LCI to deliver two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock Australasia

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by Mike Stones

3 March 2023

Operating lessor LCI is to deliver two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters on long-term lease to Babcock Australasia in Australia in early next year. Valued at more than $40m, the helicopters will be deployed by Babcock on emergency medical services (EMS) operations.

Babcock is a longstanding leasing partner for LCI, which provides helicopters for a wide variety of roles in markets across Australia and worldwide. The country is a major market for LCI, with 16 of its AW139 helicopters already on lease flying EMS and offshore support missions.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO, LCI said The latest Leonardo AW139 is an innovative and versatile next generation helicopter, proven across mission types including EMS flights. “The aircraft type has one of the largest installed fleets in the world and LCI has invested significantly in the programme,” said Jandu. “Many of our AW139s are placed on lease within the Babcock Group and so naturally we are pleased with this incremental business with a long-standing partner.”

Peter Newington, MD, Aviation & Critical Services, of Babcock Australasia, added: “LCI is a longstanding, flexible and proven partner which has supported our burgeoning helicopter operations across the globe for a decade. We’re confident they will help us deliver and expanded, outstanding level of EMS provision in Australia.”

The Leonardo AW139 combines flexibility, high performance, proven technologies, and exceptional safety features, and is the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class with more than 1,000 units in service worldwide, according to the lessor.

The AW139 can carry up to 15 passengers. LCI has 80 Leonardo helicopters operating in 22 countries worldwide. Many are deployed on EMS, Search and Rescue and offshore wind energy missions.