Press Release
Issued by Waypoint Leasing.
August 12, 2015
Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited, the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced the opening of its Latin American office in January 2016, which will be headed by Waypoint Leasing executive, Steffen Bay. Waypoint Leasing's Latin American office, which will be located in Rio de Janeiro, will further bolster the firm's presence across the region, where the company has already delivered 10 aircraft to several leading operators, including Lider Taxi Aereo S/A and BHS (Brazilian Helicopter Services Táxi Aéreo). In his role as head of Waypoint Leasing's Latin American operations, Steffen Bay will report to Clark McGinn, svp of sales and relationship management. Waypoint Leasing now maintains offices in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
Ed Washecka, chief executive officer of Waypoint Leasing, said, “We are excited to officially announce our presence in Brazil after serving the growing Latin American market and working with local and multinational operators, such as CHC/BHS and Lider, since our inception in 2013. I have worked with Steffen since 2006 when he first joined Era Helicopters and can attest to his extensive knowledge of the region and the helicopter leasing landscape. Over his five years spent in Brazil, Steffen has established strong relationships with all of the country's major helicopter operators. I am confident that under his supervision, we will deepen our existing relationships in the region, develop new ones and continue expanding throughout Latin America.”
Steffen Bay, vice president sales and marketing, said, “I am thrilled to return to Brazil to run Waypoint Leasing's Latin American operations. As regional operators increasingly seek customized financing solutions, we remain well-positioned to meet that demand in this global hub of helicopter activity.”
Mr. Bay has more than 15 years of experience in the aviation industry. Steffen started his career at EADS and Airbus Helicopters where he worked in finance, M&A and strategy in Germany, Indonesia, France and the United States. He then managed international business development for Era Group. Immediately prior to joining Waypoint Leasing in 2014 Steffen served as general manager of Aeroleo Aero Taxi, a large Brazilian helicopter operator.
Steffen holds a law degree from the University of Mannheim and an MBA from the University of Dallas. He is fluent in German, French, English and Portuguese and Spanish.
