Helicopter lessor LCI has signed a framework agreement to acquire up to 21 new Leonardo AW139, AW169, and AW189 twins to address fleet renewal requirements. The deal covers 10 firm orders plus 11 options with deliveries through 2028.
The helicopters will be allocated between LCI and SMFL LCI Helicopters, LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) and used for missions including air ambulance, search and rescue, and offshore energy including wind. SMFL acquired a 35 percent stake in LCI last year, part of a strategy to grow LCI’s business by $1.5 billion over the next three to five years.
LCI owns a mixed fleet of 150 helicopters, which includes 77 Leonardo helicopters that are operating in 20 countries. It has taken delivery of 50 of those over the last decade.
“We are extremely pleased to extend our deep and long-standing relationship with Leonardo,” said LCI CEO Jaspal Jandu. “The helicopter market is seeking to review, renew, and replenish capacity in a disciplined and pragmatic way. We want to help customers, operators, and end-users to grow sustainably whilst using some of the most modern, efficient, and technologically innovative helicopters in the skies.”