LCI raises $500m in helicopter and fixed wing financing in 2022

Operating lessor LCI has revealed it raised $500m in helicopter and other aviation financing during 2022. The total includes $200m in the last two months of the year. The company operates across the commercial fixed-wing, helicopter and advanced air mobility sectors.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO, LCI, said: “The LCI team has now raised over $1.5bn of capital since the start of 2019, and this speaks volumes about our ability to raise helicopter and related finance at scale.” Jandu also said the total validated the team’s engagement with finance partners and other capital sources around the world.

“This year presents a new interest rate, regulatory and ESG [environmental, social and governance]-related environment, but one in which efficient leasing solutions will continue to prove popular with operators, end-users and OEMs,” concluded Jandu.

Meanwhile, LCI broadened its commitment to AAM with an order for up to 40 Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft from Elroy Air. The order for the autonomous cargo aircraft complements LCI’s order last April for 50 piloted Alia 250s, with an option for up to 125 aircraft, from eVTOL manufacturer Beta Technologies.