Lease Corporation International (LCI), a helicopter lessor and the aviation division of the Libra Group, has successfully closed a new asset-backed helicopter facility in excess of US$135 million with a syndicate of five banks led by CIT Group as agent.

The new facility, which has been agreed with CIT, National Westminster Bank, National Australia Bank, Barclays Bank and The Huntington National Bank, will be used to support the continuing development and expansion of LCI's fleet.

LCI has also agreed to similar financing facilities this year with CaixaBank and Close Brothers Aviation and Marine. This brings the total amount of helicopter debt financing that LCI has raised since January 2018 to more than US$280 million.

Chief financial officer Jaspal Jandu says: “We are delighted that LCI's long-held commitment to strong but balanced growth across multiple markets and sectors has been recognised in this vote of confidence from five major financial institutions. This facility, arranged and closed during a period of major industry realignment, will enable us to pursue the continued growth of our diversely-placed fleet.”

John P Heskin, managing director and group head of CIT's aerospace, defence and government services group, adds: “As long-term financial partners of LCI, we have been consistently impressed by its strong leasing platform, management and diversified approach to the marketplace, and we are pleased to strengthen our relationship further.”

LCI's fleet, which comprises approximately US$1 billion of assets in service, on order and under control, is focused on the latest technology medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by helicopter OEMs such as Leonardo, Airbus and Sikorsky.