Dublin – 7 July 2026 – SMFL Helicopters Limited (SMFLH), a global helicopter lessor, announces today that it has closed a loan facility with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) totalling approximately US$302 million, €79 million, and £6 million.

This loan is co-financed with four Japanese commercial banks. The loan facility will finance SMFL’s overseas expansion through SMFLH.  

JBIC is a policy-based financial institution owned by the Government of Japan whose mission is to contribute to the sound development of Japan’s international economy and society. This loan facility enhances the international competitiveness of SMFL’s helicopter leasing business and promotes the wider use of helicopters as an important element of social infrastructure. 

SMFLH was launched in March 2026, and is the world’s second-largest lessor. It was formed following SMFL’s acquisition and integration of two major helicopter leasing firms – LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft. 

Today, SMFLH has a fleet of almost 300 helicopters in service and on order. It partners with over 50 helicopter operators across the globe, supporting their operations in mission-critical sectors including emergency medical services, search and rescue and offshore energy. 

John Petkovic, Chief Executive Officer of SMFLH, says: “We are delighted to have completed this significant transaction with JBIC and its partners so soon after our launch. It underscores confidence in SMFL Helicopters’ long‑term strategy and in the strong growth potential of the helicopter leasing market. 

“This transaction has been made possible by our shareholder, SMFL, whose vision for the future of helicopter leasing underpins our growth and development. SMFL Helicopters is committed to building long‑term partnerships with operators worldwide, deploying our growing fleet of new‑generation aircraft, and delivering sustained value to our shareholder.” 

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Notes to Editors 

About SMFL Helicopters 

SMFL Helicopters (SMFLH), a Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL) group company, is a premier, global helicopter lessor committed to disciplined growth and sustainable innovation.  

The skills of its team, breadth of its global operating platform, and suite of innovative finance and leasing solutions, gives SMFLH the trust, scale, value and efficiency needed to fulfil the needs of helicopter operators and end users.  

SMFLH is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has a fleet of almost 300 aircraft in service and on order, on lifesaving, mission-critical operations including emergency medical services, search and rescue, and offshore energy.  

Media contacts 

Charlie Hampton – Tel: +44 (0)7884 187297 

Anshika Nagar – Tel: +44 (0)7570 662925 

Email: smflh@pembrokeandrye.com