Milestone Signs Lease Agreement with New Customer Westair Helicopters for One Airbus H225 Helicopter
DUBLIN – November 12, 2024 – The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced that it has signed a lease agreement with Westair Helicopters for one Airbus H225 aircraft, which is due for delivery in the coming weeks.
Westair Helicopters provides helicopter services in Africa and Europe, primarily serving the oil and gas industry. This Airbus H225 is the first heavy helicopter to be added to Westair’s fleet and will support Westair’s offshore operations in Namibia, Africa.
Sébastien Moulin, Chief Commercial Officer, Milestone, said, “Milestone is delighted to welcome Westair as a new customer with the imminent delivery of this H225. This agreement highlights Milestone’s commitment to transitioning the H225 back into the oil and gas market, by making significant investment to reconfigure the helicopter from utility to an oil and gas specification. We thank the Westair Helicopter team for the confidence they have placed in Milestone, and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”
Edwin Soeter, Chief Executive Officer, Westair Helicopters, said, 'The introduction of the H225 will be a gamechanger for Westair Helicopters, making us one of the first operators in the oil and gas market to fly the upgraded version of this helicopter. The addition of the H225 will enable us to satisfy strong customer demand while optimizing efficiencies. Thanks to the strong commitment of the Milestone and Airbus Helicopters teams, we will be able to operate our first unit in Namibia before the end of this year, before introducing two additional units in the following months.'
About Milestone
Milestone Aviation Group, an AerCap company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. 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 approximately 50 customers in approximately 35 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining, fire-fighting, and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com
About AerCap
AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world.
About Westair Helicopters
Westair Helicopters is a leading Italian commercial air transport operator that prioritizes the highest safety and quality standards in helicopter operations, primarily serving the Oil and Gas industry across Africa and Europe. With a focus on excellence and permanent bases in Namibia, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Romania, Westair Helicopters has experienced significant growth and is currently expanding its helicopter fleet and services to cater to various esteemed Oil & Gas clients. Originally named Weststar NDD, the airline was renamed Westair Helicopters in 2023, following Westair (Namibia) and Avico Group (France) assuming leadership of the company.
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