The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s commercial helicopter operator, has announced a strategic move into fixed-wing business aviation for the charter and management of jets.
THC and Bombardier have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) toward finalising a firm order for 12 aircraft, comprising five Challenger 3500, five Global 5500 and two Global 8000 aircraft. The agreement also includes purchase options for 48 additional aircraft across these platforms.
The signing ceremony took place at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom and was attended by THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez, Head of Aviation & Security at the Public Investment Fund Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, and Bombardier leadership, including CEO Éric Martel and Chairman Pierre Beaudoin.
With the launch of the new segment, THC, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is expanding from rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations. The new business stream is designed to address growing demand for private and general aviation driven by Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector, business activity and emerging destinations.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of THC, said the company was positioned to expand beyond rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations. He added that THC’s vision is to become a general aviation champion from Saudi Arabia to the world.
Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier, said Bombardier aircraft are positioned to meet evolving customer requirements through versatility, dispatch reliability and customer experience. He added that Bombardier is honoured that THC has selected the company to support its future fleet ambitions.
The new business aviation segment is intended to address growing demand in Saudi Arabia’s business aviation market. By combining a distinct identity with a personalised, customer-focused experience, THC aims to develop its business aviation operations across private charters and business aviation.
At launch, THC intends to operate up to 60 aircraft across Bombardier’s Challenger and Global families, including the Challenger 3500, Global 5500 and Global 8000. The planned fleet will combine efficiency, long-range capability and premium passenger comfort across the super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range segments.
Captain Martinez said THC’s investments are guided by the objective of building an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation, operational excellence and long-term value creation. He added that fleet commonality, advanced aircraft technology and more efficient and sustainable operations are central to this approach.
Martel said the Challenger 3500 is positioned to meet growing demand in the super-midsize category, while the Global 5500 provides long-range capability and versatility. He described the Global 8000 as Bombardier’s flagship business aviation aircraft, offering advanced performance and capability.
Bombardier also plans local investments dedicated to supporting THC’s operations, alongside its global support network, providing resources, expertise and services for the planned fleet.
