Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced that it has agreed a lease with Heliconia Group (“Heliconia”), a regional provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, for one Leonardo AW139 helicopter previously operated by CHC, which will go on lease to support of oil and gas operations in North Africa.

Ed Washecka, Chief Executive Officer of Waypoint, said, “We are excited to place an AW139 with Heliconia, marking our first transaction with the operator, and continue to be encouraged by the global market support for this versatile aircraft. We expect our comprehensive remarketing efforts and improved market conditions will lead to further transactions as demand for the aircraft remains robust. We look forward to building on our new relationship with Heliconia and providing mission critical helicopters, such as the AW139, to operators in need.”

Daniel Sigaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of Heliconia, said, “We are pleased to partner with Waypoint on this transaction, which allows us to add another AW139 to our existing fleet in North Africa in a cost-effective and seamless manner. Waypoint clearly appreciates and caters to the needs of the operator, and we hope to collaborate with them further as we continue to expand our operations and fleet going forward.”

Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting oil and gas, utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators. Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 135 aircraft for 18 customers in 28 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 billion. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 125 helicopters valued at more than $1.7 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.