The Helicopter Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the largest commercial helicopter operator in the country, today announced a series of new agreements and orders at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom. These included the purchase of additional helicopters and expansion into the fixed-wing business aviation sector, a move that bolsters its growth strategy and supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Wed, 19 2025

The company activated the framework agreement signed with Airbus Helicopters at the HAI Heli Expo, now known as Verticon, with a confirmed purchase order for 8 additional H145 helicopters, to be delivered between 2027 and 2028, under the agreement that includes the purchase of up to 120 helicopters of various models over a period of 3 to 5 years.

The company affirmed that the new order is part of its approach aimed at improving fleet efficiency and scheduling delivery operations to ensure the seamless integration of new aircraft into its operational processes, thereby supporting expansion in air ambulance, aerial work, urban air mobility, and other services within and outside Saudi Arabia.

The company also announced an additional order for 11 AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters from Leonardo, to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, under the multi-year framework agreement signed between the two parties in 2024, which allows for the purchase of 130 helicopters.

It explained that the new order strengthens the company's strategy of diversifying partnerships with leading original equipment manufacturers and improving fleet efficiency, enhancing its readiness to meet the growing demand for aviation services in Saudi Arabia.

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Expansion into Business Aviation with 60 Jets

The Helicopter Company signed a letter of intent with Bombardier to pave the way for a confirmed purchase order for 12 jets, including 5 Challenger 3500 aircraft, 5 Global 5500 aircraft, and 2 Global 8000 aircraft, with options for an additional 48 aircraft of the same models, raising the target fleet size to 60 aircraft. This step marks its official entry into the fixed-wing business aviation sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by The Helicopter Company CEO Captain Arno Martinez, PIF Head of Aviation and Security Mohammed Yousef, alongside Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel and its Chairman of the Board Pierre Beaudoin.

Mon, 17 2025

The company confirmed that its entry into the business aviation sector is an extension of the growth trajectory it began since its establishment in 2018, aiming to meet the increasing demand for private and general aviation services, driven by tourism and economic growth and the expansion of new destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Captain Arno Martinez explained that the company's vision is to become the provider of general aviation services from Saudi Arabia to global markets, noting that the expansion into fixed-wing aircraft operations is a natural extension of the company's strategy.

He added that the new fleet will include aircraft that combine operational efficiency, long-range capability, and the highest levels of comfort, to meet the needs of the Saudi and regional markets.

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Strategic Partnerships Enhance Global Presence

Captain Arno Martinez said that the additional order for H145 helicopters reflects the long-standing partnership with Airbus over the past 6 years, and enhances the company's ability to meet changing customer needs, expand outside Saudi Arabia, and strengthen its regional and global position.

For his part, Airbus Helicopters CEO Mathieu Lovo affirmed that the H145 has proven its efficiency in challenging operating conditions, especially in hot and high environments, expressing his pride in The Helicopter Company's continued reliance on it within its growing fleet.

In the same context, Martinez said that expanding the partnership with Leonardo strengthens the company's position as one of the largest operators of AW139 helicopters worldwide, and supports its plans to improve fleet efficiency and expand in air ambulance, VIP transport, and maritime services.

In turn, Leonardo's Co-General Manager and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters Gian Cutillo affirmed the company's commitment to supporting The Helicopter Company's long-term strategy, noting that the new order comes after the delivery of the 40th helicopter to the company, and reflects the mutual trust between the two parties.

Thu, 16 2025

In the business aviation sector, Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel said that The Helicopter Company's choice of Bombardier aircraft reflects confidence in its operational capabilities, affirming the company's commitment to supporting expansion plans in Saudi Arabia by providing the latest aircraft, services, and technical support.

The Helicopter Company affirmed that all its investments stem from a vision aimed at building an integrated aviation ecosystem, through innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, enhancing the localization of the aviation industry, attracting investments, and cementing Saudi Arabia's position as a regional and global hub for the general aviation sector.

About The Helicopter Company

The Helicopter Company was established by the Public Investment Fund as part of the strategy to develop promising sectors. It began operational activities in 2019 and currently manages over 60 helicopters providing air ambulance, aerial work, heavy lifting, private transport, and tourist flights across various regions of Saudi Arabia.

The helicopter sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards accelerated growth, driven by Vision 2030 projects, increased demand for air transport, tourism, air ambulance, and oil and gas services. Investments in infrastructure, fleet expansion, and alliances with global companies are also supporting the transformation of Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for advanced helicopter aviation services.