Babcock Canada is leasing a fleet of seven new EMS-configured Leonardo AW169 helicopters from LCI Helicopters, with which to provide emergency medical services for Ascent Helicopters on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).

CEO Jerry McLean says: “Babcock Canada is delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable and mission-ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”

The helicopters are being placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL: SMFL LCI Helicopters. The joint venture has acquired the aircraft and will be leasing them to Babcock Canada.

The first helicopter has now been handed over, with the remaining six set to be delivered by January 2025. This marks Ascent Helicopters as the first operator to bring the AW169 to Canada.

The highly capable AW169s will be specially equipped with night vision goggles and medical interiors completed by HeliMods in British Columbia in order to meet the most mission critical operational requirements.

BCEHS carries out medical emergency evacuations and patient transfers between healthcare facilities, responding to calls from over 7,800 patients a year.

Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer of LCI, says: “LCI is honoured to support the important roles that Ascent and Babcock are playing in the expansion of vital EMS operations in British Columbia. This development in our longstanding partnership with Babcock demonstrates how LCI can deliver tailored financing solutions for highly specialised, mission critical assets such as emergency medical service helicopters, giving maximum flexibility and support to our customers in providing essential operations.”