Milestone signs six-helicopter leasing deal with Omni
Milestone has signed a six-helicopter leasing deal, including this AW189, with Omni.
Rotary leasing specialist Milestone Aviation has signed a six-helicopter deal with Omni Helicopters International. The contract involves three new AW189s, the lease extension of an AW139 and two S-92 search and rescue helicopters. The aircraft will support the growth of SAR missions across South America.
The new AW189s are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2027. The AW139 helicopter, currently operated by Omni on offshore oil and gas missions, is subject to a five-year lease extension.
The two Sikorsky S-92s – equipped in all-weather SAR configuration – are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of next year. The deal represents a significant investment in the region’s offshore and SAR sectors, supporting growing demand for mission-critical aviation services, according to Milestone.
Pat Sheedy, president and CEO, Milestone said: “We are delighted to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Omni through this significant transaction. The AW189 helicopters will support the continued growth of offshore O&G operations in Brazil, while the addition of two S-92 helicopters in SAR configuration represents a major investment in expanding the country’s critical search and rescue capabilities.”
Brazil is a key market for Milestone and this transaction highlights the lessor’s long-term commitments to the region and supporting operators with modern, he added. “We continue to have strong confidence in the S-92 platform and its future in Brazil, where its proven reliability, exceptional payload capability and all-weather performance make it uniquely suited to demanding SAR missions,” Sheedy said. The deal follows the recent opening of the first Sikorsky-authorised S-92 customer support centre in Cabo Frio, 80 miles north east of Rio de Janeiro.
Jeremy Akel, group CEO, OHI said the transaction represents an important step in strengthening OHI’s ability to deliver safe, reliable and mission-critical aviation services across South America. “Our long-standing partnership with Milestone gives us the flexibility to invest in the right aircraft and capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of our customers,” he said. “The addition of these aircraft reinforces both our Offshore Energy and Search and Rescue capabilities, while supporting the long-term resilience and performance of our fleet.”
Omni’s mission portfolio includes crew change, emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, SAR missions plus cargo and utility services in remote and challenging locations.
