The conclusion of a €420 million loan agreement with four financial institutions for the supply of new helicopters for air ambulance and search and rescue missions was announced by Libra Group's LCI, which is active in the aerospace sector, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co. Ltd (SMFL), which has been a shareholder of LCI since 2023.
The agreement provides for financing from three of Japan's major financial institutions operating in dozens of countries worldwide (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mitsubishi UFJ Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank) and Bank of America.
LCI will use the funding to procure helicopters for air ambulance and search and rescue missions worldwide. This initiative reflects LCI's commitment to expanding its work in the aerospace and aircraft leasing industry, supporting local communities and promoting sustainability.
LCI is one of the subsidiaries of the Libra Group, owned by the Logothetis family, with a presence in nearly 60 countries in the aerospace, shipping, renewable energy, real estate, hospitality, etc. sectors. LCI has executed transactions for the supply of commercial aircraft of various types exceeding $10 billion over the last decade and has a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, with which it provides leasing services to leading airlines. The company invests in sustainable aviation technologies, including autonomous drones for cargo transport and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Libra Group CEO Manos Kouligkas highlighted the importance of the financing agreement, "Two decades ago, we decided to enter the aerospace sector with the creation of LCI, which has been on a dynamic growth trajectory for many years. Today, we are particularly proud to have become one of the most innovative aviation lessors in the world. We applaud these four financial institutions for their confidence in LCI and their recognition of its critical mission through the provision of these loans which will contribute to LCI's work and enhance the company's social footprint."
