Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced that it has closed a multi-aircraft agreement with DRF Luftrettung (“DRF”), one of the largest non-profit air rescue services in Germany, for the purchase and leaseback of two Airbus H135P2 helicopters. Both helicopters will operate in Germany, supporting civilian emergency medical services (“EMS”).

Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said, “This marks our first transaction with DRF, a renowned operator in the European EMS market and an important new partner for Waypoint. We look forward to working with the DRF team as we continue to bolster our industry-leading EMS capabilities.”

Dr. Hans Eyrich, CEO of DRF, said, “As we plan for the year ahead, helicopter leasing provides additional flexibility to help manage and finance our fleet. Waypoint has proven itself to be a very valuable partner for us in providing a leasing solution with best-in-class technical knowledge and management expertise.”

Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting EMS and other parapublic helicopter operators. Waypoint’s EMS fleet has grown threefold over the last 12 months and is currently comprised of 15 helicopters, further complemented with a multi-year EMS order book of more than 60 firm and option positions, including AgustaWestland AW139s and AW169s and Airbus Helicopters H135T3/P3s and H145T2s.

Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 120 aircraft for 16 customers in 27 countries with total assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 125 helicopters valued at more than $1.7 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.