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