Airbus Helicopters and LCI announce the launch of their collaboration on Flight Path initiative
In a strategic move to meet the predicted surge in global helicopter demand by 2041, LCI (Lease Corporation International) and Airbus Helicopters have formed a new Flight Path partnership. This partnership, a natural elevation of their 20-year relationship, aims to address long-term capacity, sustainability, and financing requirements of the industry.
Under this partnership, LCI has placed a major order for up to 21 of the latest generation Airbus helicopters. The deal includes 14 firm orders and 7 options, with the aim to provide modern, versatile helicopters to meet diverse market needs. The partnership builds upon LCI's existing fleet of over 50 Airbus helicopters, currently deployed by 14 operators in 10 countries.
The joint venture leasing operation, SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH), will see the committed delivery of at least seven latest generation Airbus helicopters to LCI by 2025. The new phase of the partnership will include the addition of Airbus H145 and H175 helicopters to LCI's fleet.
The first two Airbus H145 helicopters, ordered by LCI, will be delivered by the end of March 2024 and operated in Oceania. LCI will also deliver two Airbus H175 helicopters by the same date, to be operated in South America.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, has stated that the partnership signifies a commitment to deliver long-term, sustainable capacity solutions. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, has echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership reflects shared capabilities.
The partnership continues to focus on long-term commitment to sustainable growth. LCI, a leading aviation company and a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland's Sustainability Charter, is committed to achieving net zero by 2050. The partnership will also include investment in further helicopter units, types, and technologies, with a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Airbus predicts demand for over 16,000 new helicopters by 2041, with a combined value approaching $130 billion. The new partnership between LCI and Airbus Helicopters is strategically positioned to support this projected market growth over the next two decades.
By combining LCI’s expertise in aviation leasing with Airbus’s latest helicopter technologies, they are well-equipped to provide operators worldwide with efficient access to new advanced Airbus rotorcraft. This partnership addresses expectations of a rising helicopter demand by expanding their helicopter fleet and leasing capabilities, enabling operators to meet diverse market needs effectively.
References: 1. Airbus and LCI Announce New Flight Path Partnership to Address Global Helicopter Demand
This partnership, formed between LCI and Airbus Helicopters, combines LCI's aviation leasing expertise with Airbus's latest helicopter technologies to provide efficient access to new advanced Airbus rotorcraft, addressing the expectations of a rising helicopter demand and expanding their fleet and leasing capabilities. In the realm of finance and technology, LCI has placed a significant order for up to 21 Airbus helicopters, with a focus on acquiring modern, versatile helicopters to cater to various market needs, while the aerospace and business sector anticipates a surge in global helicopter demand by 2041, approaching $130 billion in value.
