Helicopters - Massive lease of EMS helicopters in Germany - AVweb

German Rescue Operator DRF Leases Helicopters from Waypoint

German air rescue operator DRF Luftrettung today signed a purchase and leaseback agreement with Waypoint Leasing for a pair of Airbus H135P2 helicopters. Both aircraft will be operated in Germany, supporting civilian emergency medical services. DRF is Germany’s largest non-profit air rescue service and this is the first time it has leased aircraft from Ireland-based Waypoint. The leasing group’s portfolio now includes more than 120 aircraft for 16 customers in 27 countries with a total asset value of around $1.5 billion. The number of aircraft it has in emergency medical service has grown three-fold in the past 12 months to 15 helicopters, and it has another 60 on order or option for this sector. “As we plan for the year ahead, helicopter leasing provides additional flexibility to help manage and finance our fleet,” said DRF chief executive Dr. Hans Eyrich. “Waypoint has proven itself to be a very valuable partner for us in providing a leasing solution with best-in-class technical knowledge and management expertise.”