Republic of Ireland-based Milestone Aviation Group has acquired another Sikorsky S-92A, bringing its total S-92A fleet to 79 units. As the largest owner of the S-92A globally, the purchase illustrates Milestone's ongoing commitment to the type, which is the primary aircraft servicing the offshore oil and gas industry as well as serving search and rescue and executive transport.

Milestone managing director of portfolio and underwriting Pat Sheedy says: “The S-92A is the cornerstone of our oil and gas portfolio and, given the size and scale of our fleet, we believe we are uniquely positioned to manage these assets and provide optimal fleet and support solutions for our customers and the overall industry. We continue to look to expand our S-92A portfolio where we see attractive opportunities in the secondary market.”

Milestone's owned and debt-financed fleet of S-92A helicopters accounts for more than thirty per cent of all S-92A aircraft in operation globally. Having been referred to by the FAA certification board as the 'safest helicopter in the world', and having operated more than 1.5 million fleet flight hours, the twin-engine medium-lift helicopter offers strong economics, reliability, capacity and safety required for a range of operators' missions.

Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is a helicopter leasing and financing company. Its helicopter fleet is worth over US$5bn and it has a loan portfolio and debt commitments of approximately $400m. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing an array of financial and productivity solutions including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports 48 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions.