Milestone Aviation Group Limited , a GE Capital Aviation Services company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, announced that it has completed the purchase and lease back of four S-92® aircraft. The acquisition of these aircraft expands Milestone’s owned and debt financed fleet of S-92 helicopters to over 95 — more than one third of all S-92 aircraft in operation globally.
Ideally suited for a variety of missions, including offshore oil & gas transportation as well as search and rescue, S-92 helicopters have provided more than 1.3 million reliable flight hours with operators around the world.
“With their continued commitment to the platform, driving both availability and affordability, Sikorsky has demonstrated a focus on keeping these aircraft competitive,” said Daniel Rosenthal, Milestone President and CEO, noting: “Milestone takes pride in our partnership with Sikorsky and our ability to place these aircraft in operation while securing our fleet’s future marketability.”
“As the largest owner of S-92s in the world, Milestone’s commitment to the type is second to none,” said Sikorsky’s Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services, Dana Fiatarone. “We value our collaboration with Milestone, and Sikorsky is committed to future enhancements and continued support to ensure the S-92 remains the offshore commercial helicopter of choice for operators.”
About Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 37 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing. With 50 years of aviation finance experience, GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types including narrow-bodies, wide-bodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters, plus multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, aircraft trading, engine leasing and airframe parts management. GECAS owns or services a fleet of nearly 2,000 aircraft (1,685 fixed wing/ 310 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~400 aircraft. GECAS serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 25 offices. gecas.com
