Dublin and Columbus,OH-based Milestone Aviation Group, the first global finance company focused exclusively on the helicopter and private jet markets, has announced that Brian Humphries has joined the company’s Advisory Board.

Mr. Humphries is currently European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) President and CEO and British Helicopter Association (BHA) Chairman. He is the former CEO of Shell Aircraft International and has previously served a three-year term as Chairman of the Montreal-based International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). He started his career in the Royal Air Force and worked his way up the ranks to Air Commodore serving in a variety of appointments with both flying and engineering responsibilities, culminating in his being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Richard Santulli, Milestone Chairman, said, “We are honoured to have someone of Brian’s calibre serving on our Advisory Board and supporting our mission. His knowledge and expertise within both the helicopter and private jet industries will greatly contribute to our success and growth.”

In agreeing to join Milestone’s Advisory Board, Mr. Humphries hopes to support the company’s stated mission of bringing much needed capital to the helicopter and private jet communities. “There are many high quality helicopter operators who cannot grow their business or modernise their fleet because they cannot raise the necessary capital. Private jet owners are also struggling to raise funds in the current environment,” said Brian Humphries. He continued, “The 100% financing offered by Milestone is a boon for the industry that will lead to increased growth for the sector.”

Since launching in August 2010, Milestone has leased two dozen helicopters and private jets valued at over $200m. The company has signed commitments that will push that total to over $300m by the end of the year. Mr. Humphries’s involvement with the business is expected to accelerate growth.

Bill Kelly, Milestone’s CEO, said, “Brian’s knowledge of the aviation industry and the high regard in which he is held is invaluable for our company. We look forward to working with him to support high quality operators around the world.”

NOTES TO EDITOR: About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group is the first global aircraft leasing company exclusively focused on helicopters and private jets. Milestone’s global aircraft leasing platform addresses the liquidity needs of a transforming marketplace through 100% operating lease financing. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Grainne Daly
Milestone Aviation Group Limited
Office: +353 1 477 3123
Mobile: +353 87 686 8082

gdaly@milestoneaviation.com

Lisa Johnson
Milestone Aviation Group LLC
Office: +1 614 233 2302
ljohnson@milestoneaviation.com