A major new player has emerged in the global helicopter leasing market with the official launch of SMFL Helicopters (SMFLH) on 2nd March 2026. The company, headquartered in Dublin, brings together two established lessors, LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited (MRL), following their acquisition by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL). The merger positions SMFLH to reshape the rotorcraft leasing landscape through scale, innovation, and a broad international footprint.
According to SMFL, the creation of SMFLH marks the consolidation of deep sector expertise and operational capability from both legacy companies into a unified, strengthened platform. Senior Managing Executive Officer Shinichiro Watanabe highlighted the strategic significance of the launch, noting that SMFL is now present “at scale” in the helicopter leasing sector and aims to become the global market leader.
SMFLH begins operations with a fleet of approximately 290 aircraft, including the latest types from manufacturers such as Airbus and Leonardo. These helicopters support mission‑critical services worldwide, among them emergency medical operations, offshore energy transport, and search and rescue missions.
With a presence across six continents and partnerships with 52 operators, the new lessor intends to set fresh benchmarks in reliability, customer service, and flexible financing options. The company emphasises technical expertise, financial discipline, and operational depth as key differentiators in a competitive global market.
The leadership of SMFLH reflects decades of rotorcraft leasing experience, primarily drawn from the former LCI and MRL teams. John Petkovic has been appointed CEO Designate and is expected to formally assume the role later in 2026 following completion of corporate protocols and his relocation to Dublin. His mandate includes driving the company’s commercial strategy, expanding its international footprint, and building a high‑performance culture.
Petkovic said the launch presents an opportunity to blend the organisation’s deep talent base with the financial strength of SMFL to deliver innovative leasing solutions globally. Industry veteran Crispin Maunder has been appointed Chairman, while Jaspal Jandu joins as Senior Advisor to support business integration. Although headquartered in Dublin, SMFLH maintains a global footprint with offices in Limerick, London, and Singapore, reflecting the organisation’s international operating scope.
The origins of SMFLH trace back to a 2020 helicopter leasing joint venture between SMFL and LCI, followed by SMFL’s acquisitions of LCI and MRL in 2025. The company says its strategic direction is underpinned by the financial robustness of the SMFL Group and aligned with the organisation’s long‑term commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as its core values of customer focus, innovation, quality, speed, and teamwork.
With its global platform, mission‑critical deployment capabilities, and Dublin‑based leadership, SMFLH is positioning itself to become a major force in the helicopter leasing industry. The company aims to deliver sustainable growth while supporting operators across a wide spectrum of vital aviation services. For more information, visit www.smflh.aero
