CMIFL

China Minsheng International Financial Leasing (CMIFL) has signed a deal with Airbus Helicopters to purchase 100 Ecureuil-series rotorcraft in the next five years.

The agreement was announced at the ongoing China Heli-Expo event in Tianjin.

The company will receive the first ten light single-engine helicopters in 2016. The deal covers the H125 and H130 Ecureuil versions.

With this deal, CMIFL will reportedly become the first and largest rotorcraft leasing company in China.

CMIFL chairman and president Wang Rong said: "The relaxation of low-altitude airspace regulations in China signals exciting times ahead as helicopters are in need to accelerate infrastructural development and provide for society demands including medical airlift services and passenger transport.

"CMIFL endeavours to provide leasing solutions and financial packages to ease the process of acquiring helicopters."

"CMIFL endeavours to provide leasing solutions and financial packages to ease the process of acquiring helicopters to meet these needs."

The H125s for CMIFL will be equipped with a 1.4t cargo hook, and configured for multi-role duties, while the H130s will feature an emergency medical services kit from Air Ambulance Technology to accommodate two pilots, one stretcher and up to three passengers.

CMIFL said it will offer these helicopters to operators with complete financing solutions, to accelerate the domestic general aviation sector.

Airbus Helicopters China president Norbert Ducrot said: "This agreement augurs well for Chinese operators who will benefit from new financial leasing solutions and potential customers now have a viable and low-risk solution to launch or expand their commercial rotorcraft operations."


Image: Officials of Airbus Helicopters and CMIFL at signing of the deal. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters 2015.