SMFL Helicopters (SMFLH) has launched following the merger of LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited (MRL), creating a scaled rotorcraft leasing platform under Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL).

Formed through SMFL LCI Helicopters’ acquisition of LCI and MRL, SMFL brings together around 290 aircraft on order and in service across six continents. The fleet includes helicopters from manufacturers such as Airbus and Leonardo supporting emergency medical services, offshore energy and search and rescue operations.

Shinichiro Watanabe, senior managing executive officer at SMFL, says: “SMFL Helicopters consolidates the deep sector knowledge and operational excellence of two respected lessors within our aviation eco-system to create a single, powerful platform.”

The launch follows UK Competition and Markets Authority approval in November 2025 for the acquisition of MRL, after which integration began.

John Petkovic has been appointed CEO designate and is expected to assume the role formally in 2026. Crispin Maunder becomes chairman and Terri Foley deputy CEO and chief operating officer, alongside a leadership team drawn from LCI and MRL. Headquartered in Dublin, SMFLH also has offices in Limerick, London and Singapore.