LCI, the helicopter lessor and aviation division of the Libra Group, has sealed new partnerships with Investec and Grupo Santander.

LCI has taken delivery of a Leonardo AW169 helicopter with financing arranged from new partner, Investec. The aircraft is being placed with a leading European provider of B2B helicopter services on a long term lease.

The company has also concluded an asset-backed financing arrangement for one of its fleet of Leonardo AW189 helicopters in a transaction with new financial partner Grupo Santander, for an aircraft valued at over US$15 million. The aircraft is currently on a long term lease to a European operator.

Executive chairman Crispin Maunder says: “LCI is delighted to have started the year with two exciting new financial partnerships. Our wide-ranging portfolio of helicopter leases to operators across the globe, coupled with our proven track record as a lessor, has helped us to build strong financial relationships and chart a course for continuing growth.”

LCI's fleet now comprises of approximately US$1 billion of assets in service, on order and under management, focused on the latest technology medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading helicopter OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus and Sikorsky.