LCI and SMFL secure $420m of loan facilities for social projects

Operating lessor LCI and its partner Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd (SMFL), have secured $420m of loan facilities from four global financial institutions to fund social projects.

The loan facilities have been executed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mitsubishi UFJ Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank, and Bank of America. The funds drawn under these facilities will used mainly to buy emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) helicopters.

Alan O’Rourke, chief financial officer (CFO), LCI said: “We salute the pioneering role played by the four leading financial institutions in committing funds which can be used for social projects.” LCI is proud that the lessor and its partners are “collectively making a real and tangible difference in supporting social projects and saving lives”, added the CFO.

LCI and SMFL launched a Social Loan Framework under their joint venture in November 2023.  The framework was established in accordance with the internationally agreed Social Loan Principles developed in 2023 by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA). It holds the highest rating of Social 1(F) from the Japan Credit Rating Agency.

The framework reflects SMFL’s long term commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the company policy ‘The SMFL Way’, according to the lessor. “Helicopters in EMS and SAR support local communities and align with ‘Good health and well-being’ (SDG3), ‘Industry, innovation and infrastructure’ (SDG9) and ‘Sustainable cities and communities’ (SDG11),” it said.

Meanwhile, last month LCI has placed one Airbus H145D3 with helicopter services provider NHV Group to be deployed on marine pilot transfer (MPT) operations with the Dutch pilot organisation.