25th March 2021: LCI has expanded its aviation leasing, investment and management platform with the formation of a new helicopter co-investment vehicle with LCM Partners.
The vehicle has been launched with the initial acquisition of two Leonardo AW109SP helicopters used for emergency medical services. These are some of the most advanced Air Ambulances in the UK and will provide critical care and emergency transport of patients, particularly in the initial ‘golden hour’ of care, stabilisation and recovery.
Praveen Vetrivel, Chief Financial Officer of LCI, says: “The establishment of our new co-investment vehicle with LCM Partners, one of Europe's leading alternatives investment management firms, is further evidence that helicopters are viewed as a resilient, long-term and desirable asset class.”
Graeme Laing, Head of Asset Finance at LCM Partners, says: “LCI is a proven lessor, respected by the financial community for sound and efficient asset management, deep sector experience and reliable returns. We look forward to combining our respective expertise in the management and growth of this successful and dynamic joint venture.”
The two AW109 helicopters are the first of this type to join LCI’s fleet. They are being leased in EMS configurations to Sloane Helicopters, a leading helicopter service provider and a new customer for LCI.
With a sound commercial strategy and highly experienced senior management team who have worked together for almost 10 years, LCI has consistently grown in scale and value since 2012. It has built strong relationships with many leading financial institutions and, in partnership with them, manages a current asset pool worth around $1 billion.
LCM Partners has one of the strongest origination capabilities in Europe and is responsible for managing assets with a collective value of over €50 billion across more than 2,800 portfolios.