Lobo Leasing and Air Taurus sign LOI to lease five unmanned Pipistrels
Lobo Leasing and Air Taurus have signed a letter of intent (LoI) to lease five Pipistrel Nuuva V300 unmanned hybrid VTOL aircraft. The two firms will also work together to develop a leasing model for the new asset class.
Air Taurus, the Irish group affiliate of humanitarian logistics specialist AYR Logistics (AYR), expects to take delivery of the first units in 2025 to 2026. Lobo signed an agreement Pipistrel for 15 Nuuva V300 aircraft last year. These five aircraft are the first to be committed to a lease customer.
According to Lobo, the transaction is a “clear demonstration of the anticipated market demand for operating lease solutions” for advanced new-technology aircraft.
Gustavo Semeraro, senior vice president, Business Development, Lobo said: “We are proud to continue at the forefront of this fast-developing market by bringing a pioneering partnership to develop a financial solution to support AYR’s crucial humanitarian work. AYR is a respected and experienced operator, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with them on finalising this letter of intent. The V300 has the potential to transform the humanitarian aviation sector by bringing an entirely new approach to the delivery of long-standing operational requirements.”
Air Taurus will use the Nuuva V300 in AYR’s global humanitarian operations, flying food and medical supplies across areas with limited ground infrastructure. The V300 uses a hybrid propulsion system including electric motors for vertical lift and a FADEC IC powerplant for cruise flight. The aircraft is planned to have a cruise speed of about 120knots with a cargo capacity of up to 300kg and maximum range of 300km (186miles) with reserves.
Stephen Lyons, chief development officer, AYR, said:“This marks an important step forward in our plans to introduce unmanned aircraft to the humanitarian sector. We are grateful to Lobo Leasing for their support and the shared vision we have for the humanitarian application of unmanned aircraft.”
Meanwhile, Helicopter Investor’s sister title Revolution.Aero spoke to Lobo’s Semeraro in May last year following the initial deal with Pipistrel for 15 aircraft.
