Milestone worthy of commemoration achieved
In the dynamic world of aviation, Milestone, the world's largest helicopter lessor, marks its 15th anniversary. This British-based company has built a strong reputation for its strategic and flexible approach to fleet management, providing operators with the versatile H225 helicopter for long-range missions in offshore energy, utility, and search and rescue (SAR) roles.
The flexibility offered by helicopter leasing is a key advantage. Operators can scale their fleets to meet new demands or adjust to changing requirements, ensuring they have the right aircraft for the job. This financial agility is particularly valuable, as leasing offers 100% financing for advanced aircraft, avoiding significant upfront capital expenditure.
Milestone's partnership with Airbus Helicopters, a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has been instrumental in its success. The partnership has seen Milestone invest in Airbus Helicopters' innovative platforms, such as the H160, and reap the benefits of Airbus Helicopters' essential product development, robust entry-into-service support, and crucial certification processes.
Airbus Helicopters' products, which account for around a third of Milestone's fleet, have proven their value in demanding offshore energy operations across the North Sea, Brazil, and Australia. The H175, in particular, continues to excel in these challenging environments.
The H160 is anticipated to secure greater market share in the medium segment due to its performance. Its adaptability and potential for upgrades make it an attractive choice for operators seeking a versatile aircraft that can meet a variety of mission sets over the lifespan of the asset.
The success of lessors like Milestone depends heavily on their relationship with OEMs. The partnership ensures long-term product support, upgrades, and retrofitting capabilities, all vital for maintaining asset value and ensuring aircraft remain adaptable to evolving mission requirements.
Moulin, the CEO of Milestone, highlights the shared responsibility for market health between lessors and OEMs. They work together to ensure they don't fund an oversupply in the market, maintaining a balanced supply-demand balance across the industry.
Milestone emphasizes the need for a financially disciplined approach that focuses on sustainable growth, beneficial to the industry. This approach, combined with their strategic partnership with Airbus Helicopters, positions Milestone well for continued success in the future.
In conclusion, Milestone's 15 years as the world's largest helicopter lessor is a testament to their strategic partnership with Airbus Helicopters, their commitment to financial discipline, and their focus on meeting the enduring demands of the energy sector and growing mission-critical services like EMS, SAR, and aerial firefighting.
