Milestone Expands Falcon Aviation Relationship with Lease of One AW189

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Dubai, UAE, 17 November 2019 – Falcon Aviation Services of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) announced that it has expanded its Leonardo AW189 helicopter fleet with the addition of a further two aircraft, of which one is leased from Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing.

The twin-engine medium-sized helicopter will arrive in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this month to support increasing demand for uplift in the offshore Oil and Gas sector. The AW189 will be able to carry up to 19 passengers and is equipped with air conditioning and an auxiliary power unit (APU), allowing for continuous air conditioning in both the cabin and the cockpit without having main engines running. The aircraft is being leased to Falcon Aviation by Milestone through an operating lease and represents the second helicopter lease transaction for Falcon Aviation.

“We are delighted to partner again with Milestone on this project, and we appreciate their support. We look forward to working with the Milestone team as a close partner in the years to come.” said Falcon Aviation’s Chief Operating Officer, Ramandeep Oberoi.

“We greatly appreciate Falcon Aviation’s continued trust towards Milestone’s ability to deliver and we are honoured to be given the opportunity to further expand on our already strong relationship with Falcon Aviation” said Milestone’s Head of Emerging Markets, Michael York. “Milestone already has three AW169s on lease to Falcon Aviation and the addition of this AW189 is testament to Falcon’s exceptional commitment in delivering to its customers as well as Milestone’s capability in offering significant added value and flexibility through its operating leases.”

With the addition of two more AW189s, Falcon Aviation becomes one of the largest AW189 commercial operators. Falcon Aviation’s combined fleet of AW169s and AW189s gives Falcon Aviation and its customer’s unmatched benefits in terms of comfort, safety and efficiency.

About Falcon Aviation
Falcon Aviation Services is a leading business aviation services company based in Al Bateen Executive Airport, and Dubai (Al Maktoum International Airport) in the United Arab of Emirates. It was formed under the initiative of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Falcon Aviation has been established for over twelve years, during which time the company has built an unrivalled reputation for its VIP Charter and support to the Governments Oil and Gas Sector. With a new and diversified fleet of luxurious corporate jets and helicopters, Falcon Aviation offers a multitude of Business and General Aviation Services including, Business Jet/VIP Helicopter Charter, Fixed Based Operations (FBO) Services, Aircraft Management and comprehensive MRO Support including Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO).  www.falconaviation.ae

Media Contact for Falcon Aviation Services:
Nourhan El Sayed Fares
Marketing Specialist
nourhan.fares@falconaviation.ae

About Milestone
Milestone Aviation Group, a GECAS company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US$5 billion plus a loan portfolio of approximately US$300 million. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 45 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GECAS
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is a world-leading aviation lessor and financier. For over five decades, we have solved our customers’ challenges and helped their businesses to thrive. Whether your need is for narrow- or widebody aircraft, regional jets, turboprops, freighters, engines, helicopters, financing or materials, our name has become synonymous with trusted relationships, domain expertise and a track record of execution.

GECAS offers a broad array of financing products and services on these assets including operating leases, purchase/ leasebacks, asset sales and servicing, and airframe parts management. GECAS owns, services or has on order more than 1,700 aircraft (~1,350 fixed wing/ ~350 rotary wing) and serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 20 offices around the world. www.gecas.com

Media Contact for Milestone:
James Luton
Global Communications Leader
media@gecas.com

Milestone Expands World’s Largest S-92 Fleet

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Dublin, Ireland, July 2, 2019 — The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), today announced the acquisition of an incremental Sikorsky S-92A aircraft, MSN 920155, bringing their total S-92A fleet to 79 units. As the largest owner of the S-92A globally, the purchase illustrates Milestone’s ongoing commitment to the type, which is the primary aircraft servicing the offshore oil and gas industry as well as serving search & rescue and executive transport.

Referring to the recent acquisition, Pat Sheedy, Managing Director of Portfolio and Underwriting at Milestone, stated that “The S-92A is the cornerstone of our Oil and Gas portfolio and, given the size and scale of our fleet, we believe we are uniquely positioned to manage these assets and provide optimal fleet & support solutions for our customers and the overall industry. We continue to look to expand our S-92A portfolio where we see attractive opportunities in the secondary market.”

Milestone’s owned and debt-financed fleet of S-92A helicopters accounts for more than thirty percent of all S-92A aircraft in operation globally. Having been referred to by the FAA certification board as the “safest helicopter in the world,” and operating more than 1.5 million fleet flight hours, the twin-engine medium-lift helicopter offers strong economics, reliability, capacity and safety required for a range of operators’ missions. 

# # #

About Milestone

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $5 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports 48 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GECAS

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is a world-leading aviation lessor and financier. For over five decades, we have solved our customers’ challenges and helped their businesses to thrive. Whether your need is for narrow- or widebody aircraft, regional jets, turboprops, freighters, engines, helicopters, financing or materials, our name has become synonymous with trusted relationships, domain expertise and delivering on our promises.

GECAS offers a broad array of financing products and services on these assets including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, asset sales and servicing, and airframe parts management. GECAS owns, services or has on order more than 1,850 (~1,500 fixed wing/ ~350 rotary wing), plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~320 aircraft. GECAS serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 21 offices around the world. www.gecas.com

Media contact: James Luton | media@gecas.com

Milestone Strengthens Its Commercial Team

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Dublin, Ireland, March 14, 2018 — Milestone Aviation Group (Milestone), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, has announced two leadership appointments to its organisation.

Sebastien Moulin, Head of Europe & Americas and Michael York, Head of Emerging Markets, will jointly lead the Milestone Commercial team. Together, they will lead, drive, develop and manage Milestone’s overall Commercial strategy, global business development, initiatives and growth across the Milestone commercial team, ensuring the lessor is well positioned to serve its global customer base.

As Head of Europe & Americas, Moulin will lead Milestone’s OEM relationships with Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo, while York will be responsible for the Sikorsky and Bell Flight OEM relationships as Head of Emerging Markets. The two will be responsible for leading their global teams of professionals to deliver for customers and achieve growth targets, as well as leading OEM discussions and negotiations to ensure the execution of Milestone’s portfolio strategy

Greg Conlon, President & CEO of Milestone Aviation said, “I am delighted to announce these two very strong appointments. Between them, Sebastien and Michael have considerable industry experience and knowledge and I have no doubt that they will continue to strengthen and grow Milestone’s Commercial operation.”

# # #

About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group, a GECAS company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $5 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports 48 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GECAS

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is a world-leading aviation lessor and financier. For over five decades, we have solved our customers’ challenges and helped their businesses to thrive. Whether your need is for narrow- or widebody aircraft, regional jets, turboprops, freighters, engines, helicopters, financing or materials, our name has become synonymous with trusted relationships, domain expertise and delivering on our promises.

GECAS offers a broad array of financing products and services on these assets including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, asset sales and servicing, and airframe parts management. GECAS owns, services or has on order more than 1,850 (~1,500 fixed wing/ ~350 rotary wing), plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~320 aircraft. GECAS serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 21 offices around the world. www.gecas.com

Media contact: James Luton | media@gecas.com

Milestone Aviation Announces Greg Conlon as President & CEO

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Dublin, Ireland, October 15, 2018 – Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced the appointment of Greg Conlon as President and CEO effective Nov 1, 2018. He succeeds Daniel Rosenthal, Co-founder, President and CEO Milestone Aviation and GECAS Executive Vice President of Financing and Products, who has decided to pursue external opportunities. Greg will continue to be responsible for GECAS’ Aircraft Trading function and will relocate to Dublin to lead Milestone.

Greg joined GECAS in 1999 when the company acquired PK AirFinance. In 2005 he transitioned to the GECAS commercial aircraft leasing business with responsibility for customer relationships in Canada, the Caribbean, Iceland, and Greenland. In 2011, he was promoted to SVP Sales & Marketing for the US Region and in 2016 he became Executive Vice President Aircraft Trading for all of GECAS. Prior to GECAS, Greg gained invaluable experience from Boeing Capital Corporation and McDonnell Douglas Finance. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Ohio State University.

“I want to thank Dan for his leadership and commitment. He and his team have been doing an admirable job of managing the Milestone business through a significant downturn in the industry,” said Alec Burger, President and CEO GECAS. “I will personally miss his positive attitude and relentless energy.

“Greg is well positioned to take on this expanded role and look forward to seeing Milestone Aviation continue to innovate in the sector of helicopter finance under his leadership.”  

# # #

About Milestone

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.7 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 37 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GECAS

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing. With 50 years of aviation finance experience, GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types including narrow-bodies, wide-bodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters, plus multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, capital markets, engine leasing, and airframe parts management. GECAS owns or services a fleet of more than 1,900 aircraft (1,552 fixed wing/ 350 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~320 aircraft. GECAS serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 25 offices. www.gecas.com

Media contact: James Luton | +1 203 842 5887 |  james.luton@gecas.com

Milestone Aviation Announces EVP Commercial and Chief Operating Officer

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Dublin, Ireland, June 12, 2018 – Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GE Capital Aviation Services company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced new appointments to its executive team. Jeremy Akel, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Bristow Group, has been named Executive Vice President, Commercial effective July 2, 2018. Jeremy will relocate to Dublin, Ireland in the fall of 2018.

Milestone also announced that Lauren Norelli, formerly Senior Vice President Strategy and Corporate Development, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, Lauren will be responsible for leading the company’s finance, leasing operations, technical operations and fleet management functions. Lauren has been with Milestone for more than five years and will continue to be based in the United States.

“We are excited to recruit Jeremy to lead Milestone’s industry-leading commercial team,” said Daniel Rosenthal, Milestone President and CEO. “He brings extensive helicopter industry knowledge as well as the unique perspective of our customers. As a former operator who has worked in every corner of the world, he knows firsthand what operators need from a leasing partner, and his leadership will be instrumental to guiding our global customer relationships.”

Rosenthal continued, “Likewise, we are thrilled to announce Lauren’s promotion to this operations leadership role. She brings vast expertise and a broad perspective into our operations functions, paving the way for our continued success as we manage and grow our helicopter fleet that now exceeds $5.0 billion. Lauren’s collaborative and strategic leadership style will help Milestone continue to drive industry change and greater efficiency.”

Akel said, “Milestone has played an outsized role in shaping the helicopter industry since it introduced global operating leasing to the rotary asset class in 2010. I am looking forward to contributing to this world-class team and supporting our company’s leadership and success as we enter the industry’s next chapter.”

Akel’s and Norelli’s complete biographies can be found on Milestone’s website here.

About Milestone

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.7 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 37 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

Milestone Aviation completes purchase and leaseback of four S-92® helicopters

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Dublin, Ireland, May 31, 2018– Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GE Capital Aviation Services company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, announced today that it has completed the purchase and lease back of four S-92® aircraft. The acquisition of these aircraft expands Milestone’s owned and debt financed fleet of S-92 helicopters to over 95 — more than one third of all S-92 aircraft in operation globally.

Sikorsky S-92

Sikorsky S-92

Ideally suited for a variety of missions, including offshore oil & gas transportation as well as search and rescue, S-92 helicopters have provided more than 1.3 million reliable flight hours with operators around the world.

“With their continued commitment to the platform, driving both availability and affordability, Sikorsky has demonstrated a focus on keeping these aircraft competitive,” said Daniel Rosenthal, Milestone President and CEO, noting “Milestone takes pride in our partnership with Sikorsky and our ability to place these aircraft in operation while securing our fleet’s future marketability.”

“As the largest owner of S-92’s in the world, Milestone’s commitment to the type is second to none,” said Sikorsky’s Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services, Dana Fiatarone. “We value our collaboration with Milestone, and Sikorsky is committed to future enhancements and continued support to ensure the S-92 remains the offshore commercial helicopter of choice for operators.”

 

Notes to Editors:

About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 37 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)

GECAS is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing.  With 50 years of aviation finance experience, GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types including narrow-bodies, wide-bodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters, plus multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, aircraft trading, engine leasing and airframe parts management.  GECAS owns or services a fleet of nearly 2,000 aircraft (1,685 fixed wing/ 310 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~400 aircraft. GECAS serves ~250 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 25 offices. gecas.com

 

Media Contact for Milestone:

James Luton
Global Communications Leader
+1-203-842-5887
james.luton@gecas.com

 

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For more information about the Sikorsky’s S-92, please see: www.lockheedmartin.com/s92

 

Milestone aviation provides four new H135 helicopters to ADAC supporting German Army pilot training

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Dublin, Ireland — March 14, 2018 – Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”), a GE Capital Aviation Services company (“GECAS”) and the global leader in helicopter leasing announced the lease of four Airbus H135 helicopters to ADAC Luftfahrt Technik GmbH (“ADAC”) in Germany. Two aircraft delivered this month with two more scheduled to deliver in April and May 2018; all aircraft were sourced from Milestone’s light-twin order book with Airbus Helicopters.

Attracted by the possibility of outsourcing part of their mission training requirements and accessing new technology without capital expense, the German Army sought proposals from helicopter maintenance and repair organizations to provide a turn-key solution for their aircraft needs. ADAC, with their proven record of supporting a fleet of over 50 aircraft, partnered with Milestone to win the contract. Within a short period of time, Milestone was able to provide four new H135s fully compliant with the German Army’s specifications and with an operating lease structure that guaranteed full use of the aircraft within the army’s budget.

“Milestone is pleased to partner with ADAC in providing a unique solution to the German Army, enabling the introduction of new technology aircraft in pilot training,” said Milestone President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Rosenthal. “We continue to believe that the lease solution combined with a skilled maintenance provider is a successful combination for government training programs.”

“Milestone is very experienced in structuring deals and offering aircraft from their order book with the OEMs and was successful in delivering customized aircraft for this mission within two months of contract signing,” said ADAC Luftfahrt Technik GmbH CEO Thomas Huetsch. “We are thankful to Milestone for their support in bringing new technology aircraft to this mission.”

About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is a leading global helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 35 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

 

Media Contact for Milestone:

James Luton
Global Communications Leader
+1-203-842-5887
james.luton@gecas.com

Milestone Aviation leases eight AW139 helicopters to Kingwing supporting expanded emergency medical services in China

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Transaction Facilitated by Milestone’s Leasing Platform in Tianjin Free Trade Zone

Dublin, Ireland Jan 22, 2018 – Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”), a GE Capital Aviation Services company (“GECAS”) and the global leader in helicopter leasing announced today the delivery and lease of eight AW139 helicopters to Shanghai Kingwing Aviation Co. Ltd.(“Kingwing”). The medium twin-engine helicopters will join Kingwing’s existing fleet of 32 helicopters providing emergency medical services (“EMS”) in China and will facilitate expanded services to twenty-two provinces nationwide.

Established in 2006, Kingwing is the largest EMS helicopter operator in China, not only providing EMS services, but also aircraft hosting, consignment stock, crew training and helicopter maintenance services. The company is well placed to achieve continued growth in China’s developing helicopter industry as the country relaxes airspace restrictions and promotes expansion of EMS services.

Milestone leased its first helicopter in China in 2014, and GECAS has been active in China since 1988. In 2017, the companies collaborated in establishment of a leasing platform in the Tianjin Free Trade Zone. Milestone’s depth of knowledge and experience in this area will allow it to better serve helicopter operators based in China.

“We are delighted to partner with Kingwing on the largest helicopter lease placement ever in China,” said Milestone President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Rosenthal, adding “We have long believed China was prime for growth in civil helicopters and look forward to supporting capable operators such as Kingwing as they provide critical life-saving helicopter services across China.”

“We are grateful to Milestone for their support in this very large and complex transaction” said Kingwing’s President Zou Jianming. “China is a complex and fast-moving business environment. Milestone and General Electric, with significant resources in country, are preferred partners to deliver on a transaction of this size and scope. I look forward to working with the Milestone team as a close partner in the years to come.”

About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is a leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 35 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing. With 50 years of aviation finance experience, GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types including narrow-bodies, wide-bodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters, plus multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, capital markets, engine leasing, airframe parts management and airport/airline consulting. GECAS owns or services a fleet of nearly 2,000 aircraft (1,673 fixed wing/ 324 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~400 aircraft. GECAS serves more than 250 customers across 79 countries from a network of 26 offices. gecas.com

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the “GE Store,” through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

 

Media Contact for Milestone:
James Luton
Global Communications Leader
+1-203-842-5887
james.luton@gecas.com

Milestone Aviation Group supports Heligo’s growth in India

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– Five additional helicopters leased in 2017 –

Dublin, Ireland, Oct 16, 2017 – Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”) announced today the delivery of a Leonardo AW139 to Heligo Charters Private Limited (Heligo) in India. The delivery marks the fifth helicopter leased to Heligo in 2017, increasing the Mumbai-based operator’s fleet and enabling expansion of both on- and offshore services. Milestone, the global leader in helicopter leasing, began its lease partnership with Heligo in 2014 and has played a critical role in expanding the operators fleet to 15 aircraft, eight of which are on lease from Milestone.

Of the five helicopters delivered in 2017, the Leonardo AW139 and two Airbus AS365 Dauphins will operate offshore for the oil and gas industry while one Bell 412EP and one Leonardo AW109SP will expand Heligo’s onshore VIP charter services. The helicopters were sourced from Milestone’s installed fleet and transitioned from prior operations in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Heligo at this important time in their company’s growth,” said Milestone Vice President Commercial Michael York. “Heligo has grown to become one of the largest helicopter operators in India by providing highly skilled service through stringent safety standards. We are pleased that they have entrusted Milestone to help them grow their fleet and diversify their client base.”

“We highly value our relationship with Milestone. Their partnership approach gave Heligo access to a diverse fleet of helicopters and the flexibility to bid contracts without taking asset risk” said Chief Executive Officer, Captain K Padmanabhan. “Milestone has provided us with much more than a financial solution, their support has been a central element of our growth strategy, enabling us to grow aggressively but prudently.”

About Milestone Aviation Group

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 35 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GE Capital Aviation Services

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing.  With 50 years of aviation finance experience, GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types including narrow-bodies, wide-bodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters, plus multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, capital markets, engine leasing, airframe parts management and airport/airline consulting.  GECAS owns or services a fleet of over 1,950 aircraft (1,660 fixed wing/ 306 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~400 aircraft. GECAS serves ~264 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 26 offices. gecas.com

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the “GE Store,” through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure, and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. ge.com

About Heligo Charters Private Limited

Heligo Charters Pvt. Ltd is in the business of providing offshore helicopter services to the oil & gas industry in India. Formed and operated by a team of highly experienced aviation professionals in offshore helicopter services, the Company is a part J V Gokal Group (JVG). A completely privately held group, JVG’s foray into air logistics and aviation engineering since 2007 for non-scheduled charter services, is a strategic extension of their broad spectrum Indian onshore and overseas businesses, which cover engineering, software, financials, infrastructure, tea, commodities and other niche initiatives.

Media Contact for Milestone:
James Luton
Global Communications Leader
+1-203-842-5887
james.luton@gecas.com