Air Taxi Operation Will Add 2 New Sikorsky 76C++ To Its Fleet

Brazils second-largest helicopter operator (by fleet size) is about to add 2 new Sikorsky 76C++ aircraft to its fleet. Milestone Aviation Group has partnered with Omni Taxi Aereo of Brazil to provide 100% lease financing for the addition the helos in a deal worth $23 million at retail prices. Omni Taxi Aereo says the move was precipitated by its rapid growth to meet the needs of Petrobras and the Brazilian oil and gas industry.

Skiorsky 76C++ File Photo

The deal closed in early September. The aircraft are currently undergoing offshore configuration completion at Sikorsky's Coatesville, Pennsylvania completion center, and are scheduled to be delivered within the next 30 days. The aircraft will be used to service a Petrobras contract ferrying workers to offshore oil platforms.

"It is important for us to have a financial partner that understands our business," said Rui Almeida, President of Omni Taxi Aereo. "Milestone is made up of former operators who can relate to our circumstances and who understand our needs. They have proven quick and decisive in providing 100% financing to support our growth plans allowing us to meet the needs of our customers."

The deal is the first for Milestone. The company which secured $500 million of equity this August to provide lease financing to the helicopter and private jet markets is currently in various stages of discussions with helicopter operators and private jet owners in 18 countries on 6 continents. The company says it  plans to announce its next transaction shortly.

FMI: www.milestoneaviation.com