HI Uplift: LCI leases seven AW169s to Babcock Canada for EMS missions

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by Mike Stones

21 November 2024

LCI has bought seven new Leonardo AW169 helicopters, in emergency medical services (EMS) configuration, for lease to Babcock Canada as part of a move to upgrade critical cover in the region.

Babcock has been subcontracted by Ascent Helicopters to provide EMS operations across British Columbia on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). Ascent Helicopters is the first operator to bring the AW169 to Canada. The helicopters are being placed in LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL).

“The emergency medical services market in North America is being upgraded with more capable helicopters, and this is an excellent opportunity for LCI to support the growth of its longstanding partner, Babcock, in Canada,” Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer, LCI told Helicopter Investor.

The AW169 (pictured above) is designed around patient needs and is “an ideal helicopter for mission critical operations”, said Leishman. Equipped with night vision goggles (NVG) and the latest medical interiors installed by HeliMods in British Columbia, the aircraft will deliver 24/7 mission critical operations.

“They enable pilots to land in the remote, unplanned locations often required on EMS missions,” said Leishman. “As such, they can transform the coverage an operator can deliver, and thus can play a vital role in saving lives.” Their use is increasing across all EMS operations, not just in North America.

The first AW169 helicopter has been delivered already and the remaining six aircraft will reach British Columbia by January 2025.

‘Can make a critical difference’

“Supporting mission critical EMS operations across the globe is something LCI has been focused on for a decade,” Leishman told us. “Helicopters can make a critical difference in serious medical situations, with a speed and versatility not possible by road transport, and which save lives in the vital ‘golden hour’ [of critical medical intervention].”

More than half LCI’s fleet of about 150 helicopters is deployed on EMS operations in locations ranging from Australia to Chile. Within that total, the lessor is also supplying EMS assets to eight countries across Europe. LCI provides 17 helicopters to Babcock International Group for a range of roles in markets worldwide.

The lessor already has orders and commitments for additional AW169s, as well as AW139 and H145D3 helicopters to be delivered to customers worldwide.

‘The first to introduce’

Leishman said the new helicopters will support local communities and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “LCI already has EMS helicopters in North America, however, we are excited to be partnering with Babcock and Ascent Helicopters to be the first to introduce these state-of-the-art AW169 helicopters into Canada, including a specialised medical interior provided by Helimods,” he said.

BCEHS flies medical emergency evacuations and patient transfers between healthcare facilities. The service responds to calls from more than 7,800 patients a year. Jerry McLean, CEO, Babcock Canada said: “Babcock Canada is delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable and mission-ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”

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