Press Release

Issued by LCI Aviation.

October 8, 2015

LCI, the aviation leasing arm of the Libra Group, is to place a new AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter with leading German operator HeliService International GmbH. It will be the first AW169 to be employed in support of its offshore operations.

LCI Helicopters is the launch customer for the AW169 and has a total of 12 of the innovative, new aircraft on order.

The AW169 will be delivered to Heliservice in the second half of 2016 and will be used to support their offshore operations in the North Sea. It joins two AgustaWestland AW139s already on lease from LCI, along with other smaller helicopter types.

The AW169 has been custom equipped to incorporate a dedicated offshore interior and is fully equipped for hoisting operations.

Crispin Maunder, executive chairman of LCI, says: “We're delighted to be strengthening our existing partnership with HeliService by introducing the innovative, new AW169 to their fleet alongside the AW139s we already lease to them. These modern helicopters are helping to ensure the efficiency of Heliservice's operations.”

Nils Herrmann, managing director of HeliService International GmbH, says: "We're delighted to be extending our relationship with LCI Helicopters with the arrival of this new, state-of-the-art aircraft. Their responsive and innovative approach to leasing, coupled with their growing fleet of several different AgustaWestland helicopter types, makes them an ideal business partner."

The AW169 is a versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, which can accommodate up to ten passengers. The first all new aircraft in its weight category to enter the market in more than 30 years, the AW169 4.6 tonne is certified in accordance with EASA CS-29/FAR Part 29 latest amendments.

LCI Helicopters' total fleet comprises 90 delivered and ordered helicopters, including the market-leading AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters, and next generation Airbus Helicopters H175 and H225s.

LCI is the launch customer for both the AW169 and the H225e. This follows a firm order LCI Helicopters made in early February 2015 for an additional 11 AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 aircraft valued at US$125 million.

LCI's helicopters are currently in operation across four continents: Asia, Australasia, Africa and Europe.