Waypoint Leasing today confirmed an order for 16 more aircraft from Airbus Helicopters, including 4H135s, 9 H145s and 3 H175s that will be delivered through 2020. The Ireland-based lessor already has 45 of the European manufacturer’s aircraft in its 140-strong fleet and, prior to this latest $105 million contract, already held commitments for 10 more H135s and 16 H145s.
The latest batch of H135 and H145 light twins will mainly be leased to operators providing emergency medical and utility services worldwide. These will be the first of the H175 medium-twins in the Waypoint portfolio and they will be offered to operators in the oil and gas support sector, as well as for search and rescue and public service missions.
In other news announced on the first day of the 2017 Heli-Expo show in Dallas, Waypoint signaled its entry into the China market with a lease agreement to provide a new H135 for Shanghai Skyway General Aviation Company. Separately, it is to lease an Airbus AS350B3 model, taken from its existing fleet, to another undisclosed operator in China. Both of the new Chinese customers will receive their aircraft in March.
“Waypoint’s speed of execution, deep understanding of our operating needs and ability to structure an attractive lease arrangement will allow us to focus on our fleet and fulfill our missions across the country,” commented Skyway chairman Wang Bei. “Waypoint has proven to be a great partner for Skyway and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”
Last week, Waypoint announced it is to deliver a pair of H135s to Australia’s Mackay Helicopters, which will use them for transferring marine pilots to ships. This transaction was agreed through the lessor’s newly established office in Australia. The new business from China was won by the company’s office in Singapore and the company also now has offices in South Africa and Brazil, in addition to its headquarters in Ireland and operations in the U.S. and Canada.
H175 Offers More
“We are pleased to be growing our fleet with 16 new Airbus helicopters, including the new H175, a cost-effective and reliable helicopter,” said Waypoint CEO Ed Washecka, commenting on the new order with Airbus. “We’re beginning to see sustained demand for heavy aircraft in the market, while at the same time recognizing and responding to the growing demand for interest in ‘super-medium’ aircraft that are well suited to a wide range of missions.”
Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E engines, the H175 can carry 16 passengers up to 140 nm or 12 passengers up to 200 nm. Due to its light airframe, the aircraft can carry 30 percent more fuel than rival aircraft in its class, according to Airbus Helicopters.
At maximum takeoff weight of 17,195 pounds (7,800 kg), the aircraft can hover out of ground effect at 5,800 feet in ISA + 20-deg C conditions. It has achieved a climb to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in 6 minutes 54 seconds and to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in 3 minutes 10 seconds. Standard cruise speed is 150 kt, rising to 160 kt for high speed cruise. In search and rescue roles it can fly for up to six hours.
Waypoint’s aircraft portfolio now has a combined value of more than $1.6 billion committed to 26 different operators in 31 countries. The company (Booth 9836) holds firm orders and options for over 120 more aircraft to be delivered over the next five years with a value of more than $1.5 billion.