Waypoint leases H145 to Brazil

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Irish lessor Waypoint Leasing has leased one H145 to Brazilian transport operator CAF Táxi Aéreo.

The helicopter will be used for private charter transport in Sao Paulo.

The delivery represents two landmarks for Waypoint – it is the first lease the company has made for a private charter aircraft and is its 15th H145 delivery.

Waypoint has been looking to break into the charter market for some time, and claims that lessors in general are not doing enough private charter leases.

Steffen Bay, Waypoint’s vice president sales and relationship management, Latin America, said: “We are pleased to complete our first transaction with CAF, an important new customer for Waypoint to make our entry into the private charter market.

“As part of our diversified global footprint, we have been looking at how best to serve top-tier passenger charter operators for some time as it has historically been underserved by lessors. Partnering with CAF in São Paulo, the largest urban helicopter market outside of the United States, is a great first step.”

Currently, Waypoint’s fleet sits at more than 160 aircraft, which it leases to more than 30 customers.

H145 and  VIP charter

Waypoint’s CEO Ed Washecka reinforced this, telling Helicopter Investor: “Waypoint was the first lessor to order H135s and H145 light twins because we saw the opportunities for this aircraft. Similarly, we see opportunities in the private charter market and, given our operational expertise, we can assist customers as they consider new or replacement aircraft. Given the depth of the charter market in Sao Paulo and CAF’s knowledge of the extensive local customer base, this was a good demand-based entry to the private charter market.”

So far the H145 has made more than four million flight hours since its first flight in 1999. The large-for-its-class cabin and safety standards make it ideal for private charter. Airbus released a Mercedes Benz VIP variant of the H145 in 2015.

Cesar A. Federmann, CAF Táxi Aéreo’s CEO, said: “The H145 is an excellent aircraft, with the safety standards and performance our customers expect in the latest technology aircraft. We chose Waypoint because of their reputation in the market and their flexible and cooperative approach. We were impressed with their knowledgeable team and are looking forward to continue working with them in the future.”

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