Helicopter Alliance and Skyrise Leasing Announce Strategic Acquisition Agreement for 12 UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters

European Rotors — Helicopter Alliance and Skyrise Leasing, an innovative new player in the aviation leasing sector, have announced the signing of a strategic acquisition agreement for 12 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. This agreement marks a major step in expanding access to mission-driven leasing solutions across international markets and reinforces both companies’ commitment to advancing critical aviation missions worldwide.

Since the inception of the Black Hawk Exchange Sales and Transaction (BEST) program, over 400 UH-60 Black Hawks have been divested by the U.S. Army. These aircraft have evolved into a leading platform for aerial firefighting, thanks to comprehensive modernization efforts that enable firefighting missions with Bambi buckets or water tanks exceeding 4,000 litters per drop.  The helicopters will be deployed internationally to meet rising demand for versatile, reliable rotorcraft in challenging operational environments.

Patrick Moulay, CEO and Co-Founder of Skyrise Leasing, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement: “We see tremendous growth potential in the international aerial firefighting market with the UH-60 Black Hawk. Given the increasing threat of wildfires across Europe and beyond, the Blackhawk is the ideal platform to combat these disasters. Our mission-driven leasing model gives operators flexible, ready-to-deploy assets to support critical firefighting and emergency response missions.”

Ales Kvídera, CEO of Helicopter Alliance, highlighted the strategic significance of the agreement: “Commercial operators have long sought a reliable Black Hawk leasing solution. Through this agreement with Skyrise Leasing, we are providing an immediate, full-service offering supported by Helicopter Alliance’s six subsidiaries for training, sustainment, and operational services.”

This strategic acquisition agreement establishes a new benchmark in aerial firefighting helicopter operations, combining Skyrise Leasing’s innovative approach to mission-driven leasing with Helicopter Alliance’s deep operational expertise and support network. Together, the companies aim to strengthen Europe’s and the world’s capabilities to respond to critical aviation missions.

Helicopter Alliance’s subsidiaries—Ace Aeronautics, U.S. Aviation Training Solutions, Česká letecká servisní, European Air Services, Slovak Training Academy, and Heli Company—operate across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the United States, delivering comprehensive, turnkey solutions across the entire lifecycle of the Black Hawk platform, including aerial firefighting operations in Europe.

Skyrise Leasing is an Ireland-based helicopter leasing company dedicated to supporting mission-critical public services, with an initial focus on aerial firefighting operations to expand the availability of heavy-lift rotary assets worldwide. Skyrise Leasing offers flexible solutions for mission-ready aircraft, led by a seasoned aviation team and backed by strong financial and strategic partners. 

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