LCI delivers three emergency medical helicopters to Alidaunia

LCI has delivered three Leonardo AW169 helicopters on long-term lease to Italian operator Alidaunia.

The aircraft were all delivered new from Leonardo and are valued at over $30 million. They form part of the LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL) joint venture fleet, which now totals 57 aircraft valued at approximately $600 million.

The AW169s have entered service with Alidaunia over the past 12 months and are being flown on mission-critical and socially responsible emergency medical services (EMS) operations in Italy.

Two of the helicopters support the operator’s EMS contract with the Campania region, operating 365 days a year from two bases: Naples and Salerno. The Naples base is operational 24/7.

The third is also based in southern Italy, providing backup to the AW169 fleet, predominantly in Campania and Puglia.

Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, said: “Supporting mission-critical EMS operations is an integral part of our ethos, and we are thrilled to be underpinning Alidaunia’s vital work in southern Italy with these proven, new helicopters.

“The initial ‘golden hour’ is vital in critical conditions, and helicopters have the unique combination of speed, range and access to meet this demanding medical requirement.”

Roberto Pucillo, Founder of Alidaunia, added: “Since our foundation in 1976, Alidaunia has built a reputation for safe and efficient helicopter operations. It is therefore natural to partner with LCI given their proven track record in supporting EMS operations. The AW169s we are operating save lives every day and allow us to offer an enhanced level of critical care to the citizens of Campania and Puglia.”