The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, today announced an additional order of 11 Leonardo helicopters at Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
11 AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, under the framework agreement signed between THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo (now Verticon) in 2024. This additional order represents a key milestone under the multi-year framework, which allowed for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft, the company said.
The firm order of these 11 helicopters reinforces THC’s dual-OEM strategy and disciplined fleet optimization plan, positioning the company to meet Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation needs.
The new AW139s will further solidify THC’s position as one of the world’s largest operators of the type, enhancing its capacity to deliver its expanding range of services, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), VIP transport, and offshore services.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said: “We are proud to expand our long-standing partnership with Leonardo, which strengthens our leadership and operational capabilities in the region and beyond. Building on our existing AW139 fleet, which has made THC one of the largest and most recognized operators worldwide, this new order will contribute to our fleet optimization strategy while supporting our plans to grow our global footprint.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager of Leonardo and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are very pleased to move forward into the next stage of THC’s Leonardo helicopter fleet expansion and modernization plan which we launched two years ago, having also recently celebrated delivery of the operator’s 40th aircraft. We stand ready and committed to supporting THC through its long-term strategy project to make sure our technology provides the high standard of service KSA’s communities expect.”
The AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, now rapidly nearing 1,600 units ordered by around 300 customers in more than 90 countries. This type has proven extremely successful across the Middle East, with approximately 18% of the world fleet in service in the region today.
The order follows a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters THC signed on Monday at the Farnborough International Airshow.
This latest orders align with THC’s continued expansion, contributing directly to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by building a robust and dynamic aviation ecosystem, it said. - TradeArabia News Service