Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Helicopters (SMFLH), a Japan-based helicopter lessor, has launched with headquarters in Dublin and offices across Ireland, London and Singapore according to a RotorHub International report.

The company was created through the acquisition of LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited and owns a fleet of 290 aircraft on order and in service. Following the launch, John Petkovic will lead SMFLH as Chief Executive Officer Designate, with plans for him to fully assume the role of Chief Executive Officer later in 2026.

Additionally, Crispin Maunder has been named Chairman of the company, Jaspal Jandu has become Senior Advisor, Terri Foley is Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Con Barber has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, Padraig Conneely has been named Chief Technical Officer, Ken Dowling will be Chief Financial Officer, and Eric Kataoka has taken the role of Chief Investment Officer.

Shinichiro Watanabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer at SMFLH, stated the company consolidates the deep sector knowledge and operational excellence of two respected lessors. "SMFL Helicopters consolidates the deep sector knowledge and operational excellence of two respected lessors within our aviation eco-system to create a single, powerful platform. SMFL is proud to now be present at scale in this dynamic sector, with a goal of becoming the market leader," he said.

Petkovic commented that the launch represents an exciting opportunity to create a lessor that combines skills and experience. "With the launch of SMFL Helicopters, we have an exciting opportunity to create a lessor that combines the skills and experience of our talented team of people with the financial strength of SMFL to deliver innovative leasing solutions to our customers across the globe," he said.

Read the complete article on SMFLH's Dublin headquarters launch.