Press Releases

DUBLIN, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation division of global conglomerate the Libra Group, and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, have signed an agreement covering the purchase of a fleet of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for a new division being set up by the lessor. The related contract, which also includes options, is valued in excess of US$400 million. Building on its successful growth in the narrow and wide-body fixed-wing leasing market, LCI's new helicopter division plans to offer helicopter operators an attractive alternative to buying and financing the purchase of rotary wing aircraft. LCI expects to be active in a number of markets including offshore oil and gas, Search & Rescue and aero-medical transport.

Crispin Maunder, Executive Chairman, LCI, said after the signing: "Today's announcement is the culmination of careful analysis and observation of this sector. As a dynamic lessor we are confident that now is the time to make this move given the high level of unfulfilled demand for new generation helicopters, which the innovative, market-leading AgustaWestland helicopters are well placed to meet."

Elmilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland added: "We are delighted to have signed this agreement with LCI for AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters. LCI maintains one of the world's most modern fleets of commercial aircraft and the AgustaWestland range of high performance helicopters fits well with LCI's successful market strategy to offer its clients the latest in efficient and productive aircraft."

LCI will benefit from the commonality in design across the AW139, AW169 and AW189 family of new generation helicopters, due for delivery over the next five years. As well as possessing the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features the helicopters share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts that will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets from 4 to 8.5 tonnes.

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired aircraft with a value approaching US$5 billion. Today the company has a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft on lease to some of the world's leading airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air France and Asiana. LCI is also a launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries and has placed an order for 20 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion, with options for a further 20.

Note to editors

Dublin-based LCI (www.lciaviation.com), with offices in London, Dublin and Singapore, is owned by Libra Group (www.libra.com), a global conglomerate with companies operating from 20 offices across four continents. Libra Group's 30 operating subsidiaries are primarily focused on aviation, shipping, hospitality, energy and real estate.

SOURCE Lease Corporation International

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We are shocked and saddened by the news of Whitney Houston's passing. She was one of our treasures.Whitney Houston was the voice of her generation. Possessed with an instrument that she honed and polished, she lifted us up, touched us in intimate ways and reached across barriers of race, class and cultures.

As a Black woman and a beauty in entertainment, she was a groundbreaker. Her roles in The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, as an actor, executive producer, made us proud and put Black women where we have rarely been. We watched her soar, and were inspired by her talent and her courage. We watched and felt with her as she became a mother and a wife and strove to balance it all. We felt her highs and her lows. With her exquisite songs, she has left a gift for us all for which we can never fully repay. Our thoughts and love are with her family.

For more please visit: http://www.essence.com/2012/02/12/whitney-houston-a-statement-from-essences-editor/

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online.  The company's flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 41 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women's lives.  Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

SOURCE Essence Communications Inc.