LCI, a leading aviation company and a subsidiary of the Libra Group, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), have delivered two new Leonardo AW169 helicopters from its joint venture leasing operation to the well-established Italian helicopter operator, Alidaunia.

The two state-of-the-art aircraft will be based in Naples and Salerno on long term operating leases, from where Alidaunia will use them to deliver mission-critical and socially responsible Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations for the Campania region of Italy.

Crispin Maunder, Executive Chairman of LCI, says: “Alidaunia is a highly experienced provider of helicopter services, and LCI is proud to be supporting their growing emergency medical services operation. With over half of our fleet deployed on mission critical operations, we have the technical and operational experience to help them deliver this vital service for the people of Campania.”

Avv/Com Roberto Pucillo, CEO of Alidaunia, says: “LCI’s experience in providing aircraft and support for emergency medical services operations makes them a natural partner for Alidaunia. We look forward to a long and productive partnership between our two companies.”

LCI and SMFL’s joint venture portfolio now totals 38 units valued at over US$420 million – a doubling in size in less than two years from when the JV was launched in September 2020 with 19 aircraft.

LCI’s rotorcraft fleet is focused on the latest technology medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky. These are in operation across four continents in mission critical sectors including emergency medical services, offshore wind, search and rescue, maritime pilot transfer and energy sector transportation.

LCI has consistently grown in scale and value as it has diversified over time. The lessor’s highly experienced management team has built strong relationships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, customers, and leading financial institutions.

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken in excess of US$8 billion of transactions in the aviation markets. LCI’s currently operates a fleet of over 140 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, with an additional 125 units on order.

Alidaunia posted this video on YouTube on 2nd May 2022 about the two helicopters being delivered