Waypoint leases three AW169s to Taiwan

Waypoint Leasing Logo

Waypoint Leasing has delivered three new AW169s on lease to Taiwanese operator Emerald Pacific Airlines.

This delivery represents the first time that Waypoint has delivered an aircraft to Taiwan and the lessor’s third, fourth and fifth AW169 deliveries globally.

The three helicopters will be used mainly for government EMS operations. Other missions the helicopters will fly on include heavy lift missions, aerial agricultural engineering and aerial photography.

Philip Stransky, Waypoint’s vice president of sales and relationship management, Asia Pacific, said: “This is a very important transaction for Waypoint as it marks the beginning of a collaborative partnership with a new, well-respected customer, and the entry into a very important market – Taiwan.

“Emerald Pacific is well positioned to take advantage of the growth in demand for EMS services in Taiwan, and we look forward to supporting their financial and leasing needs. We would like to thank the Taiwanese Civil Aeronautics Administration for their professionalism and Leonardo for assisting our team in the execution of the first helicopter lease in Taiwan.”

Waypoint’s helicopter portfolio currently sits at more than 160 aircraft leased to 35 customers in 34 countries. The total value of the lessor’s portfolio is estimated at more than $1.6 billion. Waypoint also has firm and option orders for more than 70 helicopters valued at more than $750 million.

James Lee, chairman of Emerald Pacific, said: “Waypoint proved themselves to be a strong partner in supporting our important government EMS operations.

“Their customer-focused dedication and operational knowledge were key elements to the efficient and flexible execution of this agreement. We are pleased to sign our first helicopter lease with Waypoint and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our fleet in the future.”