LCI leases two H145D3s including first direct lease to end-user

LCI is leasing two new H145D3 helicopters.

Operating lessor LCI has agreed leases for two new H145D3 helicopters, including its first direct lease to an end-user – energy company Santos. The second lease was agreed with Pacific Helicopters (PHL).

The two new helicopters will be leased from LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (SMFL). Recently delivered on long term leases, the helicopters will support liquid natural gas (LNG) and other energy facilities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a significant export content to Japan. The helicopters will also support Santos Foundation activities in PNG and its work to support communities.

Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer of LCI, welcomed the new partnership with Santos and Pacific Helicopters. “This transaction demonstrates that end users of helicopters can step into leases, thus benefitting from our availability and efficiencies directly,” said Leishman.

Michael Sleightholme, aviation manager, East Asia/PNG, Santos, said: “LCI’s wide ranging experience and bespoke approach made them a natural partner for a direct lease, and the helicopters are already bringing greater efficiency, performance and reliability to our operations.”

Headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, Santos operates across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and US. PHL provides helicopter services for energy, mining, construction and telecommunications companies in Papua New Guinea, and will operate both aircraft on behalf of Santos subsidiary, Oil Search (PNG).

Meanwhile, SMFL revealed plans to acquire a 35% stake in LCI in March 2023. Building on the partnership formed in September 2020, SMFL and LCI’s parent company Libra Group announced plans to grow LCI’s business by $1.5bn over the coming years with significant capital investment by shareholders.