Lessor SMFL Helicopters has announced that it has secured lines of credit totalling around USD 400 million from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a government-owned institution tasked with the sound development of Japan’s international economy and society. The credit lines, which were co-financed with four Japanese commercial banks, are in three tranches of USD 302 million, EUR 79 million, and GBP 6 million, and will be used to finance the company’s expansion in overseas markets.With a portfolio of nearly 300 aircraft, SMFL Helicopters was already the world’s second largest helicopter lessor when it was formed in March of this year by the merger of LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft.
Commenting on the announcement, John Petkovic, Chief Executive Officer of SMFL Helicopters, said: “We are delighted to have completed this significant transaction with JBIC and its partners so soon after our launch. It underscores confidence in SMFL Helicopters’ long‑term strategy and in the strong growth potential of the helicopter leasing market. This transaction has been made possible by our shareholder, SMFL, whose vision for the future of helicopter leasing underpins our growth and development. SMFL Helicopters is committed to building long‑term partnerships with operators worldwide, deploying our growing fleet of new‑generation aircraft, and delivering sustained value to our shareholder.”
Image: SMFL Helicopters
