Delivered in offshore configuration, this helicopter will be operated by OHI’s Brazilian subsidiary, Omni Taxi Aéreo, for the oil company Petrobras. The second EC225 from the initial contract will be delivered this May and the remaining two in 2013. Delivery of the six helicopters included in the second contract will be completed by mid-2015.

This new helicopter is also the first EC225 that Eurocopter has delivered to Milestone Aviation Group, as OHI has decided to partner with this company, a world leader in the helicopter leasing sector, for the purchase of this landmark helicopter. In the short time since its creation, Milestone has become a key player in arranging financing solutions for operators. Eurocopter endeavours to work closely with Milestone in order to find new opportunities and solutions for its customers around the world.

“We have been working with Eurocopter for more than ten years now and we’re very pleased to bring the EC225 into our fleet,” said Rui Almeida, Chairman of OHI. “This helicopter will help us respond to the needs of our main customer, Petrobras, which demands increasingly more powerful and safer aircraft to guarantee transportation many miles offshore.”

Following the discovery of gas and oil reserves in the pre-salt layer, Brazil is looking to become the world’s fourth-largest oil producer by 2030 and Petrobras, which exploits most of these resources, is preparing for its oil rigs to be located increasingly farther offshore. With a range of up to 600 nautical miles when equipped with external fuel tanks, the EC225 offers outstanding performance in such conditions. Following this delivery to OMNI, there are now three companies currently operating the EC225 for Brazil’s largest oil company.

“The success of the EC225 in the oil & gas sector boils down in particular to its outstanding reliability in the most demanding operational conditions,” explained Olivier Lambert, Senior Vice-President Sales and Customer Relations for Eurocopter. “We are grateful to Omni Helicopter International for the confidence they have placed in the aircraft that make up the Eurocopter range, and we are confident that the new EC225 will guarantee the success of many new projects.”

Omni Taxi Aéreo operates one of the largest civil fleets of Eurocopter aircraft in Latin America, one that comprises five EC155s, six EC135s, four AS365 N3s, one AS365 N2 and four BO105s, in addition to the new EC225. All of these aircraft are used for operations in Brazil’s oil & gas sector and are mainly counted on for passenger transportation to and between oil rigs, while also carrying out emergency medical services.

In its efforts to support Brazil’s oil and gas market, the world’s fastest-growing offshore helicopter market, Eurocopter is making preparations to manufacture the EC225 at its Brazilian subsidiary, Helibras. The subsidiary is soon to open new facilities that will initially be used to produce the EC725, the military version of the helicopter, for Brazil’s armed forces. The EC225/EC725 production and service structure will be further enhanced by the installation of an EC225 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) in Rio de Janeiro.

Eurocopter’s EC225 offers optimal safety with superior speed, range, payload and reliability. Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue (SAR) missions, as well as offshore and passenger transport flights, it is the latest-generation member of the Super Puma/Cougar family, which has logged more than four million flight hours in operations around the world. In the global oil & gas industry alone, there are currently some 70 EC225s in operation.

This aircraft is perfectly suited to operate in adverse weather conditions. Designed to meet the highest safety requirements, it is backed by system redundancy, a highly capable automatic flight control system and the capability for full deicing, which allows for flight in all known icing conditions. The EC225 can also be rapidly reconfigured for SAR missions from its offshore configuration for oil & gas companies.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet.

Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

William E Chiles, Bristow Group president and ceo, says: “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.”

The companies completed operating leases in December for two Eurocopter EC225s deliverable in mid-2012 and anticipate closing the leases for three 2011 Sikorsky S-92 helicopters later this quarter. The total value of the five aircraft is in the range of $125 to $135 million.

This agreement with Bristow Group marks the largest for Milestone since its launch in August 2010. The company currently has an asset portfolio representing more than $500 million in financing commitments and now holds leases with three of the four largest helicopter operators in the world.

Richard Santulli, Milestone chairman, says: “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.”

Milestone Aviation Group appear on AIN TV, click here to view video

Since launching in August 2010, Milestone has provided over US $500 million in finance to operators around the world including Bristow, CHC and Inaer. The partnership between Eurocopter and Milestone is seen as a major development as it ‘removes the capital hurdle related with ownership’ according to Eurocopter’s President and CEO, Lutz Bertling and will allow more operators to introduce the helicopter into their fleets.

Richard Santulli, Chairman of Milestone Aviation Group, said, “This historic order enables Milestone to provide our customers with the best aircraft and product options available. The EC225 has a great pedigree and a reputation for providing leadership in safety and high reliability in demanding operating conditions. I leased all of the original Super Pumas, the EC225’s predecessor, delivered in North America in the 1980s with my old company RTS Helicopters, so this deal signals the resumption of a very important partnership.”

“The EC225 is a remarkable aircraft and we are excited to be able to offer it to abroader audience of potential operators through our partnership with Milestone,” said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter’s President and CEO. “By removing the capital hurdle associated with ownership we are hopeful that we can introduce the EC225 to more operators around the world.”

Eurocopter’s EC225 offers superior speed, range, payload, optimal safety and reliability. Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue, as well as off-shore and passenger transport missions, it is the latest-generation member of the Super Puma/Cougar family, which has logged more than four million flight hours in operations around the globe.

The EC225 is perfectly adapted to missions in severe weather, as it is designed to meet the highest safety standard levels with system redundancy, a highly capable automatic flight control system, and the capability for full deicing – which allows flight in all known icing conditions.

When configured for offshore crew change operations in support of oil and gas producers, the EC225 can be rapidly converted for search and rescue operations.

“We are honoured that Eurocopter has shown this trust in Milestone by partnering on the EC225”, said William Kelly, Milestone’s CEO. “We look forward to working closely with our partners as we place these helicopters with high-quality operators around the world providing mission critical services in the oil and gas industry, parapublic services, mining and search and rescue”

Bristow leases

Milestone Aviation Group and Bristow Group announced its lewase agreements at the HAI Heli-Expo. they completed operating leases in December 2011 for two Eurocopter EC-225s deliverable in mid-2012 and anticipate 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.”

According to Milestone helicopter operators are utilizing operating leases more frequently to diversify their capital structure, take advantage of the low capital requirements, improve cash flow, reduce risk and increase operational flexibility. The lessor has positioned itself to structure and execute lease transactions that meet the diverse needs of operators worldwide and also provide capital to operators during periods when alternative sources are limited or unavailable due to market constraints.

This agreement with Bristow Group marks the largest for Milestone Aviation Group since its launch in August 2010. The company currently has an asset portfolio representing more than $500 million in financing commitments and now holds leases with three of the four largest global helicopter operators in the world.

“Through the Global Support Partnership, Turbomeca and Milestone are jointly developing new engine support solutions and services for Milestone’s lease customers around the world,” the companies said. The first support program to be developed is the Milestone Support by the Hour program, which will provide “added value and other ancillary benefits to Milestone’s customers.” Turbomeca will manage this global support partnership using its worldwide network of support sites and numerous affiliate maintenance centers. “We are excited to announce this strategically important collaboration with Milestone,” said Turbomeca chairman and CEO Olivier Andries. “Milestone presents a new opportunity for us to expand our customer base.”

Milestone chairman Richard Santulli said the partnership “will help a large segment of our customers to control their operating costs.” He added that the announcement “is only the beginning.” Milestone COO Matthew Harris told AIN that his company intends to “provide more solutions” with Turbomeca, as well as additional OEMs and suppliers, “to continue to look for ways to add value for our customers.”

by CHAD TRAUTVETTER

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.”

Milestone chairman Richard Santulli is used to catching the aviation industry’s attention. His previous job was as founder and CEO of NetJets, which developed the fractional ownership model for business jets. Milestone has provided $500 million in financing for helicopters since opening its doors in 2010.

Santulli said Milestone’s model is different from that of the leasing companies that have been a staple of the airline world for years. “They buy 50 airplanes. That’s all they do,” he told AIN. “Our business is developing partnerships and relationships with operators. Our major paradigm is to provide financial capital to good operators.”

Milestone can offer either lease arrangements or 100 percent financing for helicopter purchases, and works with large operators seeking more flexibility in deploying capital or small operators without the capital to grow. The only requirement is that the helicopters be used in revenue-generating missions rather than executive transport.

The oil and gas industry is playing a large role in Milestone’s growth. When petroleum companies put out tenders or solicitations, operators bidding on the work must include the serial number of any helicopter they intend to use to provide the service. If the operator doesn’t have the lift capacity in its fleet, it may not have the wherewithal to put down a deposit for a delivery position for the helicopter – or take the risk of not getting the contract. But Milestone does.

Milestone will place the order for the needed helicopter, and finance the transaction, if the bidding company gets the contract. If the operator doesn’t get the contract, Milestone is happy to take possession of the aircraft for its leasing business.

“These very good operators around the world can now bid on tenders,” Santulli explained.

CEO William Kelly added, “A lot of the oil and gas companies like that. It gives them other people to compete [for the contract].” For Santulli, the move to Milestone from NetJets has been something of a homecoming. “I started in helicopters. In 1980 I started RTS helicopters.” (Santulli’s initials.) And he brought many of his NetJets colleagues with him, which he said gives the company an unparalleled ability to size up all facets of a potential client’s operation.

As for what it’s like to start Milestone after the huge success of NetJets, Santulli said, “We’re delighted with where we are. To build something again is a nice thing.”

By JAMES WYNBRANDT

“In a very short time, Milestone Aviation has become one of the pre-eminent helicopter lessors and an important and highly valued customer,” said Bob Kokorda, Sikorsky Sales & Marketing Vice President. “We deeply appreciate their business, and look forward to growing our relationship.”

The three aircraft join a growing inventory of seven S-76C++ helicopters and four additional S-92 aircraft Milestone has purchased since December of 2010.

The new aircraft will serve a variety of roles with operators worldwide, such as transporting workers to offshore oil and gas platforms, VIP transport including Head of State, air ambulance, search and rescue, and civil defense.

“Our most recent purchase is further testament to the quality of the Sikorsky product line,” said Richard Santulli, Chairman of Milestone. “Demand for these machines is extraordinary, and they will quickly enter the field performing mission critical or utility work with operators in the oil and gas, EMS or search and rescue sectors.”

Sikorsky plans to deliver the first two S-92 aircraft during the latter part of 2012; and the third aircraft in early 2013.

Milestone Aviation Group is the first global aircraft leasing company exclusively focused on helicopters. Milestone’s global aircraft leasing platform addresses the liquidity needs of a transforming marketplace through 100% operating lease financing. Since launching in August 2012, Milestone has leased more than 40 aircraft valued at more than $500 million. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems.

# # #

Sikorsky media contacts:
Frans Jurgens
Phone: 203-386-6443
Mobile: 203-615-8293
frans.jurgens@sikorsky.com

Paul Jackson
Phone: 203-386-7143
Paul.Jackson@sikorsky.com

Through the Global Support Partnership, Turbomeca and Milestone are jointly developing new engine support solutions and services for Milestone’s lease customers around the world. The first support program to be developed is the unique Milestone Support by the Hour (SBH) program, which will provide added value and other ancillary benefits to Milestone’s customers.

“We are excited to announce this strategically important collaboration with Milestone,” said Olivier Andries, chairman and chief executive of Turbomeca. “Milestone presents a new opportunity for us to expand our customer base through their market leading global lease portfolio of Turbomeca-powered helicopters.”

“This partnership will help a large segment of our customers to control their operating costs,” said Richard Santulli, chairman of Milestone Aviation Group. “The Turbomeca team has proven to be very creative in working with us to develop new support solutions and services. Today’s announcement is only the beginning.”

The note of optimism sounded by the various heads of the OEMs about the recovery of the commercial helicopter during Heli-Expo had a ring of reality following the raft of contracts announced during the exhibition.

AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Sikorsky all signed double-digit contracts for helicopters at the medium to heavy segment, while a number of operators signed for light and intermediate types.

Bond Aviation Group was one company that burnt through the corporate chequebook, coming to a framework agreement with AgustaWestland for 15 helicopters (comprising ten firm orders and five options), including AW169, AW139 and AW189 aircraft, and signing the largest single contract for the Sikorsky S-92, purchasing 16 of the aircraft.

AgustaWestland also announced that Gulf Helicopters of Qatar had signed a preliminary sale contract for 15 AW189 helicopters for offshore transport missions.

Strong sales of the AW139 also continued with the signing of contracts for four additional examples of the medium twin in Japan through its distributor Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. Two of the AW139s will be designated for the civil market and two will be operated by the Japan National Police Agency.

Further, AgustaWestland announced the first sale of a GrandNew light twin helicopter for corporate/VIP transport in the Japanese market following a contract with Kaigai Aviotech Corporation.

Eurocopter also made some significant advances in sales of its larger types, announcing the sale of 16 EC225s to Milestone Aviation Group under a €362 million (US $480 million) contract and ten EC175s to Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen (NHV).

In addition, Eurocopter saw sales of one AS350 B3e to Air Greenland, two EC130 B4s to Corail Hélicoptères, one EC145 T2 to HTM Helicopter Travel Munich and four EC145 T2 helicopters to Scandinavian Air Ambulance.

Sikorsky’s announcement of its contract with Bond for 16 S-92s was made alongside news it had sold three of the aircraft to Brazilian helicopter operator Líder Aviação and three to Milestone.

Noticeably, the one major OEM that did not issue a regular stream of contract announcements, Bell Helicopter, arguably created the biggest stir and main talking point of the exhibition with its unveiling of the 525 Relentless Super Medium Transport early in the show.