LCI signs framework agreement for up to 21 Leonardos
The prospective deal includes 10 firm orders plus options on a further 11 aircraft.
Operating lessor LCI has signed a framework agreement for up to 21 new Leonardo helicopters. The prospective deal includes 10 firm orders plus options on a further 11 aircraft covering light-intermediate AW169, intermediate AW139 and super-medium AW189 helicopters.
Designed to address renewal and replacement requirements, the helicopters will be delivered through to 2028. They will be deployed on a range of missions including: emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR) and in the offshore energy sector, including wind power projects.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO, LCI welcomed the latest extension of the lessor’s partnership with Leonardo. “The helicopter market is seeking to review, renew and replenish capacity in a disciplined and pragmatic way,” said Jandu. “We want to help customers, operators and end-users to grow sustainably whilst using some of the most modern, efficient and technologically innovative helicopters in the skies.”
LCI’s 10-year partnership with Leonardo has resulted in the delivery of more than 50 helicopters making it one of the manufacturer’s biggest new equipment customers. Stefano Villanti, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with LCI as they continue to rely upon our technology to meet multiple requirements in the market.” The agreement promises to bring greater efficiency to LCI’s customers and help them cut environmental impacts while offering significant performance benefits, he added.
The new helicopters will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions compared with similar types and other transportation methods, enabling operators to cut their carbon footprint while undertaking mission-critical and life-saving operations, it was claimed. All the aircraft will be cleared to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), using certification standards obtained already by Leonardo for SAF use.
The aircraft will be allocated between LCI and SMFL LCI Helicopters, LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). LCI’s fleet includes 77 Leonardo helicopters operating in 20 countries worldwide.
Meanwhile, LCI Analytics has calculated the value of floating platform projects with a final investment decision (FID) expected this year as being $37.46bn.
