GDHF leases AW189K to Omni for O&G missions in Brazil

New rotary leasing and finance company GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) has delivered a leased AW189K super-medium aircraft to Omni Helicopters International for offshore oil and gas (O&G) operations in Brazil.

Michael York, CEO, GDHF welcomed what he described as a long-term partnership with Omni. “The purchase of this highly capable AW189K super-medium helicopter was a key step in GDHF’s plan to rapidly grow a large portfolio of the newest technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters,” said York.

The AW189K lease will be followed by two additional leased AW189s to be delivered later this year. “We look forward to further growth in this important relationship in the years ahead,” added York.

Jeremy Akel, group CEO, OHI said: “We are delighted to take delivery of another super-medium aircraft to serve customers who continue to request new technology aircraft.”  The first aircraft will enter service quickly after its induction process in Brazil. And Akel looked forward to additional fleet transactions.

The first AW189K will be operated by Omni’s affiliate in the country Omni Táxi Aéreo. Founded in Portugal in the ‘90s, OHI also operates through its subsidiaries Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc and Omni Helicopters International Mozambique. Missions include: crew change, emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, search and rescue (SAR) plus cargo and utility services in remote locations.

Meanwhile, Dublin-based GDHF was launched in April with a 70-helicopter order book comprising 50 H160s and 20 H175s. Backed by Chinese banks and investors, target markets include offshore energy generation, SAR, EMS and parapublic markets worldwide. Read our interview with the new finance’s company’s CEO here.