LCI increases Agusta Westland order book with commitment for 18 helicopters

Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation leasing arm of the Libra Group, announced a further multiyear contract with AgustaWestland for up to a further 18 helicopters worth over $280m. The order comprises commitments for up to fourteen AW139 intermediate helicopters and up to an additional four AW189 twin-engine helicopters. These helicopters, which will be used by LCI’s helicopter division to offer its customers modern aircraft ready for offshore transport, search and rescue, aero-medical transport and other missions, will be delivered between 2014 and 2018, should all options be taken. The contract, signed in Europe, is in addition to the existing $400m contract in existence between the two companies, signed in early 2012, which includes the new twin-engine AW169. The first five AW139s from the existing order were delivered in 2013, with an increased delivery flow from this year and onwards.