Omni Helicopters International (OHI) has completed a leasing transaction with The Milestone Aviation Group for the purchase-and-leaseback of three new Leonardo AW189 helicopters, the lease extension of one AW139 helicopter and the lease of two Sikorsky S-92 SAR helicopters.

The three new factory-fitted AW189 helicopters are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. The AW139 helicopter, which is currently operated by Omni in support of offshore oil and gas activities, is subject to a five-year lease extension. Additionally, two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters in full all-weather SAR configuration are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027. These aircraft will support the growth and consolidation of SAR services across South America. This transaction represents a significant investment in the region's offshore and SAR sectors, supporting growing demand for mission-critical aviation services while reinforcing the long-term future of the S-92 platform.

“This transaction represents another important step in strengthening OHI's ability to deliver safe, reliable and mission-critical aviation services across South America. Our long-standing partnership with Milestone gives us the flexibility to invest in the right aircraft and capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of our customers. The addition of these aircraft reinforces both our offshore energy and search and rescue capabilities, while supporting the long-term resilience and performance of our fleet,” says Jeremy Akel, group chief executive officer, OHI.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Omni through this significant transaction. The AW189 helicopters will support the continued growth of offshore O&G operations in Brazil, while the addition of two S-92 helicopters in SAR configuration represents a major investment in expanding the country's critical search and rescue capabilities,” adds Pat Sheedy, president and chief executive officer, Milestone. “Brazil remains a key market for Milestone, and this transaction underscores both our long-term commitment to the region and our support for operators with modern, mission-ready aircraft. We continue to have strong confidence in the S-92 platform and its future in Brazil, where its proven reliability, exceptional payload capability and all-weather performance make it uniquely suited to demanding SAR missions. Together with the recent opening of the first Sikorsky-authorised S-92 Customer Support Center in Cabo Frio, this investment further strengthens the platform's presence and long-term outlook in Brazil while supporting Omni's continued growth and success.”

OHI's AW189 growth reflects a broader offensive in Brazil's super-medium segment: in October 2024 Omni Taxi Aereo was awarded a new Equinor Brazil contract at the Bacalhau field in the Santos Basin, deploying an AW189, an Airbus H175 and an S-92

Omni stands at the forefront of Latin America's air mobility and delivery solutions sector. As the region's largest provider of these services, OHI caters to diverse customer groups across multiple segments, ensuring seamless and efficient solutions. Through its subsidiaries Omni Taxi Aereo in Brazil, Omni Helicopters Guyana and Omni Helicopters International Mozambique, OHI offers unmatched capability and capacity to serve offshore customers in the fastest growing offshore energy markets. The company's extensive portfolio includes crew change, emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, search and rescue operations, as well as highly specialised cargo and utility services in remote and challenging locations. In line with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, OHI has introduced two groundbreaking ventures: OHI Unmanned, a specialist division focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) services, and Revo, a premium AAM solution provider.

OHI's Brazilian subsidiary Omni Taxi Aereo is the only civil operator in Brazil authorised by ANAC to hoist people with a winch, a capability central to offshore SAR missions. The operator already runs S-92s in SAR configuration; a 2023 deployment in Guyana was described at the time as the world's most connected SAR helicopter, fitted with SkyTrac satcom.