Helicopter Investor London 2025 brought together over 250 of the industry’s most senior executives and key decision-makers to discuss and debate the latest topics.
Attendees had the chance to connect with the industry’s most important operators, financiers, OEMs, leasing companies, appraisers, lawyers, investors and all other leading figures involved in growing the helicopter market.
What was included in the Helicopter Investor Pass?
Exclusive access to the two day conference
Pre-conference cocktail reception
Cocktail reception
Networking lunches
All refreshments
Conference documentation
Event app
Delegate list
VAT which may be reclaimable
Helicopter Investor has been absolute dynamite.
David Hayler, GreenAir
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As a manager and experienced aviation professional, Rami has a passion for delivering exceptional advisory and valuation services at IBA Group. Leveraging his expertise in asset valuations and his proficiency with analytical tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, R, and Python, he delivers valuable insights to clients. Additionally, his strong project management skills and ability to utilise big data and machine learning enhance his capacity to drive business intelligence and achieve optimal results.
Padraig Conneely has over 25 years’ experience in the aviation sector, across both military and civilian sectors. He joined LCI in early 2016, and is currently in the role of Chief Technical Officer, having previously held roles at VP (Technical, Operations, Portfolio Management), and SVP (Technical Operations) level. Padraig has over twenty years’ experience as a senior military officer where he commanded both fixed wing and helicopter units, and has led on missions including the United Nations (Lebanon), the International Security Assistance Force (Afghanistan) and a two-year secondment with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Bosnia). He also held an executive role with Kenmare Resources PLC, and is a founding partner at Rose Aviation. Padraig holds a primary degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Technology Management (1st class) and an MBA (1st class) from the Michael Smurfit Business School, Dublin.
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Rotorcraft Business Evolution
Roberto Garavaglia leads since 2013 the Strategy Dept. of Leonardo – Helicopter Division, previously AgustaWestland, a leading rotorcraft OEM employing 14,000 people worldwide with main industrial activities in Italy, UK, Poland, the USA and Switzerland.
In the 2003 – 2013 timeframe, he was SVP Marketing of AgustaWestland. In the role, he and his Italy and UK-based teams contributed to product definition user segment development and sales achievements in both civil and military competitive markets. In December 1998, he had joined Agusta SpA and as area manager for civil sales covering several Central and Northern European countries.
Between 1991 and 1998 he worked for ATR, the regional aircraft manufacturer in Toulouse (France), holding several posts in Marketing and Sales, eventually leading the Airline Marketing team. During the Aero International (Regional) JV period between ATR and Bae Systems (1995-1998), he was also involved in the pre-launch project definition, business planning and marketing activity of the AI(R)JET regional jet programme.
In 1989, he worked at Aero Engineering, an aeronautical design Company in Milan, as n engineering analyst dealing with systems and structural analysis and design on several civil and military aircraft programs. Between mid-1988 and mid-1989 he spent one year as an officer in the Italian Air Force.
He earned a Master in Aeronautical Engineering in 1988 at the Politecnico di Milano.
He is married and has two sons and he lives in Milan
Marc Schechter is a Director at ITE Management and has been financing helicopters for over a decade. He joined Thora Capital in 2020 and together with the firm’s founders financed over 50 helicopters before its acquisition earlier this year by ITE Management. Prior to joining Thora, Marc was head of Risk & Credit functions for Macquarie’s rotorcraft leasing platform. He was a co-founder of both Waypoint Leasing and Era Group after beginning his helicopter financing career at Seacor Holdings. Marc received his M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and a B.A. from Northwestern University.
Laurie Ceccan started her journey with Airbus Helicopters 14 years ago in the Mergers & Acquisitions team. She then spent 5 years on the CEO’s staff, as Head of Crisis Management, and also Representative of the Airbus Foundation for Helicopters, and launched the first bricks of Sustainability for Airbus Helicopters in close relation with all Airbus divisions.
She now has the responsibility to foster the deployment of sustainability within Airbus Helicopters customer business.
With over 35 years of aviation experience in civilian and military operations, Alastair is the Founder of F4 Fly Fast Further First Ltd and is an (ASA) Accredited Senior Appraiser in ‘Materials & Technical Specialties – Aircraft’ (MTS-Aircraft).
Alastair’s background in aviation also includes time as a commissioned Officer in the Royal Air Force prior to making a move to study ETOPS aircraft development by Boeing and Airbus at City University. Following this time Alastair was appointed as the head and director of the undergraduate program at City University for cadet pilots on Air Transport Operations.
Alastair has also been a frequent speaker at international events hosted by aviation groups, financial bodies and helicopter manufacturers during his time as the helicopter specialist at IBA.
He has also worked for the National Audit Office (UK) and is an elected Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS).
Arnaud Fiscel is Head of Transportation at Bank of China in London, where he offers corporate, infrastructure and asset-based solutions for the Aviation, Maritime and Rail sectors.
Inspired by a genuine passion for aviation, Arnaud has held several senior financier positions with major airline groups and financial institutions. In his different roles, he led the financing or advising on over 500 aviation assets & projects and covered most airlines & operating lessors, including SMBC on their acquisition of RBS Aviation Capital. His most recent position was as a Senior Adviser to UK Export Finance, a ministerial department of the UK government. Prior to this he was Managing Director, Head of Aviation at Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking in London.
Russell has invested in the aviation markets for over a quarter-century. Prior to Thora, most recently, he led deal origination and sales & marketing for RPK Capital, a former portfolio company of The Carlyle Group dedicated to aircraft leasing. Before that, Russell worked at GAAM UK Pty Ltd, a private equity firm specializing in commercial aircraft, and at First Greenwich Kahala.
Ray Gonzalez, Director of Credit Underwriting and Portfolio Management – Aerospace, Defense, and Government Finance at First Citizens Bank (and its Subsidiary CIT).
Ray carries over a decade of experience across the financial services value chain specialized in financing aviation, aerospace, defense, and government contracting companies. Ray’s experience covering global civil and parapublic helicopter finance includes underwriting and funding bank debt, advisory mandates and credit facility placement, and credit portfolio management covering world class OEM, operator, and lessor exposures.
JENNIFER MARTONE is the Program Director, Commercial Sustainment, supporting the Global Commercial and Military Systems market segment for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. Serving in this role, she is responsible for the GCMS commercial aftermarket portfolio, whose products and services primarily support the S-92 and S-76 Offshore, VIP, Search & Rescue and Utility customers. This includes responsibility for Sikorsky Customer Total Assurance Programs (TAP)
Jason is passionate about everything related to Aviation, and in his words, “working at Eagle is living my dream each day.” Hailing from Mumbai, India, he watched helicopters launch from Juhu Aerodrome and the fixed-wing aircraft traffic out of Mumbai International Airport – aviation became a passion from a very young age. Jason wanted to become a pilot and even started flight school, but aviation was facing significant headwinds at the time. He instead completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in the US, and worked for a few global organizations in the USA and Canada, mainly in the Manufacturing and Mining sectors. In 2019, Jason joined Eagle as the VP of Sales & Marketing. This role allowed him to manage and develop a centralized strategy across all sales channels and business lines. After a year, he pursued other mining opportunities, but his passion for aviation and Eagle was alive and well all along. After two years, he is now back at Eagle Copters and focused on doing what’s best for stakeholders, customers, and the industry at large.
James has worked with Milestone since November2012, initially in finance and then pricing and since May 2020 in Fleet Management. He has over 20 years’ experience in international finance having previously worked in the UK, France and Germany before returning to Ireland. Prior to Milestone, James spent ten years at GE Capital cycling through multiple industries and finance disciplines starting on the Financial Management Program (FMP).
Sameer, as managing director for Asia Pacific at Bell, was responsible for all sales and service activity across Asia Pacific and Oceania. Besides having led a cross-functional team of regional sales and business development managers and directors, Sameer also oversaw Bell’s strategic marketing opportunities in the region. Before leading Bell’s Asia Pacific team, Sameer was managing director for Bell’s Africa & Middle East business, based in Dubai.
Before joining Bell, Sameer led Textron Financial Corporation’s Asia Pacific and Middle East aviation finance group as Global Sales Director.
Sameer started his 25-year Textron career in 1999 as a structures engineer for Cessna’s Single- Engine division, first in Independence, Kansas, and then in Wichita, earning a Six Sigma Black Belt in Cessna Aircraft Company’s Sales and Marketing organization.
Sameer is a certified pilot and has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. He holds an MBA from Wichita State University and executive/senior executive education from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona and Duke University in North Carolina, respectively.
Shaun Pickering, Specialist Asset Finance Aviation Lead at NatWest.
With 16 years experience specialising in asset finance, Shaun is now the director of aviation for NatWest where he manages the commercial aviation asset finance business for the bank. Shaun has many years experience in helicopter financing as a provider and arranger of debt facilities to the industry’s leading operators and lessors.
David Martin is the senior product manager of all Bell Commercial products, where he is responsible for product strategy. He leverages his expertise in the aerospace & defense industry to bring customer focused solutions and operational efficiency to commercial and military business segments around the globe. David rejoined Bell in October 2023, to lead the positioning of the Bell 525. David is a veteran of the US Marine Corps, and in 2022 was accepted into the Royal Aeronautical Society as a Fellow. He is an FAA licensed airmen with private pilot (student) and A&P privileges, is certified as a six sigma green belt and LEAN practitioner; and has received commendations from the Defense Contract Management Agency, Bell Flight, and Sikorsky Aircraft for his work supporting customers. In addition to executive education programs at Darden and Stanford Universities, David holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Saint Louis University (Cum Laude), and a Masters in Business Administration from Texas Christian University.
With over 30 years of experience in the helicopter industry, Jean-Noël brings extensive expertise in fleet management, pre-owned and new helicopter sales, and industry partnerships.
Jean-Noël began his career at Héli-Union in Paris, focusing on helicopter services for oil and gas companies. He later specialized in fleet management and helicopter trading and founded Fin Air Trade, where he successfully developed the company’s presence in both the pre-owned and new helicopter markets in collaboration with OEMs. “I am excited to join Rotortrade for a new challenge,” said Jean-Noël. “Rotortrade’s reputation as a global leader, combined with its dynamic and professional team, presents a unique opportunity to further develop the European market and deliver exceptional solutions to customers.
Brad Shaen is the Director and Founder of International Aviation Marketing Ltd., a global leader in helicopter sales and acquisition, primarily in the offshore oil & gas and utility sector. The company has carved out a niche position in the helicopter sector, focusing on medium, super-medium and heavy helicopters that operate for all types of end-use clients. With expertise in global transactions, navigating legal, regulatory, and aviation-related challenges, and a wide network of international resources and clients, ensures that the company can dispose of helicopter assets efficiently and effectively.
With almost 30 years of experience in aviation, Brad has built a strong reputation as an industry expert who provides value-added strategies to helicopter operators and financial institutions of all sizes. His most recent venture, Shakespeare Heli Finance LLC, offers one such value-added service to his clients: flexible financing options for the disposal of non-core and end-of-service-life assets.
As former Director of Sales for Heli-One, the Asset Management and Maintenance Division of CHC Helicopter Corporation, he worked with helicopter operators worldwide to support Heli-One’s helicopter sales, leasing, and maintenance and modification services. During his tenure, he aided in the launch of the Heli-One brand globally to helicopter operators, financial institutions and industry participants.
Senior business and engineering exec with over two decades‘ experience in aerospace and across a wide range of disruptive technologies. Successfully incubated novel business concepts whilst building large global multi-disciplinary teams. Strategic agility and influence to set-up and deliver significant business transformation. Strong business savvy with extensive commercial, customer and supplier experience.
David Crick is a Fellow of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). He recently served as the International President on the ASA International Board of Governors and also as the Chair on the Finance & Leasing Committee of the Helicopter Association International (now VAI).
David is the Managing Director of the DavAir Group, a company providing international aviation inspection, appraisal and advisory services.
He has an unparalleled passion for the aviation sector performing appraisals of both fixed wing & rotary aviation assets in Australia, the Asia Pacific Rim, the USA, Canada and various countries in Europe & the Middle East.
With over 25 years of specialised valuation and consulting experience to many different sectors, David has considerable knowledge of corporate valuation requirements for financial reporting, mortgage security assessments, insurance & liquidation disposals. He performs appraisals for finance and leasing, aviation sales, mergers and acquisitions, insurance disputes, and expert witness for the legal fraternity with a focus on dispute and damage resolutions. Recent projects include advisory on large and complex fleet transactions of corporate jets, helicopters, mission specific and ISR assets.
David has presented at various international forums addressing current issues in aviation assets and appraisal methodologies. He has also been appointed as a Member of the Technical Standing Committee of The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation.
Andrew is an asset finance partner in the firm’s Transportation Industry Group. His focus is on international aviation, rail finance, and leasing transactions. Andrew’s experience includes secured debt financings; export credit agency-support financings; operating, finance, and tax-based lease structures; and sales and purchases.
He advises major international banks, export credit agencies, lessors, airlines, arrangers, funds, private equity investors, and manufacturers across the full spectrum of aviation deals. Andrew has also advised on rail, shipping, and mining equipment financings.
Between 2011 and 2012, Andrew spent time on secondment at Airbus SE in Toulouse, France, acting on various transactions including heading up negotiations on sales and purchases and pre-delivery payment financings.
Andrew has been named as a key or recommended lawyer in The Legal 500 in 2017, 2020, and 2021.
John works within the Aviation Finance team in Investec’s Corporate and Institutional Bank. As an Aviation Finance Consultant, he works across all aspects of transactions as part of the Investec team focusing on commercial aviation, business aviation and helicopters. Investec aviation transaction experience includes senior and mezzanine debt financings, pre-delivery payment financings, export financings and operating leases of aircraft.
John completed his studies at the University of Cape Town and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) specialising in Accounting, which was obtained after finishing a Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Finance and Accounting.
John is registered as a CA (SA) after completing his articles with Investec Bank Limited, having worked in Investec’s offices in South Africa and Switzerland.
David Walker is the Chief Engineer at Rotor Technologies. David is responsible for the autonomy and flight controls systems that power the Airtruck and Sprayhawk UAVs, which are unmanned helicopters based on the Robinson R44 helicopter platform. The Airtruck is a utility drone that has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,500 lbs and can carry over 1,000 lbs of useful load while the Sprayhawk is an agricultural drone that can carry 110 gallons of water, chemical, or fire suppressant. David oversees the development of fly-by-wire, communications, ground control, and autonomy systems across all of Rotor’s product portfolio. Following regulatory approval earlier in 2025, a retrofitted Airtruck will be delivered to a first customer in August 2025 with production beginning at Robinson Helicopter’s factory in Torrance, CA later this year. David holds a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cambridge
David has been a part of magniX’s story since its inception. His background is in electric machine design and he holds multiple patents in electric engines for aviation as well as conventional and superconducting electrical machines. As Chief Design Engineer, David previously led the development of the magniX’s core engine technology powering six different flying platforms over the last six years, including fixed and rotary wing, retrofit, clean sheet, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered platforms. He is currently serving as magniX’s VP of Engineering, leading the charge to develop and certify magniX’s electric powertrain solutions for both aircraft and helicopter applications.
Experienced Director Corporate Finance with a demonstrated history of working in the financing industry. Skilled in Corporate Finance, Finance Engineering, LBO, and Due Diligence. Strong finance professional graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris and Ecole nationale des Ponts et Chaussées.
Joerg Schirrmacher serves as Head of Transport Finance at Helaba and is responsible for the origination and structuring of all transactions within the aviation and rolling stock segment. The aviation segment is currently the largest sub-portfolio with approximately USD 3 bn, where a team of seven dedicated aircraft financing specialists is responsible for originating new business.
Prior to his current role Joerg held several positions in the Bank including an assignment to the Dublin office, where he served as Head of Credit, and the London office, where he was responsible for originating new business in the Project Finance department.
In total he has twenty-three years of Corporate Finance experience mostly in the aviation sector, where he has assumed various responsibilities from credit analysis to origination and structuring as well as restructuring non-performing loans.
Joerg earned an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and also holds a Bachelor’s degree (Diplom-Kaufmann) in Business Administration from Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt.
Mr. Sheedy was appointed to the position of President and CEO of Milestone Aviation in December 2019, following his appointment as Managing Director in February 2015. He has over 20 years of international financial services experience, including having previously led the underwriting and portfolio management function at Milestone Aviation and also having overall risk responsibility for GE Engine Leasing and GECAS’ Cargo business. Prior to joining Milestone, he spent the majority of his career working in commercial aircraft leasing, with a particular focus on Emerging Markets, covering the Middle East, Africa and Russia. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in Ireland, where he spent 4 years in several roles including audit and assurance, corporate finance and corporate recovery, prior to joining GE in 2004. Mr. Sheedy obtained his Bachelor of Business Studies degree from University of Limerick and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Steve leads LCI Analytics and is responsible for the development and creation of its range of reports and bespoke analysis and consultancy. He was previously the Founder and Principal of research and consulting firm Air & Sea Analytics.
Prior to that he spent 17 years at an energy-sector research and consulting business Westwood Global Energy in a number of roles including Director and Board Member. He led the firm’s oilfield services (OFS) research business unit and initiated coverage in several key OFS areas including offshore helicopters.
He also led and contributed to hundreds of bespoke consulting projects including commercial due diligence mandates relating to oilfield services and also helicopter companies such as CHC, NHV, Bond (now Babcock), Weststar and Pathfinder Aviation.
With over 30 years of experience in both civil and military aviation, Lars-Henrik Thorngreen has built a career defined by leadership, expertise, and a passion for the helicopter industry. From his early days in the Danish Air Force to key roles at Air Greenland and other major helicopter operators, he has navigated some of the sector’s most dynamic challenges.
Lars-Henrik first joined NHV in 2015 as Managing Director of NHV A/S and Chief Operations Officer for NHV Group, laying the groundwork for the company’s operational excellence and strategic vision. Now, as CEO, he leads NHV with a strong focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional service to clients worldwide.
Known for his collaborative approach and deep industry insight, Lars-Henrik is committed to driving both NHV and the wider helicopter community toward a future of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Solange is a dual-qualified lawyer, admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales and as an EU-qualified attorney, with extensive expertise in compliance matters, including EU/U.K. competition law, GDPR and privacy regulations, EU regulatory frameworks, international trade laws, and sanctions.
With over a decade of experience, Solange advises on complex multi-jurisdictional matters, spanning both contentious and non-contentious EU/U.K. competition and regulatory issues. Solange also brings significant litigation experience, handling high-stakes commercial disputes with a strategic approach.
Recognized as a leading practitioner, Solange is ranked by Chambers UK in the Competition and European Law section, where [they are/he is/she is] described as “belonging to the very few specialists worldwide who have transport expertise within the field of competition.” Additionally, The Legal 500 (Competition section) highlights for “great experience and outstanding quality of work.”
Mr. Hannan was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Technical Operations and Fleet Management in May 2019, following his appointment as Senior Vice President Technical Operations in September 2018. In his role he oversees new aircraft deliveries, fleet operations and transitions, and has technical oversight for the global fleet of over 330 Helicopters. Mr. Hannan has over 20 years of experience in the helicopter industry including senior roles with operators, distributors, lessors and MRO services providers. Prior to joining Milestone, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Precision Aviation Group (PAG) where he was responsible for the Canadian Division encompassing Fixed Wing and Helicopter Component Sales, Customer Support, Logistics and Operations. He was also a member of the PAG Group executive leadership team and the Transport Canada Accountable Executive. Mr. Hannan also led the Commercial and Customer Support Department at Heli-One Canada for four years, where his global team were responsible for all internal and external MRO support bids, PBH agreements, dynamic component work and pricing. A graduate of the University of Limerick, Kieran holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and diplomas in Business Finance and Leadership from University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Andrew Woofson joined AirFinance in 2012 and is a founder, Vice President and Partner. Prior to joining AirFinance, Andrew was a Director of International Sales for Textron Financial Corporation where he was responsible for all operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Andrew also worked at RBS and Flybe. Woolfson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bristol and is a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management Executive Leadership. Andrew spends much of his leisure time cycling and he is a season ticket holder at Arsenal Football Club.
Dan graduated from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and qualified as an English lawyer with the law firm Allen & Overy LLP. Dan worked in A&O’s aviation finance department advising airlines, lessors and financiers on a range of operating lease, debt, derivative, restructuring and merger transactions.
Subsequently, Dan worked with ILFC (now AerCap) where he handled the negotiation of commercial aircraft leases worldwide and managed a variety of repossessions and other contentious matters.
Emmanuel began selling fixed and rotary wing aircraft in 2004. In 2009, Emmanuel founded Heli Asset a firm dedicated to helicopter sales, which later merged with Avpro, a world leading aircraft brokerage firm. Emmanuel has completed hundreds of aircraft transactions, across the globe. In 2019, he co-founded Aero Asset with Valerie & William.
David Prevor leads the Marketing department in the Airbus Helicopters Global Business directorate where he is responsible to understand, anticipate & influence the market and internal stakeholders in order to bring sustainable growth.
In this role, David and his team are in charge of the future commercial & military helicopter market understanding. His team is also responsible for assessing short and medium term demand for helicopters in order to evaluate the impact on bookings and on design changes. Over the longer term David and his team forecast demand for use in defining generic helicopter design and establishing business plans for new helicopter launches. The marketing team also operates on the field, to create customer awareness and promote Airbus Helicopters solutions.
Before joining Airbus Helicopters, David was leading the Market Research and Forecasts department within the Airbus Strategy and Future Programmes directorate that he joined eleven years ago.
David began his Airbus career as a marketing analyst working on aircraft investment cash flow analysis model. He then became an IT project manager, overseeing software development for Airbus and airlines. Later he joined the Airbus flight test directorate involved in the development, validation, and certification of auto flight systems (AFS) for the Airbus A340-600/-500 and A330/A340 enhanced programs.
David graduated from the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) as an aeronautical engineer with a specialization in Air Transport Economy (economics, fleet planning, forecasting, financing, and statistics) and Aeronautical Techniques (flight operations, aeronautics, avionics, and control systems).
Finance Executive with strong background in Corporate Development (M&A, Organic Growth, Strategic Assessment, Merger Integration), Operational finance and business partnering (CFO experience), International environments (assignments in Middle East and South East Asia regions)
Michael is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), a helicopter leasing and finance company based in Ireland.
Michael is a high integrity, charismatic and inspirational CEO who leads people, teams and companies to win. He has consistently delivered strong growth & excellent long-term outcomes in multiple industries. His experience includes decades of leadership and senior executive roles in global business, sales, finance, consulting, aviation. Michael previously served as a military leader and fighter pilot, flying and instructing on the F/A-18 Hornet.
Michael holds an MBA (with distinction) from the University of Newcastle, and a Bachelor of Science degree (UNSW). Most recently, Michael achieved great success during a 5-year period as the joint Head of Commercial for the world’s largest helicopter finance company.
A French national, Pierre joined Babcock in 2015 as Business Development Director in France, with a focus on the military aviation segment. Since 2020, he has been the CEO of Babcock International France and has led the business through a series of key milestones such as the Fomedec and Mentor contracts signature for the French Air Force and the first Land Sector military contract in France. Prior to joining Babcock, Pierre had a successful career with Steria Group, where he was responsible for the Group’s business development in the Asia-Pacific region (2003) and the management of Steria’s subsidiaries in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. In 2011, he was appointed head of business development for Steria’s Global Defence segment. Pierre has an Electronic Engineering Degree and is an Auditor from the 58th national session of the Institut des Hautes Etudes Défense Nationale, major French Government “Armaments and Defence Economy” institute (2021-2022).
Jennifer Whalen currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bristow Group Inc., a role she has held since June 2020. As CFO, Jennifer oversees a wide range of financial functions, including Information Technology, company accounting, decision support, financial reporting, internal audit, investor relations, strategy and M&A, and tax.
Prior to joining Bristow, Jennifer was Senior Vice President and CFO at Era Group Inc. from February 2018. She had previously served as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Era Group from August 2013, and in June 2017, she was appointed Vice President and Acting Chief Financial Officer. Jennifer originally joined Era Group as Controller in April 2012.
Before her time at Era Group, Jennifer held various positions at nLIGHT Photonics Corporation from 2007 to 2012, including Director of Accounting. She also served as Manager of Accounting at InFocus Corporation for over two years. Jennifer began her career in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she worked in the assurance practice group for approximately five years after serving in the U.S. military.
Jennifer holds a B.S. in Accounting from Alabama A&M University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California.
Zohar is a Partner in our aviation department with particular expertise in aircraft and helicopter trading and leasing transactions, complex commercial contracts and aviation and travel related regulatory matters.
Zohar is ranked a “Leading Individual for Aviation” by Legal500 and is a former General Counsel – Aviation of a major airline group. He is also a CEDR Accredited Mediator.
Sara joined Ascend by Cirium in 2016, after six years in the EMEA sales team managing relationships with the majority of EMEA lessors and aircraft traders. Sara specializes in commercial aircraft and helicopter valuations, and is also responsible for liaising with the market regarding developments and providing thought-leadership input, particularly for the helicopter space. Sara holds a BAHons in Business from the University of Westminster and a CIRM from the Institute of Risk Management
Advanced expertise in lease-based business projects, helicopter financing and helicopter appraisal. Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) – MTS – Helicopter Assets
Thirty years of international and commercial experience and exposure at all levels in the aerospace industry up to, and including, senior governmental levels as an executive Business Development Manager.
Track record of structured partnership negotiations in complex political environments.
Capacity to absorb and understand sophisticated details and an accomplished and amiable communicator in multicultural and diplomatic environments.
Clark is currently advising interested investors, operators and financiers on some of the strategic situations in the mission-critical helicopter sector.
Previously, he headed the global sales and relationship management activities for Waypoint Leasing, the second largest lessor in the mission critical helicopter sector, where he built out the global Sales and Relationship Management Team with offices in Calgary, Darien CT, Rio, London, Cape Town, Singapore, Brisbane and Hong Kong (with a leasing platform in Tianjin, China) to create global customer coverage in very difficult market conditions.
Prior to joining Waypoint, Clark served four years as MD of CHC Leasing (Ireland) at that time the biggest global civil helicopter operator after a near thirty year career in corporate and investment banking in London and New York, latterly managing the largest helicopter asset finance business in London for RBS, where he was responsible for structuring some of the biggest and most complex stuctured debt and operating lease financings in the civil rotary wing sector.
Clark is a regular contributor to the debate around the growth in helicopter finance and leasing as a presenter and panellist at the leading helicopter conferences.
Clark is known as a leading after-dinner speaker with a particular interest in talking and writing about Robert Burns and Burns Night. He was awarded a PhD in Scottish Literature focussing on that tradition by Glasgow University. He is also known as a commentator on banking issues for the BBC, Sky News and in print media.
A results-driven aviation leader with 25+ years of experience across commercial, program, and manufacturing functions, I am passionate about shaping the future of flight. Collaborating with world-class operators, I am pioneering the adoption of fully electric VX4 eVTOL aircraft for commercial revenue services. Committed to innovation and sustainability, I strive to accelerate the transition to zero-emission air travel—redefining the passenger experience and making advanced air mobility a reality for all.
With over three decades of experience in both civil and military aviation, Lars-Henrik brings a wealth of expertise and a well-established reputation to NHV. His notable career includes leadership roles within the Danish Air Force, Air Greenland, and other prominent helicopter service operations.
From 2015 to 2018, he served as Managing Director of NHV A/S and Chief Operations Officer for NHV Group, building a solid foundation of knowledge and relationships within the company. His deep understanding of NHV’s operations and strategic goals uniquely positions him to steer the organisation toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Lars-Henrik is widely recognised for his transformative approach to operational processes, fleet logistics, and compliance standards. His leadership style emphasises innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement—qualities that have consistently delivered enhanced safety and profitability.
Duncan is the Group CMO of Gama Aviation Plc. Since joining the company in 2014, Duncan has been part of Gama Aviation’s global leadership team with responsibilities in Investor Relations, reputation, communications and the prosecution of sales leads within our global lines of business. Duncan joined from a consulting background having worked extensively in Europe, Middle East and Asia across a variety of sectors including airlines, ground handling, wealth, energy and business aviation.
Raphaël has more than 18 years of experience in the banking sector with a specialization in asset finance. Raphaël started his career at HSBC in the Asset & Liability Management team, in charge of interest rate hedging of the banking portfolio. In 2013, he joined the Infrastructure and Real Estate team of HSBC where he delivered a wide range of cross-border financings to major airlines and aircraft lessors around the globe. Raphaël was also responsible for managing asset residual values and led the remarketing as well as the sale of numerous assets. He joined Transportation Assets at RIVE Private Investment in June 2020. Raphaël is a graduate of Ecole Polytechnique and holds a master degree in mathematic finance from ENSAE Paris/University of Paris Dauphine.
9:00 | Welcome Remarks Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor
9:05 | The future for helicopter leasing Where is the helicopter market today? How balanced is supply and demand? Have we learnt lessons from the past rise and fall
Pat Sheedy, Milestone Aviation in conversation with Alasdair Whyte
9:25 | Finding Debt Helicopters versus commercial aircraft Funding lessors versus operators How can the industry attract new lenders? Moderator: Andrew Harper, Reed Smith Arnaud Fiscel, Bank of China Ray Gonzalez, First Citizens
David Mizrahi, Airbus Bank
Shaun Pickering, NatWest
Jöerg Schirrmacher, Helaba John Shaw, Investec
10:25 | Growing GDHF Michael York, GDHF
10:45 | Morning Coffee hosted by Milestone Aviation
11:25 |Choosing the right mission configuration Finding demand and what sells Firefighting vs SAR vs EMS vs utility
How geography affects pricing David Crick, DavAir
Jason Diniz, Eagle Copters Jean-Noël de Precigout, Rotortrade Brad Shaen, International Aviation Marketing
12:05 | Balancing Bristow The split between offshore energy, government services and other services Opportunities in new markets
Jennifer Whalen, Bristow Group in conversation with Alasdair Whyte
12:25 | Helicopters & Sustainability: at the Heart of Transition Laurie Ceccan, Airbus Helicopters
12:45 | Building a Leasing Platform Dan Roberts, Lobo Leasing in conversation with Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor
13:05 | Lunch hosted by Leonardo
14:20 | Opportunities with new technologies Moderator: Yves Le Marquand, Helicopter Investor
David Sercombe, magniX
Thomas Sweeney, Cirium
Borna Vrdoljak, Vertical
15:00 | How Emerging technologies will change the industry Dave Martin, Bell Flight
15:20 | Afternoon Tea hosted by Milestone Aviation
15:50 | Using Export Credit Export credit versus traditional debt What are export credit agencies looking for? Andrew Woolfson, AirFinance
16:10 | Sustaining and Enhancing the S-92 Helicopter Fleet Moderator: Kieran Hannan, Milestone Aviation Jennifer Martone, Sikorsky
16:30 | Playing Monopoly Are global attitudes to competition law changing? Could we see more consolidation Moderator: Clark McGinn, Uplifting Advice Solange Leandro, WFW Zohar Zik, HFW
17:10 | Helicopter Investor Deal of the Year Awards
17:25 | Networking Cocktail Reception
19:00 | Historic Public House Walking Tour
5th June 2025
8:15 | Registration
8:30 | Welcome Refreshments
9:00 | Welcome Remarks Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor
9:05 | Mega trends driving the next 10 years Replacing older assets
The rise of EMS Moderator: Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor Sara Dhariwal, Cirium Gérard Deterne, Pteron
Valuations Roberto Garavaglia, Leonardo David Prevor, Airbus Helicopters Steve Robertson, LCI Analytics
9:55 | Managing end of Lease Assets Finding new homes for older assets
Return conditions and moving helicopters
The economics of part out Moderator: Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor Padraig Conneely, LCI
James Nohilly, Milestone Aviation
Marc Schechter, Thora Capital
Brad Shaen, International Aviation Marketing
10:35 | Morning Coffee
11:10 | Why the best UAVs are Helicopters David Walker, Rotor.Ai
11:30 | Is Charter Growing? Moderator: Mike Stones, Helicopter Investor
Will Fanshawe, Flexjet Jordan Smith, SaxonAir
12:10 | Do the best deals come in smaller packages? Opportunities with smaller assets Finding deals and finance Moderator: Rami Abdel Aziz, IBA Sameer Rehman, Aerius Leasing
12:30 | The electric aircraft revolution Michael Cervenka, Vertical Aerospace
12:50 | Lunch hosted by LCI
14:10 | The Rise of NHV Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, NHV
14:30 | Operating Critical Missions
Key trends driving the business
Finding skilled workers
New opportunities Moderator: Emmanuel Dupuy, Aero Asset
Pierre Basquin, Babcock France
Duncan Daines, Gama Aviation Thibault Nicoderme, SAF Aerogroup
15:10 | Helicopters versus other Real Assets Why are helicopters back in fashion?
Pros and cons of rotary assets
Managing through the cycle Moderator: Alastair Fallon, FlyFastFurtherFirst
Russell Christopher, Thora Capital
Raphaël Naim, RIVE
15:50 | Afternoon Beverages
Sponsors
Event Partner
“Milestone is delighted to be the Event Partner to Helicopter Investor London 2025. Helicopter Investor is the premier event for the helicopter sector, bringing together global decision makers and a platform for in-depth discussions on the latest industry trends. In addition, the forum provides an opportunity to connect with end users, financiers, operators, and manufacturers from across the industry all under the one roof.” said Pat Sheedy, the CEO of Milestone Aviation.
Lead Sponsors
An expansive and innovative portfolio
As a global leader in the aerospace industry, Airbus offers a wide range of products and services designed to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our innovative products and services are relied upon by customers around the globe. We support our customers in fulfilling their missions by pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. We work tirelessly to develop new and disruptive technologies that improve our product offerings across all business areas. This includes innovations to minimise the environmental impact of our product platforms and services throughout their lifecycles.
Above and Beyond Flight - About Bell
We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to developing the tiltrotor, we’ve reimagined the experience of flight for more than 85 years. Today, we’re redefining what flight is capable of.
We are pioneers.
We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of on-demand mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. Our talented employees come from more than 90 countries to serve customers spanning across six continents. All to deliver exceptional aircraft experiences. Efficiently. Reliably. And, above all, safely.
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is rapidly building a large portfolio of newest technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters, and leasing to customers globally. GDHF Helicopters are used by Helicopter operators globally to deliver critical missions for multiple industry sectors and strong end users, including Offshore O&G, Wind, EMS, SAR, Government, Corporate and Parapublic.
GDHF offers our customers near term availability of factory new Airbus Medium H160 helicopters, Airbus Super Medium H175 & Leonardo AW189 helicopters, and used Airbus Heavy H225 & 332L2 Helicopters, and the capacity for GDHF to readily deploy additional capital to meet market requirements for Helicopter financing
One of the leading banks in the German financial capital of Frankfurt, the Helaba Group employs approximately 6,600 people and has total assets of 206 bn Euro. It offers a complete range of financial services from a single source for companies, banks and institutional investors. Acting sustainably has long been a central tenet of Helaba's business model and reflects our public service mission. Our aim is to provide our clients with expert advice on ESG issues as well as bespoke financing solutions designed to help them successfully navigate their own transition towards a sustainable future.
Within our Asset Finance division, we focus on project and transportation finance business segments, which will have a positive impact in our fast changing environment. Being a partner for the transportation industry for over 30 years, we are building our business on extensive experience in arranging and structuring financings for durable and mobile assets.
Leonardo is a global industrial group that realises technological capabilities in Aerospace, Defence & Security. The company plays a leading role in major international strategic programmes and is a trusted technological partner of governments, defence agencies, institutions and businesses.
Through its Helicopters business area, Leonardo is at the forefront of vertical lift solutions - providing complete, mission-ready systems supported by world-class training and services, all for the benefit of customers and society.
As a long-term partner, the Company builds trust through proactive collaboration and continuous improvement. By leveraging its in-house expertise and a strong network of supply partners, it develops smarter, safer and more sustainable solutions - shaping the future of airborne operations.
LCI is a leading aviation company that is uniquely positioned across the helicopter, commercial fixed-wing and advanced air mobility sectors, with offices in Dublin, London and Singapore. Its young fleet of around 150 aircraft includes many new-generation, medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading OEMs including Airbus, Leonardo and Sikorsky. These are in operation across the globe in multiple sectors including emergency medical services, search and rescue, maritime pilot transfer and offshore energy transportation.
LCI’s highly experienced management team has built strong relationships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, customers, and leading financial institutions. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken approximately US$10 billion of aviation transactions and provides leasing services to operators, governments and end-users.
Sponsors
Based in Singapore and Dubai, Aerius Group was founded by respected aviation professionals with more than 50 years of combined industry experience, in-depth specialist knowledge and a vast global network of connections.
Their expertise includes financing of both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft, OEM sales and marketing, secondary market sales, asset management, consultancy, leasing and brokerage.
They have built an outstanding reputation in the aviation industry based on integrity and professionalism, with a strong customer focus. With a passion for aviation and an unrelenting drive for finding solutions, they are well equipped to assist with all your aviation needs.
Cirium is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics. It delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. Equipping airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth.
International Aviation Marketing Ltd. is a helicopter sales, acquisition, and advisory company that provides turnkey solutions to aircraft buyers and sellers across the globe. The company's clients include helicopter operators, leasing companies, banks and financiers.
Specializing in the medium and large helicopter space, the company has tremendous experience in the energy, search and rescue, utility/EMS and VIP helicopter markets.
Having conducted business in nearly half of the countries in the world, their team is adept at navigating the most complex jurisdictions and difficult airworthiness authorities across the globe.
"Relationships drive our business. What sets us apart from other brokers is the extensive time we spend in the field with our clients, understanding their operational requirements and financial capabilities." - Brad Shaen, Founder.
Lobo is an independent, management-owned platform specialised in the sourcing and management of investments in leased helicopter and specialist fixed-wing aircraft. Headquartered in Ireland with offices in UK, USA, Brazil, The Netherlands and Portugal, Lobo originates and manages aviation investments across the world in both the existing helicopter market as well as the fast-developing eVTOL and advanced air mobility sectors. These aircraft provide critical firefighting, medical support, transportation and search-and-rescue services across four continents.
Lobo team is comprised of a diversified team of seasoned helicopter operators, technicians and finance professionals with extensive experience in the commercial helicopter industry which combines all key disciplines as legal, technical, finance, accounting, marketing and business development into a single coordinated service offering platform for investors and operators.
We bring specialist, global expertise in areas such as infrastructure, energy, technology and commodities. We focus on innovation, careful risk management and delivering sustained long-term value for our clients, partners, investors, staff and the broader communities in which we operate.
Founded in 2002, Nova Capital is a privately owned aviation leasing company, with offices in Ireland, France, and Portugal. The company provides asset financing solutions and a full service, highly adaptable leasing platform to Helicopter and fixed-wing Aircraft operators primarily in the on-shore mission critical services space. Nova Capital has established a wide network of business partners including major aircraft and helicopter operators, manufacturers, as well as financial institutions and private investors.
At Pratt & Whitney, we believe that powered flight has transformed the world. We work with an explorer’s heart and perfectionist’s grit to design, build, and service the world’s most advanced and unrelenting aircraft engines. We turn the possibilities of flight into realities for our customers. It’s about more than providing the care and intelligence to service aircraft engines expertly. It’s about innovating and engineering a new and exciting future for aviation – one in which the full potential of human progress can be unleashed. At Pratt & Whitney, we go beyond.
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward.
With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients.
Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.
Based in Paris, Geneva and Luxembourg, RIVE Private Investment puts its proven and successful experience at the service of its institutional and family offices clients to generate stable returns through defensive and long-term investments in real assets. Through funds or dedicated mandates, we successfully developed long-lasting relationships with our investors and business partners based on trust, transparency and alignment of interests.
Industry Partner
Helicopter Investor London is accredited by The CPD Group, one of the largest and fastest growing CPD accreditation bodies, solidifying our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for Industry professionals.
For those looking to advance your career, develop new skills and highlight your commitment to learning and development to your network – attending Helicopter Investor London is the perfect opportunity to do so, with a recognised certificate of achievement acknowledged by leaders in the industry when you attend our event and scan the QR codes each day you attend.
The CPD Group are also proud to be the first and only CPD accreditation service in the world to be certified by The CPD Register. This certification ensures that our accreditation processes meet the highest industry standards, giving both CPD providers and learners increased confidence in the quality and credibility of our services.
The CPD Group provides a professional, personal accreditation service driven by our dedication to quality CPD learning and raising CPD standards across the globe. Our services include CPD Provider approval, the accreditation of Trainers, Activities and Employers and more. As one of the market leaders in our field, we pride ourselves on our simple yet effective service that helps companies increase their credibility and verify their expertise.
Attendees
See who attended Helicopter Investor London 2025
ABL Corporation | Aero Asset | AerCap | Aerius Group | Airbus | Airbus Bank | Asian Winds | Avincis | aviner & co. | Baker Donelson | Babcock International Group | Bank of America | Bank of China | Bayerische Landesbank | Bell Flight | Bell Textron | Blueberry Aviation | Bristow Group | Bridge Funding Group | CHC Helicopter | Cirium | CIT Aerospace & Defense Finance | Close Brothers Aviation and Marine | Cross Ocean Partners | Daedalean AI | DavAir Group | Dentons | Dragonfly Helicopters | Eagle Copters | Econocom | EMP Aviation Invest GmbH | EUROPEAN ROTORS | F4 Fly Fast Further First | First Citizens Bank | Flexam Invest | Flexjet | Gama Aviation | GDHF | Gestair | Harrods Aviation | Helaba | Helimaintenance | Helixel | HFW | Hill Helicopters Limited | Hogan Lovells International LLP | HSC – Helicopter Support Company | IBA | International Aviation Marketing | Investec | Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) | JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd | Kaan Air | LCI | Leonardo | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Lobo Leasing | Luviair Limited | Macquarie | magniX | Makrana Capital Management | Mandacaru Technologies | Mason Hayes & Curran | Milestone Aviation | Ministry of Defence | NatWest | NHV | NOVA CAPITAL | OHI Helicopters | Offshore Helicopter Services UK Ltd | Optima Aero | PHI Aviation | Piasecki Aircraft Corporation | Pratt & Whitney Canada | Pteron Valuations | PwC | Reed Smith | Reed Smith LLP | RIVE | Rotor | Rotortrade | SAF Aerogroup | Safran Helicopter Engines | Salus Aviation – Helicopters | Savback Helicopters AB | Saxonair | Sloane Helicopters | Sikorsky | Textron Financial Corporation | The Titan Helicopter Group | Thora Capital | Ultimate Aviation Group | Uplifting Advice | United Vulkaan Aviation | Veirano Advogados | Vertical Aerospace Ltd. | Victoria Helicopters | Watson Farley & Williams LLP | Westair Helicopters
