LCI has leased two Airbus H145D3 helicopters—one directly to Santos Limited (Santos) and the other to Pacific Helicopters (PHL). The lease to Santos marks LCI’s first-ever direct lease to an end-user.
Santos is a global energy company with operations spanning Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Timor-Leste, and the United States. PHL, a provider of helicopter services for the energy, mining, construction and telecommunications sectors in Papua New Guinea, will operate both helicopters on behalf of Santos’ subsidiary, Oil Search (PNG).
The two new helicopters will be leased from LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). Delivered in recent weeks on long-term leases, they will support liquid natural gas (LNG) and other energy facilities in PNG, with a significant export content to Japan. Additionally, the helicopters will aid Santos Foundation activities in PNG, contributing to efforts in building resilient communities.
The Airbus H145D3, renowned as the quietest helicopter in its class, boasts a proven track record of performance, capability, and flexibility. Its combination of a compact footprint and a spacious, adaptable cabin makes it ideal for a wide range of missions.
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, commented: “We welcome this new partnership with Santos and Pacific Helicopters, and are excited to support their operations in Papua New Guinea. This transaction demonstrates that end users of helicopters can step into leases, benefiting directly from our availability and efficiencies.”
LCI is owned by Libra Group, a privately owned global business group with assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company.
