Dublin-based helicopter leasing specialist Milestone Aviation has announced the sale of three Airbus H225 helicopters to Austrian operator Kitz-Air GmbH, marking the beginning of a new relationship between the two companies.
The aircraft were delivered to Kitz-Air in July 2026 and will now undergo modification and conversion work in Europe before entering service as aerial firefighting helicopters. Once operational, the aircraft will support firefighting missions across Europe and South America, where demand for aerial firefighting capacity continues to grow as wildfire seasons become longer and increasingly severe.
The conversion programme will be carried out by Global Helicopter Services (GHS), a long-standing Milestone customer and partner.
Milestone Chief Commercial Officer Sébastien Moulin said the Airbus H225 remains one of the most capable platforms available for demanding utility missions and highlighted the growing global demand for aerial firefighting services. He welcomed Kitz-Air as a new customer and expressed confidence in building a long-term relationship as the Austrian operator expands its firefighting activities.
Kitz-Air Chief Executive Officer Christoph Klein described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the company’s long-term strategy. He said the addition of the three heavy helicopters would strengthen the operator’s aerial firefighting capabilities and support plans to expand its heavy-lift fleet. Klein cited the H225’s payload, range and versatility as key advantages for the demanding missions the aircraft will undertake.
The Airbus H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family and is widely used in offshore transport, search and rescue, utility work and government operations. Its large payload capability and long-range performance have also made it an attractive choice for firefighting operators worldwide.
Milestone Aviation, an AerCap company headquartered in Dublin, describes itself as the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. The business supports around 50 customers in approximately 35 countries, serving sectors including offshore energy, emergency medical services, policing, search and rescue, mining and firefighting. AerCap itself is headquartered in Dublin and is one of the world’s largest aviation leasing companies.
