LIMERICK, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced at Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo that the company has officially surpassed $1.5 billion in total helicopter assets. Waypoint’s fleet, comprised of a diverse mix of assets ranging from light-twin to heavy helicopters, now includes more than 120 aircraft. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 125 helicopters valued at more than $1.7 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.
With increased scale, a diverse group of lenders, and offices around the globe, Waypoint has established a market-leading position – further bolstering its ability to serve its customers across various mission segments, including: emergency medical services (EMS), government/parapublic services, search and rescue (SAR), and oil & gas.
Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said, “There is no doubt that 2015 was a difficult year for the entire energy industry, and a challenging time for many of our customers. While we expect further headwinds through 2016, we are optimistic that as operators make capital allocation decisions, they will increasingly recognize the benefits associated with leasing solutions, which enhance operational and financial flexibility.”
Waypoint also announced at Heli-Expo that it has closed a multi-aircraft agreement with Bristow Group, Inc. for the sale and leaseback of three AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters. All three helicopters will operate on long-term offshore contracts.
EMS Market:
Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting EMS and other parapublic helicopter operators. Waypoint’s EMS fleet has grown threefold over the last 12 months and is currently comprised of 15 helicopters, further complemented with a multi-year order book of more than 60 firm and option positions, including AgustaWestland AW139s and AW169s and Airbus Helicopters H135T3/P3s and H145T2s.
Mr. Washecka added, “EMS, parapublic and search and rescue have always been significant segments of the helicopter market – and key areas of focus for Waypoint from the start. EMS is a very different business and market than oil & gas. Waypoint’s team is uniquely qualified in this area, with a tremendous amount of experience from program oversight of both light-twin and medium helicopters to full-scale management of EMS businesses.”
Global Reach & Financial Resources:
Waypoint has made significant strides in strategically positioning sales and relationship managers in local markets around the world to better serve customers. With Waypoint’s recently announced new office openings in Rio de Janeiro, Brisbane, and Cape Town, Waypoint now maintains offices in North America, South America, Europe, Africa (also covering the Middle East), Australia and Asia.
Waypoint recently closed its first rated debt capital market transaction – a $200 million seven year note issuance, placed with institutional investors. Waypoint now has a diverse group of more than 25 lenders across eight debt facilities, with no near-term maturities.
Alan Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer of Waypoint, commented, “Through diversifying our capital access, lender and product base while also adding longer term financing to our debt maturity profile, Waypoint has plenty of dry powder to continue to support our manufacturers and operator customers with flexible and creative financing solutions.”
About Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited
Waypoint Leasing is a global helicopter leasing company that provides operating lease and financing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, Waypoint differentiates itself with a senior management team that has direct helicopter operating and leasing experience in key helicopter markets around the world, having leased helicopters across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Waypoint serves a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting and governmental support. In addition to Ireland, Waypoint has offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and Brazil. Waypoint plans to open additional regional offices in Australia and South Africa in the second quarter of 2016. Further information is available at www.waypointleasing.com.