BY Fraser Tennant
The latest casualty of depressed global oil and gas prices, Ireland-based helicopter leasing company Waypoint Leasing Holdings Ltd has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York and plans to restructure.
Waypoint, along with certain of its subsidiaries, expects to proceed to move through the restructuring process as quickly as possible, and is committed to working with its lenders and stakeholders toward a speedy and successful transformation of the company.
The world’s largest independent helicopter leasing company, Waypoint’s portfolio includes approximately 160 aircraft with a market value of $1.6bn. The company is backed by entities controlled by billionaire investors George Soros and Michael Dell.
“Waypoint’s Chapter 11 filing is the next step in our holistic transformation strategy and will provide us with the opportunity to emerge with a stronger, sustainable and more competitive balance sheet,” said Hooman Yazhari, chief executive of Waypoint. “It will further catalyse our ability to implement many of the innovative and evolutionary changes to our business model, allowing us to meet head-on the challenges and opportunities which our displaced industry presents.”
Over the past six months, Waypoint has been actively working with its lenders to de-lever its balance sheet and reposition for strength and stability. The company also plans to continue that work during the Chapter 11 process and, in addition to de-levering, will continue to implement strategic initiatives.
“During our continued transformation, our team will work as hard as possible to demonstrate Waypoint’s true value as the most dedicated and capable steward of our assets,” Mr Yazhari continued. “We will also continue our intense focus to deliver on the needs and requirements of our customers.”
Waypoint also stated that it would use the Chapter 11 process to facilitate the acquisition of Waypoint by a new owner, with a continued focus on its customers.
Mr Yazhari concluded: “I am incredibly grateful for our supportive stakeholders, including our global customer base, original equipment manufacturers and maintenance, repair and operating suppliers, other partners and our talented team of employees.”
Established in 2013, Waypoint’s fleet is supported by over 40 employees based in eight offices worldwide. In addition to Ireland, Waypoint has offices in London, the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Brazil and South Africa.
News: Helicopter Company Backed by Soros, Dell Flies into Chapter 11