Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced that it has entered into a lease agreement with Shanghai Skyway General Aviation Company (“Skyway”), a provider of helicopter transportation and related support services in China, for one new Airbus H135 helicopter, which will be used for emergency medical services.  Separately, Waypoint announced that it has agreed to lease an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter from its existing fleet to another operator in China.
 
Philip Stransky, Vice President of Sales – Asia at Waypoint, said, “Since establishing our Singapore office more than a year and a half ago, we have met the growing demand for modern technology aircraft in the Asia Pacific region across major markets.  We are pleased now to have entered the Chinese market, which presents significant opportunities to build long-term relationships with operators in an attractive and growing region and across a range of end-markets.”
 
Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said, “These transactions reflect Waypoint’s continued commitment to broadening our global reach, diversifying our portfolio and better serving our customers with tailored, flexible financing solutions.  It has been a privilege to work with the team at Skyway in their rotary wing development in a market with such significant potential as the People’s Republic of China, and we are confident that this transaction marks the beginning of a long-term partnership.”
 
Mrs. Wang Bei, Chairman of Skyway, said, “Waypoint’s speed of execution, deep understanding of our operating needs and ability to structure an attractive lease arrangement will allow us to focus on the growth of our fleet and fulfill our missions across the country.  Waypoint has proven to be a great partner for Skyway and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”
 
Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting oil and gas, utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators.  This transaction will further diversify Waypoint’s activity into the EMS support segment.  Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 140 aircraft for 28 customers in 30 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 billion.  Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 110 helicopters valued at more than $1.3 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.