Milestone History
Milestone History
Milestone Aviation Group was founded in August 2010 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The founders raised US $500 million in equity seed capital to launch the business. The company’s financial sponsors include The Jordan Group and Nautic Partners – two private equity companies that share our vision for building a business for the long term. Since launch, the company has leased over half a billion dollars in utility helicopters to high-quality operators globally.
The Story Behind a Name
The word “Milestone” in our name honours our Chairman and Co-Founder Richard Santulli and what he stands for in our approach to business. Richard grew up on 82nd Street in Brooklyn, New York, several blocks away from Milestone Park. We have Milestone in our name to remind us to stand by our word and to always do business the right way. Milestone Aviation Group represents but the latest milestone in Richard’s illustrious career.
The word “Aviation” in our name recognises our focus on helicopter lease financing. Our dedication to this asset class means we are a partner that understands the rotary marketplace and our customers’ financial and operational needs.
The word “Group” commemorates our team of six co-founders, who have developed a reputation as innovators in aviation, finance and customer service. Together, we have purchased, financed and operated more private aircraft than anyone in the world. Our experience includes RTS Helicopters, the world’s largest helicopter lessor in the 1980′s, and NetJets, the world’s largest operator of private jets.
Strengths
Proven -
Milestone is the market leader with more than $500 million in lease transactions to date, including deals with three of the four largest global helicopter operators, as well as small and mid-sized high-quality operators globally.
Global -
We provide truly global aircraft leasing options, offering operating leases on new and pre-owned helicopters around the world.
Delivery Positions -
We have secured close-in delivery positions for the most highly desirable assets, allowing you to bid on a tender immediately rather than wait on an OEM backlog.
Progress Payments -
We can finance your progress payments (PDP’s) on new deliveries protecting your capital during the initiation of a new aircraft.
New/Pre-Owned Leasing -
Whether you are acquiring a new aircraft or a pre-owned aircraft Milestone will finance 100% leaving you with financial flexibility and reduced risk.
OEM Agnostic -
Milestone does business with AgustaWestland, Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky. It is our philosophy that the operator should choose the right helicopter for the mission, we partner with you to finance it.
Partners -
Milestone aims to build long-term, sustainable partnerships with our lessee’s as we work together for mutual benefit.
No Hidden Fees -
There are no origination fees and no bullet payments at the end of the lease. Customers know all of the costs of aircraft leasing enabling them to profitably run their operation.
Sale-Leaseback -
You can sell and leaseback aircraft under contract in your current fleet freeing up capital to grow your business.
Quick and Decisive -
Credit reviews that take 3-5 days, not weeks or months.
100% Financing -
Our customers make no down payments, and we take 100% of the residual risk.
