THC inks milestone framework deal at HAI Heli-Expo

Saudi Arabia’s commercial helicopter services provider, The Helicopter Company (THC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, has secured a historic framework agreement with Airbus during the ongoing HAI Heli-Expo at the Anaheim Convention Centre, California.

Under this significant agreement, THC is set to receive up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types within the next five to seven years. The deal includes a firm order for eight H125s and ten H145s, the latter being converted options from a previous contract. This brings THC’s total firm Airbus helicopter fleet to 60, with 25 already in active service.

“Our relationship with THC started in 2020 with the first contract for ten 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. This latest framework agreement reinforces the scope of our offering and we thank THC for allowing us to help expand their helicopter activity,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

The newly acquired H125 helicopters will play a crucial role in supporting THC’s diverse services, including aerial work and tourism, while the H145s will be utilised in emergency medical services (EMS) and corporate transport.

As a pioneer in advancing commercial helicopter services in the Kingdom, The Helicopter Company has introduced the H145 for EMS and deployed both the H145 and H125 in support of the Dakar Rally. In the past year, the company marked another milestone with the delivery of its first ACH160 for Red Sea Global tourism operations.