Babcock Canada to lease seven more AW169s
Babcock Canada will lease a fleet of seven Leonardo AW169 helicopters to support air medical operations in British Columbia
The aircraft will be leased from a joint venture between LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL).
They will be used by Babcock to support helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) on behalf of Ascent Helicopters, who provide HEMS services in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC).
The first helicopter has already been handed over to Babcock, and the remaining six are due to be delivered by January 2025.
The new rotorcraft will be fitted with night vision goggles- and HEMS-configured interiors. The work will be done by HeliMods, an aircraft modifications firm that maintains a facility in Vancouver, BC.
“Babcock Canada is delighted to work with LCI as we expand our aviation footprint into Western Canada,” said Jerry McLean, CEO of Babcock Canada. “The Leonardo AW169 is a modern, reliable, and mission-ready aircraft that will significantly enhance the critical services Ascent Helicopters will provide to the citizens of British Columbia.”
LCI also delivered two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock’s Australian division last month.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.