HI Uplift: Aerius seals AW139 purchase and leaseback in Indonesia

Aerius Leasing has sealed its first leasing transaction.

Aerius Leasing has sealed its first offshore energy helicopter leasing transaction with the completion of a Leonardo AW139 purchase and leaseback deal supporting ENI operations in Indonesia.

The transaction represents a major milestone for Aerius Leasing – marking the successful completion of its first leasing transaction, according to Sameer Rehman and Chris Lloyd, managing partners of Aerius Leasing.

“Beyond being our inaugural deal, it validates our business model, demonstrates our ability to execute complex cross-border transactions and establishes Aerius as a credible participant in the global aviation leasing market,” they told us.

The aircraft was purchased from Malaysia-headquartered, Weststar Aviation Services and will be operated by PT Weststar Aviation Indonesia in support of multinational energy company ENI’s offshore oil and gas activities in Indonesia. The deal highlights continued demand for modern, medium twin-engine helicopters capable of supporting complex offshore transportation missions in the Asia-Pacific region, said Aerius.

‘Most capable and reliable platforms’

Syed Azni, executive director, Weststar Aviation Services underscored the contribution of the 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter, pictured above in the company’s livery. “The AW139 continues to demonstrate its value as one of the most capable and reliable platforms in the offshore sector,” said Azni. “We look forward to continuing to support our customers with safe and dependable operations across the region.”

Weststar Aviation Services operates Southeast Asia’s largest helicopter fleets, offering critical-mission solutions across the oil and gas, defence, government and emergency response sectors.

The complex AW139 transaction involved multiple jurisdictions across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East, requiring coordination between investors, lenders, operators, manufacturers, legal advisers and regulators.

“Successfully bringing together all stakeholders to deliver a critical asset supporting offshore energy operations in Indonesia demonstrates the strength of our team, our partners, and our commitment to providing innovative leasing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide,” said Rehman and Lloyd.

They described the transaction as “only the beginning”. Launched at Helicopter Investor London 2025, the managing partners said their mission is to build Aerius Leasing into a leading specialist aviation lessor focused on helicopters and special-mission fixed-wing aircraft. “We remain committed to disciplined growth, strong risk management and supporting operators with innovative, flexible leasing solutions,” they said.

Long-term outlook

Both remain highly optimistic about the long-term outlook for the civil helicopter sector. Helicopters remain essential assets in a number of mission-critical industries, including offshore energy, search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, firefighting, utility support and corporate transport, they said.

“Unlike many other aviation sectors, helicopter operations often provide indispensable services where there is no practical alternative,” said Rehman and Lloyd. Operators are increasingly seeking asset-light solutions that preserve capital and improve financial flexibility, they continued. “We believe this creates a significant opportunity for specialised lessors who understand the unique characteristics of rotary-wing assets and can provide tailored financing solutions.”

As fleets age and new-generation aircraft enter service, Aerius Leasing expects demand for leasing and alternative financing structures to continue growing.

The deal involved, in addition to WestStar Aviation Services and Leonardo Helicopters, partnerships with Investec Bank, Pratt & Whitney and other advisers and stakeholders.

Helicopter Investor London: June 16th and 17th

Final preparations are underway for our Helicopter Investor London 2026 conference, which takes place at a leading hotel in the capital on June 16th and 17th. All delegates are invited to join a Welcome cocktail reception at 18:30 hosted by GDHF on Monday June 15th.

From leading lessors, such as SMFL Helicopters to Milestone, manufacturers like Airbus and Leonardo and operators like Bristow plus much more, if it matters to the civil rotary industry, you will find it discussed at our event.

There’s still time to book your place to learn the latest industry insights and to rub shoulders with industry leaders who make the markets. Read the full conference agenda here.