Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Babcock leases AW169s for Canadian EMS operations

Aerospace

Babcock leases AW169s for Canadian EMS operations

Babcock has leased seven new emergency medical services (EMS) configured Leonardo AW169 helicopters from LCI.

Image courtesy Babcock / LCI

The helicopters are being placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL: SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited. The joint venture has acquired the aircraft and will be leasing them to Babcock Canada.

Babcock are subcontracted by Ascent Helicopters, who will be providing EMS operations across the province on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).

Advertisement
ODU RT

The first helicopter has now been handed over, with the remaining six set to be delivered by January 2025. This agreement means Ascent Helicopters is the first operator to bring the AW169 to Canada.

The highly capable AW169s will be specially equipped with night vision goggles and state-of-the-art medical interiors completed by HeliMods in British Columbia. These modifications will enable the helicopters to meet the most mission critical operational requirements in in the region.

BCEHS carries out medical emergency evacuations and patient transfers between healthcare facilities, responding to calls from over 7,800 patients a year.

Jerry McLean, CEO of Babcock Canada said: “We’re delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable and mission ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, said: “LCI is honoured to support the important roles that Ascent and Babcock are playing in the expansion of vital EMS operations in British Columbia.”

“This development in our longstanding partnership with Babcock demonstrates how LCI can deliver tailored financing solutions for highly specialised, mission critical assets such as emergency medical service helicopters, giving maximum flexibility and support to our customers in providing essential operations.”

LCI and Babcock have a longstanding leasing partnership, currently providing 17 helicopters for a wide variety of operational roles in markets across the globe.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

Aerospace Events

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

7 July 2025

Taking place on 29th and 30th October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, Advanced Engineering will have a new expanded Composites Pavilion, SME Village, the ADS Pavilion, AM2 Forum (Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Forum) and a focused Electronics Zone.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

Aerospace

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

7 July 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed a team of specialists at the forefront of economics and competition policy to provide strategic advice to the aviation regulator on economic regulation and the challenges and opportunities in enabling the aviation sector to transform and grow.

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

Aerospace

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

7 July 2025

Ajman Transport Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure, with the aim of exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM) for smart aerial transport, including air taxi services, in the Emirate.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT