Milestone Aviation Group Celebrates 15 Years as Leading Helicopter Lessor

Milestone Aviation Group’s 15th Anniversary: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Global Leader in Helicopter Leasing

In August 2025, Milestone Aviation Group celebrates its 15th anniversary, a significant event in the global aviation finance sector. Since its founding in 2010, Milestone has evolved from a pioneering startup into the world’s largest Helicopters leasing company, now managing a fleet of over 300 helicopters across more than 35 countries. This milestone not only marks the company’s longevity but also highlights its strategic importance in supporting mission-critical helicopter operations worldwide, including offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and firefighting.

The company’s journey has been characterized by strong leadership, disciplined market expansion, and a focus on technological innovation. Milestone’s growth reflects broader industry trends toward leasing as a preferred financing model, the increasing complexity of helicopter applications, and the need for specialized expertise in asset management. The anniversary also coincides with a period of stabilization and renewed optimism in the helicopter leasing sector, positioning Milestone to capitalize on emerging opportunities in defense, climate response, and sustainable aviation.

This article examines the historical foundation of Milestone Aviation, analyzes its current market position, and explores its strategic vision for the future. Drawing on publicly available data and expert commentary, we break down the company’s evolution, leadership, and industry impact while maintaining a neutral and factual perspective.

Historical Foundation and Corporate Evolution

Milestone Aviation Group was founded in August 2010 by Richard Santulli, a veteran of the aviation industry known for transforming NetJets into a global leader in fractional jet ownership. Backed by $500 million from private equity firms Jordan Company and Nautic Partners LLC, Milestone set out to revolutionize helicopter financing, a sector that, at the time, lagged behind fixed-wing aircraft leasing in sophistication and market penetration.

The company’s early strategy focused on serving the capital-intensive needs of operators in offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, and other mission-critical sectors. In 2012, Milestone placed a $682 million order for 22 helicopters, signaling confidence in long-term demand and establishing credibility with manufacturers and operators alike.

Milestone’s corporate structure underwent major changes with its 2015 acquisition by GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for $1.775 billion plus assumed debt. This integration provided access to GE’s global resources and expertise. In 2021, AerCap acquired GECAS, making Milestone part of the world’s largest aircraft leasing company. Despite these transitions, Milestone retained operational independence and a specialized focus on helicopters, benefiting from increased financial stability and market reach.

Strategic Growth and Market Focus

From its inception, Milestone identified the unique requirements of helicopter operators and tailored its leasing solutions accordingly. The company’s approach leveraged lessons from fractional ownership and fixed-wing leasing, but with an acute awareness of the operational and regulatory complexities of helicopters. This specialization enabled Milestone to build deep relationships with both manufacturers and end-users, supporting customized financing structures and fleet management strategies.

Major Orders and partnerships with Manufacturers such as Airbus, Leonardo, Bell, and Sikorsky have allowed Milestone to maintain a young, technologically advanced fleet. The company’s early focus on the offshore oil and gas sector proved prescient, as global energy exploration drove demand for heavy and super-medium helicopters. Milestone’s agility in responding to sectoral shifts, such as the rise of emergency medical services and firefighting, has further diversified its portfolio and revenue streams.

Each ownership change brought new capabilities: GE’s global network and financial resources, and later AerCap’s massive asset base and customer reach. Through these transitions, Milestone preserved its entrepreneurial culture and sectoral expertise, positioning itself as a resilient and innovative market leader.

“Milestone’s ability to preserve its entrepreneurial culture and market focus while scaling operations demonstrates the effectiveness of its original business model and management approach.”

Current Market Position and Business Performance

Today, Milestone Aviation Group operates the world’s largest helicopter leasing fleet, with over 300 aircraft serving approximately 50 customers in 35 countries. The company’s portfolio includes the youngest and most fuel-efficient helicopters in the industry, a deliberate strategy to command premium lease rates and support customers’ evolving operational and environmental needs.

Notably, Milestone has achieved full utilization of its 82 Sikorsky S-92 heavy helicopters, a testament to strong demand in offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, and other high-intensity sectors. This 100% utilization rate underscores the company’s effective fleet management and customer engagement strategies, minimizing downtime and optimizing asset returns.

The company’s business model is built on sectoral and geographic diversification. Approximately 60% of Milestone’s business is in the offshore segment, with the remainder in emergency medical services and other applications. Recent deals, such as the 2025 lease agreements with Omni Helicopters International for a mix of Airbus and Sikorsky helicopters (including the first H160 placed in Brazil for Petrobras), demonstrate Milestone’s ability to enter new markets and respond to customer needs.

Leadership and Organizational Excellence

Milestone’s leadership team brings together decades of experience in aviation finance, helicopter operations, and international markets. CEO Pat Sheedy, appointed in 2019, has a strong background in financial services and risk management, with particular expertise in emerging markets. His leadership has guided the company through industry downturns and positioned it for future growth.

Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Moulin, appointed in 2025, offers deep experience from previous roles at Airbus Helicopters and Bell Helicopter. Moulin’s insight into aircraft capabilities and market dynamics strengthens Milestone’s ability to identify opportunities and structure effective transactions.

The leadership team’s collective experience, including navigating the challenging 2015–2020 period in helicopter leasing, has contributed to a more stable and mature operating environment. Their expertise in risk assessment, transaction structuring, and global compliance underpins Milestone’s continued success and resilience.

Financial Performance and Market Penetration

The helicopter leasing sector remains underpenetrated compared to fixed-wing aviation, with lessors managing only 8% of the civil twin turbine fleet versus nearly 50% in commercial aircraft. This gap indicates significant growth potential for specialized lessors like Milestone. Industry analysts project that leasing’s share could reach 15% by the end of the decade, driven by capital efficiency, operational flexibility, and the need for newer technology platforms.

Milestone holds approximately 25% market share in offshore operations and 10% in emergency medical services. The global helicopter leasing market was valued at $4.55 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $10.13 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. North America leads with a 36% share, supported by mature operations and diverse applications.

Backed by AerCap’s $71 billion asset portfolio, Milestone enjoys financial stability and access to capital markets, enabling it to compete for large transactions and maintain a disciplined growth strategy. The company’s focus on new technology aircraft and innovative asset management supports long-term value creation for customers and investors alike.

“The helicopter leasing market’s projected growth rate significantly exceeds broader aviation industry expectations, indicating that helicopter leasing represents a dynamic and expanding segment within the aviation financing ecosystem.”

Innovation, Applications, and Future Outlook

Milestone’s commitment to innovation is evident in its fleet strategy and approach to emerging applications. The company invests in the latest technology platforms, such as the Airbus H160 and H175, to meet evolving customer demands and regulatory requirements. The focus on fuel efficiency and advanced avionics positions Milestone at the forefront of environmental and operational standards.

Beyond traditional markets, Milestone is expanding into new applications such as firefighting, renewable energy support, and urban air mobility. The successful conversion of Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for firefighting, with positive operational results in Canada, demonstrates the company’s ability to adapt assets for new missions and extend their economic life. This diversification reduces dependence on any single sector and aligns with broader societal needs, including climate resilience and emergency response.

Regulations compliance remains a complex challenge, with varying requirements across jurisdictions. Milestone’s experience in international markets, combined with strong manufacturer and operator partnerships, enables it to navigate these complexities and structure transactions that maximize asset utilization and compliance.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Alliances

Milestone’s success is built on strong relationships with aircraft manufacturers, operators, and service providers. Partnerships with Airbus, Leonardo, Bell, and Sikorsky provide access to new aircraft and technical support, while long-term customer relationships support predictable business flows and mutual growth.

The company’s collaboration with Omni Helicopters International and recent framework agreements with manufacturers illustrate how strategic alliances drive market expansion and operational excellence. Maintenance and support partnerships further enhance Milestone’s ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers worldwide.

As the industry looks to the future, Milestone is well-positioned to benefit from trends such as defense modernization, climate emergency response, and the integration of advanced technologies. The company’s brand refresh and new website, launched in conjunction with its 15th anniversary, symbolize its readiness for the next phase of growth and innovation.

Conclusion

Milestone Aviation Group’s 15th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a testament to the maturation of helicopter leasing as a critical component of global aviation finance. The company’s evolution from a startup to an industry leader reflects the viability of specialized leasing models, the importance of sectoral expertise, and the value of disciplined growth strategies.

Looking ahead, Milestone is poised to capitalize on expanding market opportunities, fleet modernization needs, and emerging applications in defense, climate response, and sustainable aviation. Its leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation position the company for continued success and influence in the evolving aviation landscape.

FAQ

Q: What is Milestone Aviation Group’s core business?
A: Milestone Aviation Group specializes in helicopter leasing, providing financing and fleet management solutions for operators in sectors such as offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and firefighting.

Q: How large is Milestone’s helicopter fleet?
A: As of 2025, Milestone manages a fleet of over 300 helicopters, making it the world’s largest helicopter lessor.

Q: What are the main markets for helicopter leasing?
A: The primary markets include offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, search and rescue, firefighting, and increasingly, renewable energy support and defense applications.

Q: Who owns Milestone Aviation Group?
A: Milestone is a subsidiary of AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, following AerCap’s acquisition of GECAS in 2021.

Q: What are the growth prospects for helicopter leasing?
A: Industry analysts project significant growth, with the global helicopter leasing market expected to double between 2024 and 2032, driven by increased acceptance of leasing models and demand for new technology platforms.

Sources:
Airbus Newsroom