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

Wed, 19 2025

19 new helicopters from Airbus and Leonardo to support operational expansion

The company activated the framework agreement signed with Airbus during the 'Haie Heli Expo' (now known as 'Verticon'), with a firm order for an additional 8 H145 helicopters, to be delivered between 2027 and 2028, as part of the agreement covering the purchase of up to 120 helicopters of various models over a period of 3 to 5 years.

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

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 growing demand for aviation services in Saudi Arabia.

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Expansion into business aviation with 60 jet aircraft

The Helicopters Company signed a letter of intent with Bombardier to finalize a firm order for 12 jet aircraft, including 5 Challenger 3500s, 5 Global 5500s, and 2 Global 8000s, with options to purchase an additional 48 aircraft of the same models, raising the target fleet size to 60 aircraft, a step marking its official entry into the fixed-wing business aviation sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by The Helicopters Company CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez, PIF's Head of Aviation and Security Mohammed Yousef, along with Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel and Chairman of its Board of Directors Pierre Beaudouin.

Mon, 17 2025

The company confirmed that its entry into the business aviation sector is an extension of its growth trajectory 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 Arnaud Martinez explained that the company's vision is to become the provider of general aviation services from Saudi Arabia to global markets, noting that expansion into fixed-wing aircraft operations is a natural extension of the company's strategy.

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

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Strategic partnerships strengthen global presence

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

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

In the same context, Martinez said that expanding the partnership with Leonardo reinforces 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 offshore services.

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

Thu, 16 2025

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

The Helicopters 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 Helicopters Company

The Helicopters Company was established by the Public Investment Fund as part of the strategy to develop promising sectors, commenced operations in 2019, and currently operates more than 60 helicopters providing air ambulance, aerial work, heavy lift, private transport, and tourism 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 also support transforming Saudi Arabia into a regional center for advanced helicopter aviation services.