The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has placed a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters during the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
The helicopters are
scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028 under a framework agreement signed
between THC and Airbus at HAI Heli-Expo (now Verticon) in 2024.
The agreement covers
up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types to be delivered over three to
five years.
The latest order
supports THC’s fleet optimisation strategy and long-term growth plans, with the
H145s set to enhance operations in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial
work, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and other specialised missions across Saudi
Arabia and international markets.
“The additional order of H145s reinforces the dynamic partnership we have
developed with Airbus over the past six years,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez,
CEO of THC. “By investing in a fleet that is optimised,
agile and future-ready, THC is strengthening our ability to anticipate and meet
our customers’ evolving needs while supporting the Company’s next phase of
development. The 8 additional H145s will help to enhance our operational
capabilities and position THC to further extend our footprint beyond the
Kingdom, reinforcing our standing as both a regional and local leader and an
increasingly prominent global player in aviation.”
“We are honoured to further deepen our
partnership with The Helicopter Company through this additional commitment for
eight H145s. This agreement is a testament to the trust THC places in our
multi-mission platforms to support the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding aviation
ecosystem,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145 has
already proven its excellence in Saudi Arabia’s demanding 'hot and high'
conditions, and we are proud to see the growing number of H145s powering THC’s
operations as they scale their world-class services," he added.
THC has already introduced the H145 into Saudi
Arabia’s EMS sector and deployed the aircraft during the Dakar Rally.
The company said the
expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by strengthening
the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities and improving access to advanced helicopter
services.
Airbus’ H145 is recognised for its performance, flexibility, and suitability for demanding high-temperature operating environments. More than 1,800 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in service worldwide, having accumulated over 8.6 million flight hours. -TradeArabia News Service