Corporate Jet Investor – “Milestone announces leasing transaction with Bristow Group”
13th February, 2012 – Milestone Aviation Group has announced at Heli-Expo that it has reached agreement with Bristow Group to lease five large helicopters.
The companies completed operating leases in December 2011 for two Eurocopter EC225s deliverable in mid-2012 and anticipates closing the leases for three 2011 Sikorsky S-92 helicopters later this quarter. All five helicopters are expected to operate in the North Sea. The total value of the five aircraft is in the range of $125 to $135 million.
Richard Santulli, Milestone chairman said “We are delighted to enter into a financing relationship with Bristow, which operates the world’s largest fleet of commercial helicopters for the offshore oil and gas industry. Our level of commitment combined with the reputation of this world-class operator truly makes this a landmark deal for Milestone.”
William E. Chiles, Bristow Group president and chief executive officer said “The terms of these agreements, with Milestone covering 100% of the acquisition cost of the aircraft, meet our commercial needs to better manage our financial performance. What’s more, Milestone brought capital, creativity and commitment to the transaction process. We look forward to building a broader relationship with the Milestone team in the future.”

