision, we will deepen our existing relationships in the region, develop new ones and continue expanding throughout Latin America.”