Nova Capital expands its fleet with eight new EMS helicopters
Nova Capital has added eight new EMS helicopters, including three Leonardo 169s (pictured) to its fleet.
European helicopter lessor Nova Capital has boosted its fleet by adding eight new aircraft, in emergency medical services (EMS) configuration, with a combined value of $90m.
The newest additions to Nova Capital’s portfolio include two Leonardo 139s, three Leonardo 169s, and three Airbus H145s. “All of the aircraft are factory new and are already deployed serving on EMS missions in Italy, Sweden, the UK, and France,” according to Nova Capital. “Each asset benefits from a long-term lease contract. The deliveries occurred in the period between September 2019 and March 2020.”
‘Long-term lease contract’
Nova Capital founder and CEO Olivier Piot said the acquisition would strengthen the company’s presence in EMS operatons. “We are delighted to further re-enforce our presence in the European EMS market with these latest technology assets,” said Piot. “In particular, we are very pleased to introduce the Leonardo 169 as a new helicopter type in our fleet.”
Piot praised the Nova Capital team and partners who continued to support clients to serve the medical community and the critically important work of conducting EMS missions. “Indeed, some of these aircraft were delivered during the height of the European Covid-19 crisis peak, providing much needed support at a critical time,” he said. “This is a further sign that helicopters should be seen more than ever as a resilient investment, especially for on-shore public-backed operations.”
‘A resilient investment’
The latest helicopter acquisitions brings Nova’s owned and managed fleet to 85 helicopters and 14 fixed-wing aircraft in operation, with a combined total value surpassing $450m. Founded in 2002, Nova Capital is a privately owned leasing company, with offices in Ireland, France, and Portugal.
Meanwhile, speaking in February 2020, Piot told Helicopter Investor: “Helicopter leasing is – and will remain – a niche market within the global aviation industry. The goal of a lessor should be to answer demand, not to make sure that you increase the number of helicopters in the market. You need to maintain the balance of growth and meeting demand.” Read his full comments here.
Nova Capital’s owned and managed fleet – at a glance
Latest acquisitions:
• Two Leonardo 139s
• Three Leonardo 169s
• Three Airbus H145s.
Total fleet:
• 85 helicopters
• 14 fixed-wing aircraft
• +$450m combined total value.
Nova Capital’s Olivier Piot
