GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) has entered into financing agreements worth more than €125 million with Helaba and BayernLB, supported by Bpifrance, to fund acquisitions of new Airbus H175 and H160 helicopters.
In a press release sent to BizJet Journal’s editorial team, GDHF said the financing will support helicopter acquisitions in 2026 and 2027. The announcement, dated 1 October 2026, confirmed that the facility had already been used to purchase an Airbus H160 in September 2026.
The announcement also includes additional commitments from the two banks to finance multiple new Leonardo AW189 helicopters for delivery in 2027.
Helaba and BayernLB support helicopter acquisitions
Helaba is acting as lead arranger, facility agent and security trustee. BayernLB is also serving as lead arranger. The AW189 financing commitment is additional to the Bpifrance-supported Airbus facility.
GDHF CEO Michael York thanked the financing partners, saying the loan will help the company regularly acquire new, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters for its global customers.
York also described the agreement as a “strong endorsement of the strength of the helicopter industry” and recognition of GDHF’s growth and maturity as a provider of new helicopter technology for the global market.
Jörg Schirrmacher, Helaba’s head of project finance international — Asset Finance, said the transaction supports GDHF’s growth and further develops the bank’s helicopter finance business.
Oliver Geldner, BayernLB’s head of sector aviation and space, said the agreement contributes to GDHF’s growth strategy and the expansion of BayernLB’s helicopter finance platform.
Watson Farley & Williams in London advised GDHF. Norton Rose Fulbright in London advised Helaba and BayernLB.
Airbus and Leonardo types feature in GDHF’s portfolio
The financing concerns helicopter types already featured in GDHF’s portfolio. The company’s website lists the Airbus H160 and H175 alongside the Leonardo AW189 and Airbus H225.
GDHF describes its fleet as focused on modern, efficient, cost-effective helicopters capable of serving multiple missions. Its fleet page highlights operational safety and passenger comfort in its description of the H160, while its AW189 description emphasises payload, range and advanced technology.
A helicopter leasing business serving global operators
GDHF is based in Dublin, Ireland, and leases helicopters to operators worldwide. According to the company, its aircraft are used across offshore oil and gas, wind energy, emergency medical services, search and rescue, government, corporate and parapublic operations.
The company says it is building a portfolio of newer-technology helicopters for these varied operating requirements. Its stated vision emphasises customer focus, trust, integrity, excellence, speed and flexibility as the foundations of its helicopter finance business.
Operating leases, finance leases and fleet renewal
Alongside its aircraft portfolio, GDHF offers operating leases, finance leases, fleet renewal solutions and restructuring services.
Its operating lease offering is intended to give operators access to aircraft and a choice of technology, with greater certainty over costs and without the capital outlay and ownership risks associated with purchasing helicopters.
Under GDHF’s finance lease offering, the operator owns the aircraft at the end of the lease. The company says this structure can be used to finance new acquisitions or release capital from aircraft already owned.
Its fleet renewal services focus on replacing ageing helicopters with newer, more efficient models. GDHF describes these solutions as intended to improve performance, reduce maintenance costs and support sustainability goals.
The company also offers restructuring services designed to adjust payment obligations, optimise fleets and help customers manage costs in challenging market conditions.
