The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, announced an additional order of 11 Leonardo helicopters at Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, currently taking place until 24 July 2026.
11 AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, under the framework agreement signed between THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo (now Verticon) in 2024. This additional order represents a key milestone under the multi-year framework, which allowed for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft.
The firm order of these 11 helicopters reinforces THC’s dual-OEM strategy and disciplined fleet optimization plan, positioning the company to meet Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation needs.
The new AW139s will further solidify THC’s position as one of the world’s largest operators of the type, enhancing its capacity to deliver its expanding range of services, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), VIP transport, and offshore services.
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 AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, now rapidly nearing 1600 units ordered by around 300 customers in more than 90 countries. This type has proven extremely successful across the Middle East, with approximately 18% of the world fleet in service in the region today.
This latest order aligns with THC’s continued expansion, contributing directly to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by building a robust and dynamic aviation ecosystem.
The Helicopter Company (THC) was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the Kingdom.
THC is the Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has 60+ aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.
Leonardo is an international industrial group that develops multi-domain technological capabilities for global security. A key player in the major strategic programmes in Aerospace, Defence and Security, it employs over 62,000 people worldwide and operates in the Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors. The company has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States, and is active in 150 countries also through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investees.
Leonardo is a technological and industrial partner to Governments, Defence Administrations, Institutions and businesses. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2025 Leonardo recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion. Included in the MIB ESG Index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
