Helicopter leasing company Waypoint Leasing closed a lease agreement with Calquin Helicopters, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo FAASA, for one Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter, which will transition from firefighting operations in Europe to high altitude utility missions in the Andes Mountains.

This transaction represents Waypoint’s 17th aircraft re-lease event and underscores the company’s commitment to expanding into the utility market.

Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said, “I am pleased to once again be working with the Tamarit-Almagro family and the excellent team at FAASA on this important transaction, and I am confident that it marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership between our organizations. This transaction – and the support and commitments we are receiving from customers – is illustrative of our ability to remarket underutilized heavy aircraft as demand continues to increase.”

Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators. Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 135 aircraft for 18 customers in 28 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 billion. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 125 helicopters valued at more than $1.7 billion, to be delivered over the next five years.

Ireland-based Waypoint is a global helicopter leasing company that provides operating lease and financing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide.