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THC signs agreement for up to 120 Airbus helicopters, including converted options

The Helicopter Company of Saudi Arabia signed a what Airbus describes as a framework agreement that will include up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types set to be delivered over the next five to seven years.

Part of the deal is a firm order for eight H125s along with 10 H145s that are converted options from an earlier contract, bringing The Helicopter Company’s (THC) total firm Airbus helicopter fleet to 60, 25 of which are already in service today.

The new H125 helicopters will support the delivery of THC’s range of services in areas including aerial work and tourism. The H145s will be used in a variety of roles including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and corporate transport.

“Our relationship with THC started in 2020 with the first contract for 10 H125s. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength, moving beyond just helicopters to also look at how we can help pave the way for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the region,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

Owned by the Public Investment Fund, The Helicopter Company is described by Airbus as being at the forefront of developing commercial helicopter services in the Kingdom, having introduced the H145 into service for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and deployed both the H145 and H125 in support of the Dakar Rally. Last year the company took delivery of its first ACH160 for Red Sea Global tourism operations.

“The [new] agreement will enable us to both contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals through strengthening Saudi’s aviation sector whilst also meeting the changing needs of our growing customer base, both locally and globally,” said Capt Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC. “Our collaboration with Airbus will reshape the aviation landscape as together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and showcase that with the right partner, everything is possible in aviation.”

THC was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the kingdom. THC has been operating since mid-2019 and currently has 47 aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.