RIVE Private Investment acquires a portfolio of 4 helicopters from Milestone Aviation
Paris, January, 15, 2026 – RIVE Private Investment, an independent European investment firm specialized in transportation assets and energy transition, announces the acquisition of a portfolio of 4 helicopters from Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing. This transaction, signed on November 6, 2025, illustrates RIVE’s strategy to support critical assets in service of the energy transition.
The portfolio comprises 3 Leonardo AW139 and 1 Leonardo AW169, of which three are supporting the offshore wind industry in the North Sea from the United Kingdom and Germany. These aircraft are among the most in-demand models in the market and are well equipped to support operations for the energy market.
These helicopters are operated by first-rate European and US specialized operators delivering services to major energy players. Three helicopters operate along the British east coast and off Germany, an area that concentrates the largest number of offshore wind projects in Europe.
The 4 helicopters were acquired with their existing lease contracts attached, including HeliService and Uni Fly, both pioneers in hoist-equipped helicopter services for offshore wind.
This acquisition illustrates RIVE’s strategy of creating lasting business relationships with major global lessors. As a financial investor, RIVE supports portfolio management for players like Milestone without competing with them operationally, unlike other buyers in the sector. This win-win relationship paves the way for future collaborations enabling RIVE to continue developing its portfolio of critical assets.
To finance this acquisition, RIVE structured the senior financing with Investec, a South African bank with which RIVE had already collaborated on a previous transaction.
Camille Brunel, Partner, Transportation Assets, at RIVE Private Investment, said:
«This acquisition fully aligns with our long-term strategy of financing and supporting missions critical to the energy transition. Offshore wind in the North Sea is a growth sector where we are strengthening our presence: we are already active there with other helicopters and four service vessels. AW139 and AW169 are among the most in-demand assets in the market for these critical missions.»
Mark England, Head of Leasing Operations at Milestone, said:
«We are pleased to complete this transaction with RIVE Private Investment, a trusted partner with a clear, long term commitment to the critical assets space. These helicopters will continue to support essential energy operations. This transaction reflects our ongoing focus on active portfolio management while strengthening relationships with experienced financial investors.»
Transaction team:
Camille Brunel (Partner), Raphaël Naïm (Investment Director), Victoire Verlodt (Investment Manager)
Advisors:
Buy-side – Odi-sé Avocats (legal counsel);
Sell side – Smith Gambrell Russel (legal counsel);
Financing side (Investec) – Watson Farley Williams (legal counsel)
About Milestone
Milestone Aviation Group, an AerCap company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports approximately 50 customers in approximately 35 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining, fire-fighting, and other utility missions.
For more information: www.milestoneaviation.com
About RIVE Private Investment
RIVE Private Investment is an independent European investment firm specialized in transportation assets and energy transition. Founded in 2013, RIVE currently manages over €1 billion and has completed more than 100 transactions. The RIVE team comprises 28 professionals based in Paris, Luxembourg, and Geneva.
RIVE, through its RIVE Transportation Assets Income Fund (RTAIF), invests in assets contributing to the decarbonization of the transportation sector and/or serving essential needs, such as railway rolling stock, aviation for critical missions (medical, firefighting, and rescue, etc.), and specialized maritime. Since its launch in mid-2021, RTAIF has deployed over €350 million in 10 countries.
For more information: www.rive-investment.com
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