Image courtesy LCI

The placement with Santos represents LCI’s first ever direct lease to an end-user.
 
Santos is a global energy company with operations across Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Timor-Leste and the US. PHL is the leading provider of helicopter services for energy, mining, construction and telecommunications companies in Papua New Guinea and will operate both aircraft on behalf of Santos subsidiary, Oil Search (PNG).

 
The two new helicopters will be leased from LCI’s joint venture (JV) with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). They have been delivered in recent weeks on long term leases and will support liquid natural gas (LNG) and other energy facilities in PNG with a significant export content to Japan. The helicopters will also support Santos Foundation activities in PNG and its work to build resilient communities.
 
The Airbus H145D3 is the quietest helicopter in its class and has a proven track record of performance, capability and flexibility. Its combination of a small footprint and a large, flexible cabin make it well-suited for a broad variety of missions.
 
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, says: “We welcome this new partnership with Santos and Pacific Helicopters, and are excited to support their operations in Papua New Guinea. This transaction demonstrates that end users of helicopters can step into leases, thus benefitting from our availability and efficiencies directly.”
 
Michael Sleightholme, Aviation Manager EA / PNG of Santos, said: “LCI’s wide ranging experience and bespoke approach made them a natural partner for a direct lease, and the helicopters are already bringing greater efficiency, performance and reliability to our operations.”
 
Eddie Matane, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Helicopters, says: “LCI’s proven track record supporting energy operations across the globe made them a natural choice as a leasing partner. The new and versatile helicopters will help enable us to deliver reliable and efficient operations in Papua New Guinea.”
 
PHL has supported and engaged PNG Nationals since its inception, employing over 160 people and creating opportunities for locals to become pilots and engineers. PHL adheres to international safety standards and provides reliable and secure aerial solutions in challenging environments. PHL were supported in the arrangement of its lease by Russell Allen & Partners, an aviation company that provides asset management, lease and technical services.
 
Santos is a global energy company headquartered in Adelaide, which reported revenues of US$5.9bn for financial year 2023. Its goal is to be a global leader in the energy evolution to low carbon fuels that help the world decarbonise and continue to provide the reliable, affordable energy the world needs for modern life and human progress.