LCI signs agreement for new generation AgustaWestland helicopters

Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation division of global conglomerate the Libra Group, and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, have signed an agreement covering the purchase of a fleet of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for a new division being set up by the lessor. The related contract, which also includes options, is valued in excess of $400m. Building on its successful growth in the narrow and wide-body fixed-wing leasing market, LCI’s new helicopter division plans to offer helicopter operators an attractive alternative to buying and financing the purchase of rotary wing aircraft. LCI expects to be active in a number of markets including offshore oil and gas, Search & Rescue and aero-medical transport.