Dublin-headquartered aviation leasing company LCI and Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL) have acquired and committed to a further five next generation helicopters.

LCI chief executive officer Jaspal Jandu says: “Our continued expansion is a clear demonstration of the initial success and long-term potential of LCI's partnership with SMFL. Using our collective expertise, I am confident that we can achieve further growth with an increasing focus on socially-aware helicopter missions across the globe.”

These additional aircraft bring their total joint venture (JV) portfolio to 38 units valued at over $420 million, a doubling in size in less than two years from when the JV was launched in September 2020 with 19 aircraft.

The most recent helicopters consist of two Airbus H145 D3, two Airbus H145 T2 and one Leonardo AW139. They will be deployed in mission-critical roles in Europe and Asia.

SMFL managing executive officer Shin Watanabe adds: “The synergy between LCI and SMFL's shared values and respective strengths continues to deliver impressive results. We will maintain our dynamic and proactive approach so as to contribute positively to society.”

More than 75 per cent of the JV's total fleet is now deployed on ESG-focused missions such as emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR) and serving offshore wind farm operations. The fleet is in operation across various countries including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Norway as well as Australia.

LCI has consistently grown in scale and value as it has diversified over time. The lessor's highly experienced management team has built strong relationships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, customers and leading financial institutions. Since its inception in 2004, LCI has undertaken in excess of $8 billion of transactions in the fixed wing and helicopter markets.