Helicopter lessor Waypoint passes 100 mark

Irish-based helicopter leasing specialist, Waypoint, said on Monday that it has bought more than 100 craft and placed them with clients, less than two years since it was launched.

The company has also borrowed an extra $185 million (€172 million) in the first quarter of 2015 through three separate facilities.

Waypoint's fleet now ranges from single and twin engined helicopters, suppliers include Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland, Airbus, Bell, and Sikorsky.

It has more than 100 craft, leased to 13 clients with operations in 22 countries, and assets in excess of $1.2 billion.

It also has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 95 helicopters valued at more than $1.4 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.

Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said: "Through a combination of our acquired portfolio and our order book, we are extremely well positioned to continue to meet customer demand for helicopter services and financing solutions in the years ahead."

Waypoint is based in Limerick and Connecticut in the north eastern US. Its backers include members of the Soros family.