This website uses cookies
More information
Business Air News
Business Air News
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Why visit ACE ’25?

Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

LCI and SMFL secure $420m loan for social projects
The funds will support emergency medical and search and rescue helicopter operations under a pioneering social loan framework.
The Eurocopter X3 is a preferred helicopter in medical flight operations.

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.

Other News
 
SkyDrive secures JCAB certification basis for SD-05
February 13, 2025
Japan’s aviation regulator has issued a G-1 certification basis for SkyDrive’s lightweight three-seat electric aircraft, setting initial airworthiness and performance criteria for type certification.
Aircraft shipments on the rise in late 2024
December 9, 2024
Babcock leases AW169s for Canadian EMS
November 24, 2024
Milestone adds new framework to Safran agreement
November 13, 2024
The agreement streamlines the transfer of helicopters, brings added value to Milestone’s activities and its Safran-powered fleet, as well as reinforcing Safran’s by-the-hour services.