Ultimate Aviation Group's UK-based offshore crew change helicopter operations are being backed by Investec Aviation Finance, which has structured a tailored corporate facility to support the expansion the business, highlighting its ability to deliver flexible, non-standard aviation funding solutions in specialist aviation segments.

The facility will support Offshore Helicopter Services UK, Ultimate Aviation Group's UK operations, as it expands offshore personnel transport capability in the North Sea with two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters, configured in line with International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) standards.

The transaction marks Investec CIB's first deal with the Group's UK business, establishing a new client relationship and reinforcing its growing presence in the UK and European aviation finance market.

The facility was utilised by Ultimate to fund helicopter pre-delivery payments and execute on a time-sensitive growth opportunity, at a time when global aviation manufacturing capacity remains constrained and delivery timelines typically span three to four years.

“Limited production availability and long lead times continue to define the global aviation market, which places a premium on speed, flexibility and certainty of execution,” says Marc Abraham from Investec CIB Aviation Finance. “In this transaction, we worked closely with Ultimate Aviation Group to structure a flexible corporate facility aligned to its operational requirements, demonstrating our ability to deliver tailored funding solutions in complex and specialised areas of the aviation market.”

The transaction reflects Investec's ability to originate and execute more complex, non-standard aviation financing structures, particularly in specialist segments such as offshore helicopter operations, where funding solutions often require greater flexibility.

Ultimate Aviation Group has provided offshore aviation services from Aberdeen for more than two decades, supporting the energy sector across the North Sea.

The two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters, expected for delivery in Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, will enhance the company's offshore crew change capabilities, enabling the safe and efficient transport of personnel to and from offshore installations in one of the world's most demanding operating environments. Investec also provided Ultimate with a committed financing solution for the delivery of both helicopters.

Ultimate Aviation Group, headquartered in South Africa, is continuing to expand its European footprint, playing a key role in delivering specialised offshore air services across the region.

“This transaction signals our continued expansion in the UK and European aviation sector, where we see strong demand for flexible funding solutions in niche and mission-critical operations,” adds Abraham.

As a first transaction with the Group's UK business, the facility lays the foundation for a longer-term relationship, with Investec CIB well positioned to support future growth through tailored aviation finance solutions.

“We specialise in performing air services in remote, austere and difficult working environments, providing turn-key operations in many challenging areas,” comments Ultimate Aviation Group CEO Shaun Roseveare. “As such, we value financial partners who can adapt funding structures to meet our operational needs. Having the right solution in place allows us to focus on safely and reliably delivering offshore crew change services to our clients.”

“This transaction reflects our deep understanding of aviation markets and our ability to structure bespoke solutions aligned to complex client requirements, while continuing to grow our presence in key international markets,” concludes Abraham.

Ultimate Aviation Group is a South African-based, diversified aviation company established in 2010 specialising in helicopter services, including charter, maintenance, training and utility operations for oil, gas, and humanitarian sectors. Headquartered in Johannesburg, it operates the first private, state-of-the-art heliport in South Africa, servicing regions including Africa, Antarctica and the North Sea.