Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced that it has closed a lease agreement with HNZ Group (“HNZ”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, for one Leonardo AW139 helicopter previously operated by CHC, which will go on long-term lease in support of oil and gas operations in Asia.

Ed Washecka, Chief Executive Officer of Waypoint, said, “We are excited to be working with HNZ on this transaction and are confident this is the beginning of a long and productive partnership. This transaction marks the second AW139 aircraft we have taken back from CHC and placed with another customer, representing significant demand for the aircraft and healthy offshore activity in the region. Waypoint is well-positioned to meet this demand with our ongoing remarketing efforts of the AW139 and significant presence in the Asia Pacific region from our office in Singapore.”

Don Wall, President and Chief Executive Officer of HNZ, said, “We are pleased to be working with Waypoint’s team and recognize the value they bring to the fleet planning process. Waypoint possesses the market expertise, flexibility, and tailored financing solutions that will allow us to focus on our growth targets and greatly enhance our operational capabilities.”

Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting oil and gas, utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators. Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 135 aircraft for 18 customers in 28 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 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.