The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has announced its entry into the business aviation sector at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. The company, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier for a firm order of 12 aircraft, together with options for a further 48 jets.
The envisaged fleet combines five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000s. It is intended to enable THC to cover the super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range segments, with the aim of building a modern, homogeneous fleet suited to regional demand.
A Response to the Kingdom’s Tourism and Economic Growth
THC attributes this shift into fixed-wing aviation to rising demand for private and general aviation, driven by tourism development, economic activity and the emergence of new destinations across Saudi Arabia. This finding echoes projections for the Saudi hospitality sector, which anticipates record growth in room supply by 2030, underpinned by a substantial pipeline led by major international brands.
Founded in 2018, THC is entering this new segment as a natural extension of its rotary-wing business. “As a portfolio of businesses, THC was always destined to go beyond rotary-wing aviation and expand into fixed-wing operations,” said Arnaud Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of THC. “Our vision has always been to become the champion of general aviation, from Saudi Arabia to the world.”
A Further Building Block in PIF’s Aviation Ecosystem
The agreement forms part of the wider strategy of PIF‘s Tourism, Travel and Entertainment ecosystem, which is accelerating the Kingdom’s economic diversification and broadening its tourism, leisure and cultural offering. In addition to THC, PIF has launched the new national carrier Riyadh Air and owns international aircraft leasing company Avilease. The fund has also established Adeera, its own hotel management company dedicated to developing Saudi brands, illustrating PIF’s ambition to structure the entire travel and hospitality value chain.
THC aims to become the region’s benchmark operator for private charter and business aviation, drawing on a distinctive identity and a personalised customer experience. “Every investment we make follows the same philosophy: building an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports Vision 2030 through innovation, operational excellence and long-term value creation,” Arnaud Martinez added.
Bombardier, a Long-Term Industrial Partner
For Bombardier, the signing represents recognition of its regional strategy. “We are honoured that The Helicopter Company has chosen Bombardier to support its future fleet ambitions,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier. “This agreement also represents significant recognition of our aircraft, our teams and our long-term commitment to the growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The Canadian manufacturer has announced local investments dedicated to supporting THC’s operations, in addition to its global service network. This local-anchoring dimension echoes a similar momentum seen in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector, where international brands are also strengthening their presence in the capital, as illustrated by the recently opened Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre.
The signing ceremony, held at Farnborough, brought together Arnaud Martinez; Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, Head of Aviation & Security at PIF’s MENA Investments division; as well as Éric Martel and Pierre Beaudoin, Chairman of the Board of Bombardier.
A Fleet Designed for Localisation and Operational Sustainability
THC highlights fleet commonality, advanced aeronautical technologies and a commitment to more efficient operations as pillars of its strategy. These elements are intended to enable the company to guarantee a high level of safety and service, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a benchmark hub for modern aviation.
This agreement now forms the foundation for THC’s development in fixed-wing business aviation, with the ambition of supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s general aviation sector, attracting new investment and strengthening the Kingdom’s industrial localisation.
At a Glance
The Helicopter Company (THC) enters business aviation with a Letter of Intent signed with Bombardier at Farnborough International Airshow.
Firm order for 12 aircraft: 5 Challenger 3500, 5 Global 5500, 2 Global 8000
Purchase options for up to 48 additional jets from the same models
THC is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Move aligns with PIF’s Tourism, Travel & Entertainment ecosystem, alongside Riyadh Air and Avilease
Bombardier commits to local investments supporting THC’s future operations
