HispanicBusiness

DUBLIN, IRELAND and VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwire) -- 09/29/11 --


Summary

•Companies enter contract for sale-leaseback of five heavy helicopters serving the oil and gas passenger transportation sector •Milestone intends to be a significant new long-term source of capital for CHC

CHC Helicopter, the world's largest helicopter-services company, and Milestone Aviation Group, a leading global helicopter leasing company, today announced the commencement of a significant new financing relationship.

The companies have agreed to terms on the sale-leaseback of five aircraft: two Sikorsky S92 and three Eurocopter AS332L2. The first part of the transaction valued at over $50 million has closed, with another $30 million expected to close within the next two months. The total value of the deal is in excess of $80 million.

The agreement, which covers aircraft already in CHC's fleet, gives CHC additional flexibility in meeting the growing needs of its global customers by helping make most efficient use of capital. The aircraft currently are serving oil and gas contracts in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the Falklands.

Richard Santulli, Milestone chairman, said, "CHC is one of the pre-eminent helicopter operators in the world and, as such, we are proud to have entered into this partnership. We look forward to growing this relationship in years to come."

"It's great to have a company like Milestone come into the helicopter-leasing space," said William Amelio, CHC's president and chief executive officer. "Global capabilities, creativity and the ability to provide significant amounts of capital make them an important financial partner for CHC."

Since launching in August 2010, Milestone has leased over two dozen helicopters and private jets valued at more than $240 million. The company has signed commitments that will push that total to over $300 million by the end of the year.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About CHC
CHC Helicopter is the world's largest helicopter-services company specializing in transportation to offshore oil and gas platforms; civilian search-and-rescue services; and helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and has a fleet of more than 250 aircraft and operates in about 30 countries around the world.

About Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group is the first global aircraft leasing company exclusively focused on helicopters and private jets. Milestone's global aircraft leasing platform addresses the liquidity needs of a transforming marketplace through 100% operating lease financing. Further information is available at www.milestoneaviation.com.



MEDIA CONTACTS FOR:

CHC
Pieter Uni
Office: +1 604 232-8273
Email Contact

Milestone Aviation Group
Bryan Cullen
Global media (outside of North America)
Mobile: +353 87 686 8082
Email Contact

Lisa Johnson
North American media
Office: +1 614 233 2302
Mobile: +1 614 886 6600
Email Contact