LCI & SMFL deliver two new AW169s to Italian EMS operator

Two new Leonardo AW169 helicopters have been delivered by leasing services company LCI  and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (SMFL), from their joint venture leasing operation, to Italian emergency medical services (EMS) operator, Alidaunia.

The two aircraft (pictured) will be based in Naples and Salerno on long term operating leases. Both helicopters will deliver mission-critical EMS operations for the Campania region of south west Italy.

Crispin Maunder, executive chairman, LCI said Alidaunia is a highly experienced provider of helicopter services and LCI is proud to support its growing EMS operation. “With over half of our fleet deployed on mission critical operations, we have the technical and operational experience to help them deliver this vital service for the people of Campania,” he said.

Roberto Pucillo, CEO, Alidaunia, added: “LCI’s experience in providing aircraft and support for emergency medical services operations makes them a natural partner for Alidaunia. We look forward to a long and productive partnership between our two companies.”

The LCI and SMFL joint venture portfolio now totals 38 units valued at more than $420m. The fleet has doubled in size since the joint venture was launched in September 2020 with 19 aircraft.

LCI’s rotorcraft fleet includes medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading OEMs such as Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky. Its helicopters operate across four continents in mission critical sectors including EMS operations, offshore wind, search and rescue, maritime pilot transfer and energy sector transportation.

The company operates a fleet of more than 140 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, with an additional 125 units on order.  Since its launch 18 years ago, LCI has undertaken transactions valued at over $8bn in aviation markets.