Prime Highlights
- THC orders 11 additional AW139 helicopters, deliverable between 2027 and 2028.
- The deal follows THC’s separate order for eight Airbus H145 helicopters this week.
Key Facts
- The Helicopter Company is a PIF-owned firm and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator.
- The AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, with nearly 1,600 units ordered.
Background
The Helicopter Company, a Public Investment Fund company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has announced an additional order of 11 Leonardo helicopters at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
The 11 AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, under a framework agreement signed between THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo, now known as Verticon, in 2024. The order marks a key milestone under the multi-year framework, which allows for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft, the company said.
The firm order reinforces THC’s dual-OEM strategy and disciplined fleet optimization plan, positioning the company to meet Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation needs. The new helicopters will further strengthen THC’s position as one of the world’s largest operators of the type, boosting its capacity to deliver services including emergency medical services, VIP transport and offshore operations.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said the expanded partnership with Leonardo strengthened the company’s leadership and operational capabilities in the region and beyond, adding that the order would support its fleet optimization strategy and plans to grow its global footprint.
Gian Piero Cutillo, co-general manager of Leonardo and managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, said the companies were moving into the next stage of THC’s fleet expansion and modernization plan launched two years earlier, having recently marked delivery of the operator’s 40th aircraft. He said Leonardo remained committed to supporting THC’s long-term strategy.
The AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, with nearly 1,600 units ordered by around 300 customers in more than 90 countries. Approximately 18% of the global fleet operates in the Middle East. The order follows a separate firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters signed by THC earlier this week, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of building a robust aviation ecosystem.
