ITC-AeroLeasing reports two busy quarters
ITC-AeroLeasing reports two busy quarters.
Tokyo-based leasing company ITC-AeroLeasing has reported two busy quarters closing nine new aircraft lease transactions. Highlights including the continuing partnership with one of the largest emergency medical services (EMS) operators in North America and closing new contracts with three leading helicopter and fixed-wing special mission operators in Europe.
This year has seen a range of diverse projects, according to Steven Nixon, company’s executive vice-president. “We have developed new customer relationships, but notably, we continue to grow our existing partnerships in the US and Europe, some of which have lasted for over a decade …”, he said.
“We always endeavour to share our skills and experience with all parties involved in a transaction, to deliver our primary objective of funding essential missions in the most efficient and professional manner.”
Developing its 10-year partnership in the US, early in the year, ITC lease-financing two Bell 407s with its partner in the EMS sector. An additional three aircraft in medical configuration were leased to the same operator in June. The aircraft, all Bell 407 series, operate from various hospitals around the US.
The Bell 407 is a proven model for EMS operations, particularly in the US and is recognised for its reliability in rescue and emergency transportation, said the company. Entering service in 1992, the global Bell 407 fleet numbers more than 400 aircraft. It’s large doors and interior, which can accommodate one patient and two medical personnel, is said to make the aircraft particularly suitable for EMS missions. During the past decade, ITC has closed over 50 transactions.
In Europe, ITC grew its relationship with three customers, entering lease transactions for six different aircraft. These long-term lease agreements include two Airbus H145 D3s and three Airbus EC135 T2+ helicopters, serving medical missions in Spain and France.
Also included was the lease of an Embraer E190 regional jet, which will be operated by a long-term customer focused on charter, medevac and ACMI flights.
ITC also highlighted the suitability of the Airbus H145 and H135 for EMS missions. “The H145 is a large and popular model for EMS configuration,” according to the leasing company. “Its large cabin space and wide clamshell doors at the back of the aircraft allow for quick and easy loading and can accommodate up to two stretchered patients and three medical staff, as well as two pilots.”
The latest H145 version, the D3, is growing in popularity with European air ambulance operators. Its five-bladed main rotor system and the latest Helionix avionics have increased its useful load, improved performance and provided more stability and reduced vibration, say operators.
Also singled out for praise is the H135, a leading light-twin HEMS asset, noted for its agility in difficult terrains and its size; offering ample space for medical teams to treat patients. “In France particularly, the H135 is one of the most popular HéliSMUR (air ambulance) models,” said the leasing company. Last year, out of a total of 53 Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente (SAMU) helicopters, 21t were H135 variants.
Staying in France the E190 is on lease with a French operator and will be used for passenger transportation, mainly for ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance – referring to a type of aircraft lease where the lessor provides all these elements to the lessee airline). The leasing company has a 10-year partnership with the operator stemming from when ITC financed many of this operator’s fleet for European public service obligations (PSOs) on commercially unviable transport routes, which were subsidised by the French government.
Meanwhile, ITC-AeroLeasing has a global fleet of 80 aircraft and focuses on “a strong commitment to operators dedicated to socially responsible missions”.
