Story ID: 453
LCI Leases Its Latest AW169s
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: LCI, the launch customer for the light intermediate twin-turbine AW169, leased three to Norwegian operator Airlift.
Word Count: 183
LCI Helicopters has leased a trio of Leonardo AW169 helicopters to Norwegian operator Airlift, which will use the twin-turbine rotorcraft in support of its sea pilot transfer operations.

“This is the first time that LCI helicopters have been used for sea pilot operations, demonstrating the broad range of applications for this versatile and innovative aircraft, for which we are already seeing high levels of interest from operators across the globe,” said company executive chairman Crispin Maunder.

LCI is the launch customer for the type, the first new helicopter in its weight class to enter the market in more than three decades, and has so far taken delivery of five of the light intermediate helicopters, which are being deployed in a variety of roles including emergency medical services, offshore support, utility and training.

Through next year, LCI (Booth 2620) has orders and commitments for an additional five AW169s. The company currently has a fleet of nearly 60 rotorcraft consisting of the AW139 and AW189, in addition to the AW169, and from Airbus Helicopters, the H175 and H130.