Investec Finances Airbus H175 And Leonardo AW169 Helicopters For LCI
Investec Finances Airbus H175 And Leonardo AW169 Helicopters For LCI. Investec has further extended its relationship with leading helicopter lessor LCI, financing two helicopters, both deployed on mission critical operations. One is performing offshore support services and the other search and rescue missions. The aircraft financed are an Airbus H175 and a Leonardo AW169, operating in the UK and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) respectively.
The two aircraft represent the latest generation of helicopters that are more efficient replacement candidates for operators providing essential work including emergency medical services / search and rescue (EMS / SAR), aerial policing, fire-fighting, offshore energy services and VIP Transportation. The AW169 is an intermediate multi-role helicopter produced in Italy by Leonardo, while the H175 is Airbus’ response to the new super-medium category and is notable for its versatility, modern design and low operating cost. The H175 provides long-term offshore transportation services to a major energy producer in the North Sea, while the AW169 is providing search and rescue services off the Atlantic coast of Africa.
“These are the fifth and sixth aircraft that LCI has financed through Investec – a partnership that began in 2019. Investec has an excellent understanding of our sector and our needs, and is demonstrating its commitment to the dynamic helicopter leasing marketplace and the excellent investment opportunities it delivers,” says Praveen Vetrivel, CFO at LCI.The transaction follows the financing of two AW189 helicopters and an AW139 helicopter announced in April this year.
Bradley Gordon, Head of Aviation Finance at Investec Bank in South Africa, says Investec is proud to have assisted LCI with its growth in a segment of the aviation market that has proved resilient in the post Covid-19 world, and has potential to grow further. “We are delighted to continue to do repeat business with LCI and value the faith they have placed in us. The helicopter market continues to show strong signs of recovery, with the new generation helicopters able to provide a wide range of services to meet a broad range of needs,” says Gordon.
