Milestone Extends Lease Agreements with Air Center Helicopters for 11 Airbus H225s, Reinforcing Its Position as a Global Leader in Helicopter Leasing
AeroMorning – John Smith – October 15, 2026
DUBLIN, October 15, 2026 – Milestone Aviation Group Limited, a subsidiary of Dublin-headquartered AerCap, has announced long-term lease extensions with Air Center Helicopters, Inc. for 11 Airbus H225 helicopters. Announced on October 15, 2026, the extensions will take effect in May 2027 and run through June 2033. Operated by Air Center, which Milestone describes as the largest H225 operator in the Americas, the heavy-lift aircraft support government agencies, strategic programmes, airlift operations, space mission recovery, essential personnel transportation, utility services and other mission-critical operations across the United States and strategic locations worldwide.
Sebastien Moulin, Chief Commercial Officer of Milestone, noted that the agreement demonstrates the H225 platform’s continued value in complex operations. Chris Dalton, Chief Operating Officer of Air Center, highlighted that the lease amendments will help maintain the availability of critical aircraft throughout existing contract terms and beyond.
The agreement illustrates how long-term financing arrangements provide fleet continuity and financial predictability for operators while enabling lessors to maintain customer relationships and generate recurring income.
Fleet, Financial Position and Global Reach
As a subsidiary of AerCap, which reported record net income of approximately US$3.8 billion in 2025 across its commercial aircraft, engine and helicopter businesses, Milestone does not publicly disclose standalone annual revenue. Its business model focuses on leasing and financing rather than direct aircraft operations. According to AerCap’s 2025 Annual Report, Milestone owned or had 335 helicopters on order as of December 31, 2025, up from 322 at the end of 2024, supporting approximately 50 customers in more than 35 countries.
Its portfolio includes aircraft manufactured by Airbus, Leonardo, Sikorsky and Bell, serving offshore oil and gas, offshore wind, search and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, law enforcement and utility missions. Its financing solutions include operating leases, purchase-and-leaseback arrangements, secured debt financing, engine leasing and advisory services. In July 2025,
Competitive Landscape and Market Position
Although its precise US market share cannot be established from publicly available data, Milestone describes itself as the global leader in helicopter leasing and financing, supported by AerCap’s resources and a portfolio exceeding 300 helicopters.
Its international competitors include a small group of specialised lessors rather than exclusively US-based companies:
- LCI operates globally, with approximately 150 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in its portfolio and more than 40 additional aircraft on order.
- Macquarie Rotorcraft previously held approximately 120 leased aircraft before LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing announced an agreement to acquire it in March 2025. The transaction was intended to expand their combined business to approximately 310 aircraft owned, managed or on order.
Milestone’s competitive advantages include portfolio scale, access to capital, relationships with manufacturers and operators, and specialised financing capabilities. Helicopter lessors such as Milestone must also be distinguished from operators such as Bristow Group and CHC Helicopter, which provide aviation services and operate aircraft rather than primarily financing them.
Outlook
The H225 lease extensions through June 2033 reinforce Milestone’s role in financing specialised operations, securing essential aircraft for demanding missions while supporting its position in a competitive global market.
