Milestone Aviation
Milestone Aviation Group is the global leader in helicopter leasing and financing, providing operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, and fleet advisory services. A wholly-owned subsidiary of AerCap Holdings N.V., it operates a fleet of 300+ helicopters serving approximately 50 customers across offshore energy, SAR, EMS, firefighting, and windfarm sectors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersNorwalk, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Milestone Aviation does
Milestone Aviation Group Limited, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the global leader in helicopter leasing and financing and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE: AER). The company provides operating leases, purchase and leaseback arrangements, secured debt financing, engine leasing, and fleet advisory services to helicopter operators serving mission-critical sectors including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS/HEMS), windfarm renewable energy, firefighting, and law enforcement/government work. Milestone supports approximately 50 customers across approximately 35 countries, anchored by long-tenured operators such as Bristow Group, Aramco, CHC Helicopter, Offshore Helicopter Services, NHV Group, and PHI Aviation.
The core product is a fleet of over 300 helicopters organized across four weight categories: heavy (Sikorsky S-92, Airbus H225), super medium (Airbus H175, Leonardo AW189), medium (Airbus H160, Leonardo AW139, Sikorsky S-76, Bell 412), and light twin (Airbus H145, Leonardo AW169, Airbus H135). Milestone is the largest owner of the Sikorsky S-92 globally and was the first lessor to bring the Airbus H160 into its orderbook, with six units committed. In August 2024, Milestone and Helitak jointly achieved FAA Supplemental Type Certificate for the FT5000 fire suppression tank on the S-92A, creating an industry-first firefighting configuration for that airframe. Strategic framework agreements span all three major helicopter OEMs — Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) — as well as Safran Helicopter Engines for engine leasing.
The business model is recurring-revenue B2B leasing with multi-year enterprise contracts, quote-based pricing tailored to operator mission profile, and no intermediary channels. Distribution is handled by regional commercial teams in Dublin (global HQ), Dubai (Middle East and emerging markets), and Miami (Americas), with the parent AerCap providing the capital base for fleet investment. Geographic reach spans EMEA, North America, LATAM, APAC, and Africa. The company is privately held, with no public debt or equity issuance of its own, and operates without app distribution, public API, or disclosed AI/ML systems.
Milestone Aviation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Milestone Aviation
- Legal name
- Milestone Aviation Group Limited
- Website
- https://milestoneaviation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Milestone Aviation Group is the global leader in helicopter leasing and financing, providing operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, and fleet advisory services. A wholly-owned subsidiary of AerCap Holdings N.V., it operates a fleet of 300+ helicopters serving approximately 50 customers across offshore energy, SAR, EMS, firefighting, and windfarm sectors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Milestone Aviation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Helicopter Leasing & Financing
- NAICS
- Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (488190)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Equipment Rental & Leasing (7350)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind) (TLAFACAH)
Keywords
Where Milestone Aviation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Norwalk
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Milestone Aviation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Helicopter Operating Leases: Core revenue stream from operating leases of helicopters to global operators. Provides flexible financing solutions including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, and secured debt financing for helicopter fleet acquisition and renewal.
- Engine Leasing: Engine leasing services supporting helicopter operators with maintenance and operational flexibility.
- Fleet Advisory Services: Advisory services helping operators make strategic fleet decisions and optimize fleet composition.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Milestone Aviation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Milestone Aviation provides helicopter leasing and financing solutions to global operators through a portfolio of over 300 helicopters across heavy, super medium, medium, and light twin categories. The company offers operating leases, purchase/leaseback arrangements, secured debt financing, engine leasing, and fleet advisory services, supporting mission-critical sectors including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, EMS, windfarm renewables, firefighting, and government operations across approximately 50 customers in 35 countries.
Product overview
Milestone Aviation is the world's leading helicopter leasing and financing company, operating as an AerCap company. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial and productivity solutions including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing, and fleet advisory services. Milestone's core offering is its fleet of over 300 helicopters organized by size category: Heavy (Sikorsky S-92, Airbus H225), Super Medium (Airbus H175, Leonardo AW189), Medium (Airbus H160, Leonardo AW139, Sikorsky S-76, Bell 412), and Light Twin (Airbus H145, Leonardo AW169, Airbus H135). The fleet supports mission-critical sectors including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, windfarm renewable energy, firefighting, and utility operations across approximately 50 customers in 35 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Helicopter Operating Leases Flexible operating lease solutions that allow helicopter operators to access aircraft without capital ownership, with flexibility through the aircraft lifecycle. Available across all helicopter types and mission profiles.
- Purchase and Leaseback Purchase and leaseback arrangements enabling helicopter operators to monetize existing assets while continuing operations through Milestone's financing solutions.
- Secured Debt Financing Debt financing solutions secured by helicopter assets, providing capital access for fleet expansion and operational needs.
- Engine Leasing Engine leasing services supporting helicopter operators with flexible powerplant solutions complementary to aircraft leasing, including access to Safran Support-by-the-Hour programs.
- Fleet Advisory Services Strategic consulting services helping helicopter operators optimize fleet composition, transition between aircraft types, and make data-driven fleet decisions.
- Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Heavy helicopter for large-capacity offshore passenger transport, search and rescue, and firefighting (with Helitak FT5000 conversion). Multi-mission, all-weather platform offered to operators globally.
- Airbus H225 Helicopter Heavy multi-mission helicopter for offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, VIP transport, and utility missions. Operated by Air Center Helicopters (US government and SpaceX support), Westair Helicopters (Namibia), and COHC (China).
- Airbus H175 Helicopter Super medium helicopter for offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, law enforcement, and government work. Long range, smooth ride, up to 18 passengers, can operate at full payload in 90% of oil and gas destinations.
- Leonardo AW189 Helicopter Super medium multi-mission helicopter combining exceptional payload and range with advanced technologies. All-weather operator for demanding medical, rescue, and offshore missions; capacity for up to 19 passengers.
- Airbus H160 Helicopter Medium multi-mission helicopter with improved passenger comfort, advanced pilot assistance, increased fuel efficiency, and simplified maintenance. Destined for offshore transportation and EMS missions. Milestone is the first lessor customer.
- Leonardo AW139 Helicopter Multi-mission twin-engine helicopter with state-of-the-art avionics, advanced safety features, and capacity for up to 15 passengers. Configurable for EMS, SAR, offshore oil and gas, and renewables. Best-selling medium helicopter in the industry.
- Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Medium commercial utility helicopter with multi-mission capabilities including VIP transport, EMS, SAR, and offshore passenger transport. Accommodates up to 13 passengers with range up to 832 km.
- Bell 412 Helicopter Utility helicopter performing reliably in extreme climates worldwide. Suited for EMS, passenger and cargo transport missions.
- Airbus H145 Helicopter Compact light twin with Helionix digital avionics, lowest maintenance costs in class, and 150 kg increased useful load with five-bladed rotor. Suited for offshore oil and gas transport, HEMS, renewable energy, and utility missions.
- Leonardo AW169 Helicopter Versatile light twin offering unrivalled operating capability in challenging conditions with exceptional external visibility. Supports EMS, SAR, police surveillance, and energy services missions with capacity for up to 11 passengers.
- Airbus H135 Helicopter Lightweight twin-engine helicopter known for endurance, compact build, low sound levels, reliability, and versatility. Carries up to 6 passengers with range up to 635 km, suited for EMS, SAR, and parapublic missions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Fleet of over 300 helicopters
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Milestone Aviation
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Milestone Aviation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Milestone Aviation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
36 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.
- Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin)coreLongstanding partnership with Sikorsky for S-92 and S-76 helicopters. Milestone is largest owner of S-92 globally. Partnership includes development of firefighting capabilities and Total Assurance Program (TAP) support.
- Bristow GroupcoreLong-term partnership with Bristow Group for helicopter leasing. Includes purchase and leaseback agreements for Leonardo AW139 SAR helicopters (2025), lease agreements for five Airbus H160 helicopters (2025), and expansion of SAR operations with AW189 aircraft. Milestone supports Bristow's fleet expansion and life-saving SAR operations globally.
- Offshore Helicopter Services (OHS)coreLease of 4 additional helicopters including 2 AW139, 1 H175, 1 S-92 plus extension of 4 existing aircraft. Supports UK North Sea SAR and offshore operations.
- Vår EnergicorePurchase and leaseback of 2 new Leonardo AW189 helicopters to operate on Norwegian Continental Shelf. Aircraft to be operated by Lufttransport.
- EquinorcorePurchase and leaseback of 5 new Leonardo AW189 helicopters for Norwegian Continental Shelf offshore missions. Won competitive tender process for this significant deal.
- Westair HelicoptersminorLease agreement for first heavy helicopter (H225) supporting offshore operations in Namibia, Africa. New customer acquisition marking Milestone's re-entry into oil and gas H225 market.
- Safran Helicopter EnginesstrategicFramework agreement to simplify transition of Safran-powered aircraft between lessees and ensure access to best-in-class asset management services. Promotes Safran's Support-by-the-Hour program to lessees for engine maintenance cost control.
- Helitak Firefighting EquipmentcorePartnership to develop and certify FT5000 fire tank for Sikorsky S-92A helicopter. Milestone and Helitak collaborated to create industry-first firefighting platform for S-92. FAA certification achieved August 2024. Partnership enables transition of older S-92s to firefighting missions.
- Leonardo HelicopterscoreFramework agreement with Leonardo Helicopters for ongoing fleet development. Milestone operates largest portfolio of Leonardo helicopters including AW139, AW169, AW189. Extensive order book with Leonardo for new aircraft deliveries.
- NHV GroupcoreLongstanding partnership with NHV for helicopters including H175, AW169, H145. Deal includes purchase assignment and leaseback for 4 H175 and 1 AW169 supporting offshore operations in North Sea and Côte d'Ivoire.
- Northern Rescue HelicoptersminorLease of 2 AW169 helicopters for EMS/SAR operations in Auckland and Northland regions of New Zealand. First Milestone aircraft in New Zealand.
- LufttransportcoreNew customer for 2 AW139 helicopters (lease agreements) plus additional 3 AW139 (purchase assignment and leaseback) for North Sea offshore missions.
- CITIC Offshore Helicopter (COHC)coreDecade-long partnership (since 2014) for offshore operations from Shenzhen base. Three heavy helicopters including 2 S-92 and 1 H225 delivered. Brings COHC's total fleet on lease from Milestone to 6 helicopters.
- China Southern Airlines General Aviation (CSAGA)coreFirst lease agreement for S-92 helicopter following 2023 sale transaction. Aircraft configured for offshore passenger transport from Zhuhai base in China.
- Líder AviaçãocoreLease of S-92 helicopter for offshore operations supporting Petrobras in Brazil's pre-salt oil regions. Second aircraft from Milestone following existing AW139 lease.
- UNI-FLY GroupminorLease agreements for 3 AW169 helicopters for offshore windfarm hoist operations in North Sea. Partnership includes extension and placement of aircraft at UK operating base.
- China General Aviation Company (CGAC)coreDelivery of S-92 helicopter configured for offshore passenger transport from Hainan base in China. New customer for Milestone.
- Brunei Shell PetroleumcoreSale of S-92 helicopter for offshore oil and gas missions in Brunei. S-92 has been cornerstone of BSP aviation since 2007.
- Offshore Helicopter Services (OHS)coreMulti-year partnership for S-92 helicopter leasing supporting North Sea offshore operations. Includes extension of existing aircraft and placement of new S-92 helicopters for fleet expansion and modernization.
- Macquarie RotorcraftminorSale of 12-helicopter portfolio including S-92, H135, Bell 412, and Leonardo helicopters to Macquarie Rotorcraft. Demonstrates maturity of helicopter leasing market and strong liquidity.
- RotortrademinorMOU for sale of up to 7 helicopters (Airbus H225 and Bell 412) to Rotortrade as global helicopter distributor. Represents portfolio management and asset disposition strategy.
- HeliServiceminorLease agreements for 2 AW139 helicopters for offshore wind farm operations in German Bight, and 2 AW169 for Taiwan offshore wind projects.
- AramcocoreCompleted 35-helicopter fleet renewal program for Aramco including 21 AW139 and 5 H145 helicopters. Partnership began in 2016 with leasing model enabling Aramco to focus on operational excellence.
- CHC HelicoptercorePartnership for S-92 and AW189 SAR helicopters supporting Norwegian SAR missions contracted by Norway's Ministry of Justice. First SAR-enabled AW189 in Milestone fleet deployed for Netherlands Coastguard.
- PHI AviationcoreLease agreements for 2 S-92s, 1 AW139, and H175 expansion. PHI fleet on lease from Milestone totals 4+ helicopters supporting Gulf of Mexico and Australia operations.
- Heliconia GroupminorDelivery of AW139 helicopter for offshore operations in Senegal, expanding to 6 AW139s total with Heliconia supporting oil and gas industry in Senegal.
- Ecocopter EcuadorminorDelivery of H145 helicopter for first operation of its type in Ecuador, supporting mining, power line construction, and EMS missions across Chile and Peru.
- Omni Helicopters International (OHI)coreMilestone's first customer (since 2010) with partnership now totaling 22 aircraft. 11-aircraft deal with AW139 and S-92 helicopters supporting OHI operations in Latin America and Africa.
- CHC HelicoptercoreDelivery of 2 Sikorsky S-92 SAR helicopters for Norwegian SAR missions contracted by Norway's Ministry of Justice from Tromsø base.
- Thai Aviation Services (TAS)coreDelivery of 3 AW139 helicopters for multi-year contract supporting oil and gas operations in Malaysia from Thai base.
- Quark ExpeditionsminorProvision of 2 Airbus H145 helicopters stationed on Ultramarine expedition ship for polar adventure operations including heli-hiking and aerial touring.
- NHV GroupcorePurchase/leaseback of AW169 helicopter for UK operations supporting ENI offshore oil and gas missions from Blackpool base.
- Wiking Helikopter ServiceminorThree-year lease extension of H145 helicopter for seapilot and offshore windfarm operations in German North Sea and Baltic Sea regions.
- Air Center HelicopterscoreAddition of 11 Airbus H225 helicopters (growing to 18 total) for utility, training, and transport missions including US government contracts, SpaceX Crew Dragon support, and VERTREP operations.
- Airbus HelicopterscoreStrategic partnership for H160, H175, H145, and H225 helicopters. Milestone is first lessor customer for H160 with 6 aircraft ordered. Supports Airbus helicopters across all weight segments with extensive order book.
- NHV GroupcoreFirst five-bladed H145 helicopters for NHV's German military training contract at Laupheim. Milestone now leases 8 helicopters to NHV across various missions.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Milestone Aviation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Bristow Group: Largest helicopter operator globally and Milestone's largest customer (~50 helicopters on lease). Increasingly vertically integrated with its own SAR fleet expansion and now a partial lessor of S-92 and AW139 SAR-configured aircraft. Functions as both customer and emerging competing capacity in certain SAR markets.
- CHC Helicopter: Major global helicopter operator focused on offshore oil & gas, SAR (Norwegian Ministry of Justice contract), and EMS. Leases multiple S-92 and AW189 from Milestone. While primarily an operator rather than lessor, its scale and fleet decisions influence helicopter leasing market dynamics.
Direct peers
- Waypoint Leasing: Previously a major global helicopter leasing company focused on the offshore and SAR end markets. Was a direct competitor to Milestone across the same customer base before restructuring. Useful as a historical reference point for the helicopter leasing peer set.
- Rotortrade: Global helicopter distributor and lessor specializing in pre-owned helicopter transactions. Signed an MOU with Milestone in 2023 for up to 7 helicopters (H225, Bell 412). Operates as both competitor for portfolio acquisitions and complementary channel for asset disposition.
- Lobo Leasing: Independent helicopter leasing company focused on the offshore oil & gas and SAR segments, providing operating leases for light, medium, and heavy twin helicopters. Directly competes with Milestone for placements with offshore and SAR operators worldwide.
- Macquarie Rotorcraft (Macquarie Asset Management): Helicopter leasing arm of Macquarie Asset Management, one of the most direct competitors to Milestone. In 2023 it acquired a 12-helicopter portfolio from Milestone (S-92, H135, Bell 412, Leonardo types), directly competing for helicopter financing deals across global operators.
Broad incumbents
- Fuyo General Lease: Japanese general leasing company with aviation leasing operations including helicopter and corporate aircraft financing. A broader incumbent in Asian aviation leasing that occasionally participates in helicopter financing transactions, comparable in business model to Milestone's leasing approach.
- AerCap Holdings: The world's largest aircraft leasing company and Milestone's parent. Operates a broad portfolio across commercial jets, engines, and helicopters through Milestone. Relevant as the umbrella incumbent that provides Milestone's capital base while competing broadly in aviation leasing.
- Avation PLC: Commercial aircraft leasing company listed on the London Stock Exchange that leases regional and narrowbody aircraft to airlines globally. A broader incumbent in aviation leasing whose aircraft leasing model and balance sheet approach parallel Milestone's helicopter leasing activities, though focused on fixed-wing aircraft.
Others
- Safran Helicopter Engines: Leading helicopter engine manufacturer and provider of Support-by-the-Hour maintenance programs. Partnered with Milestone (2024 framework agreement) to promote engine cost control to lessees. Functions as an adjacent ecosystem participant whose commercial terms directly affect helicopter lease economics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Milestone Aviation social profiles
Digital presenceMilestone Aviation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Milestone Aviation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Milestone Aviation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Milestone Aviation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Milestone Aviation
What does Milestone Aviation do?
Milestone Aviation provides helicopter leasing and financing solutions to global operators through a portfolio of over 300 helicopters across heavy, super medium, medium, and light twin categories. The company offers operating leases, purchase/leaseback arrangements, secured debt financing, engine leasing, and fleet advisory services, supporting mission-critical sectors including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, EMS, windfarm renewables, firefighting, and government operations across approximately 50 customers in 35 countries.
Is Milestone Aviation a public or private company?
Milestone Aviation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Milestone Aviation founded?
Milestone Aviation was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Milestone Aviation based?
Milestone Aviation is headquartered in Norwalk, United States, in the North America region.
How does Milestone Aviation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Helicopter Operating Leases are the primary driver. The others are engine Leasing and fleet Advisory Services.
Who are Milestone Aviation's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Bristow Group and CHC Helicopter. Direct peers are Waypoint Leasing, Rotortrade, Lobo Leasing and Macquarie Rotorcraft (Macquarie Asset Management). Broad incumbents are Fuyo General Lease, AerCap Holdings and Avation PLC. Safran Helicopter Engines is listed as an others.
Does Milestone Aviation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Milestone Aviation.
What industry is Milestone Aviation in?
Milestone Aviation's product category is Helicopter Leasing & Financing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFACAH, Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind). Its NAICS code is 4812 and its SIC code is 7350.