PIF-backed The Helicopter Co. orders 11 Leonardo AW139 aircraft
RIYADH: Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed The Helicopter Co. ordered 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters for delivery between 2027 and 2028, expanding its fleet as demand for specialized aviation services grows.
Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, the move is part of a multi-year framework agreement signed with Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo, now known as Verticon, in 2024. The agreement allows THC to acquire up to 130 helicopters over several years as it expands its operations in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
It comes in the wake of THC placing a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters, with delivery scheduled between 2027 and 2028, also announced at the airshow.
The expanded fleet will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation ambitions under Vision 2030, which include targeting 330 million annual passengers, 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo and connectivity to more than 250 destinations by 2030, as well as boosting regional connectivity and specialized aviation services.
