LEASING MILESTONE
Niche aircraft leasing start-up Milestone Aviation has closed its first financing transaction following a deal with Brazilian helicopter operator Omni Taxi Aéreo for two new Sikorsky 76C++ helicopters. Rio de Janeiro-based Omni - Brazil's second-largest helicopter operator by fleet size - will use the medium twin-engined aircraft to support its expanding offshore operation. The S76++s are being completed in offshore configuration by Sikorsky in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and are scheduled for delivery within the next 30 days. Milestone - which launched in August - says it is in various stages of discussions with helicopter operators and private jet owners in 18 countries. Further financing deals are imminent.
AIRBORNE MISSION
Airborne Technologies has secured the first customer for its Tecnam multi-mission aircraft following a deal for one of the four-seat Rotax 912S-powered aircraft from Russian operator ChelAvia. The Tecnam MMA - based in the Austrian airframer's P2006T light single - will be used by ChelAvia "on a diverse range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions including police, border patrol, drug enforcement and urban surveillance".
HUMANITARIAN CONTRACT
Air Partner has been awarded a four-year contract from the UK government to become the exclusive provider of all passenger and freight air charter services for the Department for International Development. The department is responsible for almost all humanitarian airlifts on behalf of the UK and for addressing the UK's global relief efforts.
Source: Flight International
