Lease Corporation International (LCI) and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL) have executed $420 million in loan facilities through four global financial institutions: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank and Bank of America. The funds will primarily be used to purchase helicopters for emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

The loan facilities are part of a Social Loan Framework launched by LCI and SMFL in November 2023. The framework, the first of its kind in the helicopter leasing sector, was established under the internationally recognised Social Loan Principles and has received the highest “Social 1(F)” rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency.

Alan O'Rourke, CFO of LCI, says: “We salute the pioneering role played by the four leading financial institutions in committing funds that can be used for social projects. We are proud that we are collectively making a real and tangible difference in supporting social projects and saving lives.”

LCI is also a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland's Sustainability Charter, reinforcing its commitment to environmental and social governance and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.