In spite of a challenging global helicopter market, Avinco completed a total of 25 helicopter transactions in all ranges & mission types in Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Australia, Europe and Africa in 2014.

Among these sales, were the last two BO105’s from its 17-strong portfolio acquired some years ago from the German Police.
In disposing of this fleet, Avinco demonstrated its ability to manage the re deploying of a large portfolio to a new life converting ex-EMS machines to new missions (corporate, surveillance, pax, utility).

The helicopters were sold individually to various operators throughout the world, and most underwent full maintenance programs and a number of reconfigurations, including full interior refurbishment, avionics customization, mission-specific equipment installations (hoists, EMS Kits, cargo hooks, floats..).

Key to Avinco’s success in 2014 was its willingness to take risks on behalf of its customers.
Technical and financial risk-taking facilitated and in some instances created deals which would not have otherwise been feasible.

Avinco was fully liable for the delivery of several FAA/EASA recertified and freshly registered helicopters, allowing its customers to find machines outside of their usual the scope at no additional risk.

Avinco also continued to propose its own funding solutions, giving the buyer the opportunity to arrange swift and easy to close financing solutions to get its operation started avoiding over exposure.

“Providing audacious turnkey solutions to our customers has once again proven an invaluable approach for us” Aubrey Point, Avinco’s Helicopter Vice President comments. “In 2014, we were not afraid to take risks and get involved in complex transactions. This created opportunities and lead to some very successful deals. Our customers are happy, and so are we”.

2014 also clearly marked the expansion of Avinco’s sales team, in particular with new faces in Russia and the US, to focus on these two crucial markets. Mike Richardson, former Airbus Helicopters Director, was appointed Commercial Director North America, and Maria Kolesnikova now oversees operations in Russia & CIS countries as Commercial Director, with previous experience coming from the Russian private Jet sector. Joanna Lumanlan continues to actively develop the South-East Asian market for Avinco.2014 also saw the appointment of Julien Di Carlo as Helicopter Technical Director.

In Q4 of 2014, Avinco’ spares inventory increased further as it acquired a large Airbus Helicopter stock of new main dynamic components, main gear boxes, and mission equipment.

With creative solutions and all-around support, Avinco once again proved to be a valuable partner for buyers, lessees and aircraft owners in 2014. “Providing tailor-made financing solutions to our customers and being a global player will be determinant again in 2015, which will prove to be another challenging year for our industry” says François

Gautier CEO, “We will soon intensify our presence in the VIP market and will also be in a position to provide more volume funding to our customers on a pure asset based financing basis. ”

Avinco Helicopter and Spare parts sales teams will be at Heli-Expo Orlando, March 3-5th, booth 4217.