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.
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-92s 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
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