AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announces a further contract win with Lease Corporation International (LCI) for three AW169, five AW139 and two AW189 helicopters. The aircraft, ranging from the light intermediate AW169 to the medium AW189 and their precursor AW139, will be used by LCI’s helicopter division to offer its customers modern aircraft ready for offshore transport, search and rescue, aero-medical transport and other missions.

This latest contract expands on the number of firm orders placed by LCI in 2012 and confirms its confidence in AgustaWestland’s capabilities and products. LCI also reconfirms its commitment to the AW169 programme ahead of civil certification, which is on schedule for summer 2014. Deliveries of AW139s to LCI are taking place ahead of schedule with the handover of three aircraft earlier this year and two more scheduled for the second half of 2013.

LCI and its customers will benefit from the commonality in design across the AW139, AW169 and AW189 family of new generation helicopters. As well as possessing the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features, the helicopters share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept that will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets of more than one type.

Crispin Maunder, Executive Chairman of LCI, commented: “The AgustaWestland AW139/169/189 helicopter family are market leaders in their respective categories and LCI is delighted to be able to meet the increasing demand from both our current and new customers to lease these fine machines.”

The AW139 is the market leader in the medium twin helicopter market with over 720 sold in almost 60 countries to more than 200 customers for many roles including VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief and maritime security.

The AW169, with already more than 80 orders, is an all-new twin-engine helicopter in the 4-tonne class. Engineered to satisfy the operational and mission requirements of the most demanding parapublic and commercial operators, the AW169 employs new technologies to achieve high levels of safety, performance and comfort with very competitive economics. The spacious cabin can seat up to ten passengers or two stretchers plus medical attendants.

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multi-role helicopter. With deliveries expected to start later this year, the new 8-tonne class, twin-engine helicopter is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR missions. More than 70 aircraft have been ordered since its launch in June 2011. The spacious cabin is configured with 16-seats as standard. Seating options include a high-density 18-seat layout or long-range 12-seat configuration.

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired fixed wing and rotary aircraft with a value of around US$5 billion. Today the company has a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft on lease to some of the world’s leading airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air France and Asiana. LCI is also a launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries having placed an order for 20 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion, with options for a further 20 aircraft. The helicopter leasing division was established in 2012 with a US$400m order for AgustaWestland helicopters.

About LCI
LCI (www.lciaviation.com) is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), an international business group with companies operating from 25 offices across four continents. Libra Group’s subsidiaries are primarily focused on aviation, shipping, hospitality, energy and real estate.