ITC-AeroLeasing’s Leased Helicopter Deployed in SpaceX Capsule Recovery Mission
6th August 2020
On 2nd August, one of the ITC-AeroLeasing’s leased helicopters, an EC225LP, was deployed for a mission to fly NASA astronauts back to shore, following the safe return of the SpaceX capsule to Earth.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off on 30th May with two NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on board. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s second demonstration mission sent the astronauts into orbit as the first private-built spacecraft. After two months in the International Space Station, the capsule splashed down in Gulf of Mexico, south of the Florida coast.
ITC leases four Airbus Helicopters EC225LPs to this U.S. operator, a long-standing partner, which specializes in multi-role commercial and government operations worldwide, and one of these four helicopters was deployed for the SpaceX mission. The company is the largest civil operator of EC225s, outfitted for performing various missions, including shipboard operation and Personnel Recovery/CASEVAC support with the U.S. government.
“We are delighted that ITC’s longstanding partner and our aircraft could contribute to the safe recovery of NASA astronauts during what is a very exciting time for the development of private-built spacecraft. We look forward to seeing our friends and partners take part in the next mission of this type,” said, Mirika Nakayama, ITC’s President and CEO. “Our aircraft financing solutions have supported the great revival of the EC225, and our partner has again proven the capabilities of the EC225 on the World stage.”
Our four EC225LPs continue to serve the operators’ various missions in the U.S. as well as in other countries.
About ITC-AeroLeasing, Inc.
ITC is an aircraft leasing and sales company based in Tokyo, Japan. ITC’s team of dedicated and experienced professionals aim to provide tailored aircraft financing and sales solutions to operators worldwide.
