Milestone agrees deal for three Leonardo AW139s with Lufttransport

The three AW139s will be deployed on offshore missions in the North Sea. 

Milestone Aviation has revealed signed purchase assignment and leaseback agreements for three new Leonardo AW139 helicopters with Norwegian helicopter operator Lufttransport. To be delivered next year, the three helicopters will be deployed on offshore missions in the North Sea.

The lessor is delighted to support the expansion of Lufttransport’s fleet through the agreement, said Sébastien Moulin, chief commercial officer, Milestone. He added: “Milestone continues to support the growth of the offshore helicopter industry by financing both new and used aircraft. We remain committed to offering our customers tailored solutions that meet their needs and supporting the strong demand for lift.”

Erlend Olsen, CEO, Lufttransport thanked Milestone for its support. “Securing an additional three Leonardo AW139 helicopters, equipped with Full Ice Protection System for the Norwegian continental shelf, is a significant milestone for us,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the Milestone team’s agile and forward-thinking approach, which has been instrumental in making this deal a reality, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to enhance our capabilities and service.”

Meanwhile, in January, oil giant Equinor awarded Lufttransport a contract to operate two new search and rescue (SAR) helicopters for the Troll and Oseberg area of the northern North Sea. Lufttransport will be the third helicopter operator qualifying for assignments on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Last week, Milestone revealed it had agreed to lease two Leonardo AW169 aircraft to New Zealand air ambulance helicopter services provider Northern Rescue Helicopter Limited. Both helicopters will fly emergency medical services (EMS) and SAR missions.