Helicopter leasing company Milestone Aviation Group will provide two AW139 helicopters from its order book with Leonardo Helicopters to Norsk Luftambulanse AS (NLA) to support emergency medical services (HEMS) in Norway.

Milestone, a GE Capital Aviation Services company, has a fleet of helicopters worth over $4.0 billion plus debt commitments of approximately $400 million. The company has a forward order book of firm and option aircraft with an estimated aggregate purchase price in excess of US $3 billion.

In July, Norway’s National Air Ambulance Service awarded NLA with a six-year contract (with a further 2x two-year extension options) to operate all twelve HEMS bases in Norway.

“We are very proud to have supported NLA in its successful bid to provide air ambulance services to the people of Norway,” said Milestone executive vice president Robert Dranitzke. “The Norwegian government conducted a very comprehensive process to ensure that Norway would be served with a robust and modern HEMS and its choice is a testament to NLA’s reputation as a trusted and skilled operator. We look forward to continuing to work with NLA as they serve this essential function for the Norwegian people in the years to come.”

“Milestone is a strong and creative partner, and their flexibility was greatly valued in helping us win this important contract to provide high-quality and reliable helicopter ambulance service to patients across Norway,” said Rune Midtgaard, CEO. “Throughout a competitive bidding process, Milestone worked collaboratively to develop the optimal lease structure that matched the requirements of our end-user, the Norwegian government. As we look forward to the critical tasks ahead, we know our partnership with Milestone will continue to benefit the people of Norway, as we bring improved technology and additional capacity to Norway’s HEMS.”

Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports over 35 customers in more than 30 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining and other utility missions.