The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has placed a firm order for 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028 under the framework agreement signed by THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo (now Verticon) in 2024, which allows for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft. The latest order supports THC’s fleet optimisation strategy and strengthens its dual-OEM approach to meeting Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation requirements.
The additional AW139 helicopters will further expand THC’s capabilities across Emergency Medical Services (EMS), VIP transport and offshore operations, while reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest operators of the AW139.
Commenting on the additional order, Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said: “We are proud to expand our long-standing partnership with Leonardo, which strengthens our leadership and operational capabilities in the region and beyond. Building on our existing AW139 fleet, which has made THC one of the largest and most recognized operators worldwide, this new order will contribute to our fleet optimization strategy while supporting our plans to grow our global footprint.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager of Leonardo and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are very pleased to move forward into the next stage of THC’s Leonardo helicopter fleet expansion and modernization plan which we launched two years ago, having also recently celebrated the delivery of the operator’s 40th aircraft. We stand ready and committed to supporting THC through its long-term strategy project to make sure our technology provides the high standard of service KSA’s communities expect.”
The latest order supports THC’s continued expansion and contributes to Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s commercial aviation ecosystem.
The AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, with nearly 1,600 units ordered by around 300 customers across more than 90 countries. Approximately 18% of the global AW139 fleet is in service across the Middle East, reflecting the platform’s strong presence in the region.
