Milestone Aviation to Support Enhanced Emergency Medical Service Operations in Norway With Lease of Two AW139 Helicopters to Norsk Luftambulanse

DUBLIN, March 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Milestone Aviation Group Limited ("Milestone"), the global leader in helicopter leasing, announced today that it will provide two AW139 helicopters from its order book with Leonardo Helicopters to Norsk Luftambulanse AS ("NLA") to support emergency medical services (HEMS) in Norway. In July, Norway's National Air Ambulance Service awarded NLA with a six-year contract (with a further 2x two-year extension options) to operate all twelve HEMS bases in Norway.

"We are very proud to have supported NLA in its successful bid to provide air ambulance services to the people of Norway," said Milestone Executive Vice President Robert Dranitzke. "The Norwegian government conducted a very comprehensive process to ensure that Norway would be served with a robust and modern HEMS, and its choice is a testament to NLA's reputation as a trusted and skilled operator. We look forward to continuing to work with NLA as they serve this essential function for the Norwegian people in the years to come."

"Milestone is a strong and creative partner, and their flexibility was greatly valued in helping us win this important contract to provide high-quality and reliable helicopter ambulance service to patients across Norway," said Rune Midtgaard, CEO. "Throughout a competitive bidding process, Milestone worked collaboratively to develop the optimal lease structure that matched the requirements of our end-user, the Norwegian government. As we look forward to the critical tasks ahead, we know our partnership with Milestone will continue to benefit the people of Norway, as we bring improved technology and additional capacity to Norway's HEMS."

About Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, is the world's leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone has a fleet of helicopters worth over US $4.0 billion plus debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 35 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com

About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS is a world leader in aviation leasing and financing with 50 years of experience. The GECAS portfolio comprises a wide range of aircraft types including narrowbodies, widebodies, regional jets, turboprops, freighters and helicopters. GECAS offers multiple financing products and services including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, capital markets, engine leasing, airframe parts management and airport/airline consulting.  GECAS owns or services a fleet of over 1,950 aircraft (~1,700 fixed wing/ ~250 rotary wing) in operation or on order, plus provides loans collateralized on an additional ~400 aircraft. GECAS serves ~ 270 customers in over 75 countries from a network of 25 offices. www.gecas.com

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

About Norsk Luftambulanse AS
Norsk Luftambulanse AS ("NLA") is a Norwegian HEMS operator currently serving nine of Norway's twelve HEMS bases. In addition NLA operates all three HEMS bases in Denmark. The company is owned by Norway's largest non-profit membership organization with over 700,000 members, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation that is committed to saving lives by strengthening the air ambulance service through research, education and development.

Media Contact for Milestone:

Nathan Riggs
of Kekst and Company
+1-212-521-4804
nathan-riggs@kekst.com 

SOURCE Milestone Aviation Group