ANAHEIM, California—Saudi Arabian operator The Helicopter Company (THC) placed multi-year framework orders with Airbus and Leonardo for a combined 250 helicopters on the first day of Heli-Expo 2024.
THC, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), placed orders for 20 Leonardo AW139 twin-engine medium helicopters, and 130 options that could be taken up by THC over the next 5-7 years.
The sovereign wealth fund-backed operator also placed firm orders with Airbus for eight H125 single-engine light helicopters and 10 H145 twin-engine platforms, while signing a framework agreement for another 120 aircraft to be delivered over the same time frame as the Leonardo order.
THC’s new H125 helicopters will be used for aerial work and tourism, while the H145s will be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and corporate-transport missions.
Framework deals like those placed by THC are becoming a popular way for major operators to secure production slots to meet expected demand and future contract needs.
THC’s deal with Leonardo includes the AW109 light twin, the AW169 and AW139 intermediate and light twin, and the AW189K—the latest version of the AW189 super-medium platform powered by the Safran Aneto engine.
Deliveries of the 20 AW139s on firm order are expected over 2025-26 and will be used for EMS and search-and-rescue services in Saudi Arabia. Leonardo expects the first options to be taken up by THC during the first half of this year.
Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said Feb. 27 that the agreements would solidify its position “as a global player as well as a regional leader.”
THC is no stranger to placing sizable orders. Back in December 2021, the company ordered 20 H145 light twins and six medium twin H160s. Then in March 2022 the operator ordered 16 AW139s.
THC currently has 25 Airbus-built helicopters in service. The operator was created in 2019 as part of a PIF effort to create new industry sectors in Saudi Arabia in support of the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Gulf kingdom’s economy away from oil. THC currently operates nearly 50 aircraft on EMS, aerial work, tourism and private charter operations in the country according to the reports published in aviationweek.com .
In addition to the orders, THC also signed a memorandum of understanding with Bristow Group’s Arabia Aircraft & Maintenance Services business at Heli-Expo, paving the way for the companies to partner on advanced air mobility initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
