The Helicopter Company diversifies into fixed-wing business aviation
The Helicopter Company (THC) is diversifying into fixed wing business aviation with plans to acquire 60 jets from Bombardier. The Saudi Arabia operator signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the manufacturer at this week’s Farnborough International Airshow specifying a firm order for 12 aircraft. Those include: five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000 aircraft, with purchase options for 48 more jets across all three models.
The acquisition is designed to meet growing demand for private and general aviation in Saudi Arabia driven by the country’s expanding tourism sector, business activity and emerging destinations, according to the company. “As a portfolio of companies, THC was always poised to expand beyond rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations,” said Arnaud Martinez, CEO, THC. “Our vision has always been to become the general aviation champion from Saudi Arabia to the world.” The operator aims to become the region’s leading business aviation operator and the national carrier of choice in private charters and business aviation, he added.
Key to achieving those ambitions are fleet commonality, advanced aircraft technology and a commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability, said Martinez. The 60-jet acquisition would help the country build an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports its Saudi Vision 2030 development plan.
“Bombardier’s aircraft are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of customers around the world, offering exceptional versatility, dispatch reliability and a world-class customer experience,” said Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier. “We are honoured that The Helicopter Company has selected Bombardier to support its future fleet ambitions.”
This was not the only very large investment for the operator at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. To complement its rotary operations, THC ordered 11 Leonardo Helicopters AW139 helicopters with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028. Following the agreement reached at the Verticon 2026 in Atlanta in March, the additional order is said to represent a key milestone under the multi-year framework, which allows for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft.
The new AW139s will be deployed on a range of missions including emergency medical services (EMS), VIP transport and offshore services.
THC also revealed a firm order for eight additional Airbus Helicopters H145s. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028 and are part of the agreement signed between THC and Airbus at Verticon in 2024.
