#Portugal #Aviation Services #Lisbon #Omni Helicopters #R$200 million

Omni Helicopters International Secures Major Financing

Omni Helicopters International (OHI) has strengthened its financial positioning by securing a remarkable R$200 million in funding, equivalent to approximately $38 million. This significant increase comes through two financing arrangements executed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The funds are generated via a Brazilian debenture (Debênture) and a bank credit note (Cédula de Crédito Bancário), both of which are pivotal for OHI as it embarks on ambitious growth plans and addresses its working capital needs.

The financing arrangement is cleverly crafted with maturity periods of two years for the debenture and four years for the bank note, affirming OHI's commitment to long-term financial strategies. The secured financing is anchored against specific cash flows from service contracts with Petrobras, showcasing OHI’s strong contractual revenue framework and its ability to tap into Brazilian credit markets successfully.

Jeremy Akel, the Group CEO of OHI, expressed optimism about the company's access to credit facilities, emphasizing that such arrangements reinforce their ability to secure finances against their contracted revenues. He stated, "We remain focused on operational excellence, disciplined liquidity management, stronger cash generation, and continued leverage reduction."

Financial Structure and Cash-Flow Management

These financing facilities bear an average interest rate calculated at CDI plus 4.3%, leading to an all-in cost of CDI plus 4.8%, inclusive of taxes and fees. All transactions are denominated in Brazilian Reais, with a structured repayment process involving monthly interest payments and principal repayments commencing after an initial grace period. The collective average lifespan of these facilities hovers around 22 months, ensuring a manageable timeline for OHI to facilitate its financial commitments.

Payments received from Petrobras contracts will funnel into a designated collection account. This innovative arrangement ensures that OHI retains surplus funds immediately available for operational needs while providing adequate security for lenders against the specified cash flow.

Operating Performance and Future Expectations

OHI's strategic focus is on enhancing fleet availability and capitalizing on improving contracted rates across its backlog, which is instrumental for boosting EBITDA growth. The current financing will not negatively impact OHI's net leverage; rather, it is expected that the organization will continue to see a decline in net leverage, with predictions placing the ratio in the low-3x range by 2027.

The successful completion of this financing marks a significant step for OHI in terms of managing liquidity and funding sources, aligning with its operational and financial commitments.

About Omni Helicopters International

Omni Helicopters International is a leading air mobility and aviation services provider operating predominantly across Latin America and its neighboring regions. The group is well-recognized for its extensive operations through its brand Omni Táxi Aéreo in Brazil, along with affiliates in Guyana and other operations. OHI specializes in services ranging from crew change operations, search and rescue, offshore transportation, and emergency medical assistance, to cargo logistics and unmanned aerial systems. Furthermore, OHI champions future mobility solutions through its Revo initiative, putting an emphatic emphasis on safety, sustainability, and innovative operational tactics.

In summary, with the newly secured financing, OHI is poised to accelerate its growth initiatives while continuing its commitment to operational excellence and enhanced cash generation. The evolution of air mobility in challenging geographies remains a core aspiration for the company as they move forward.