Anyone who has followed the rise of The Helicopter Company (THC) since its launch in 2019 can’t help but be impressed. As Saudi Arabia’s first national commercial helicopter operator, THC is backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund and plays a central role in Saudi Vision 2030 — the Kingdom’s roadmap for economic diversification and public sector development.
While air medical operations currently represent THC’s largest service area, its capabilities span the full spectrum of helicopter missions — including aerial filming, construction, search-and-rescue, and tourism and entertainment.
In fact, THC is on course to become one of the world’s largest civil helicopter operators. After receiving its first aircraft at the end of 2019, the company expanded its fleet to 17 helicopters by 2022. By early 2024, it had signed two major purchase agreements with Leonardo and Airbus Helicopters, with plans to receive up to 100 helicopters by the end of 2026 and future options for up to 250 aircraft.
“THC aims to provide safe and efficient transport in the Kingdom while positioning itself as an aviation leader in the region and a global player in this space,” explained A.J. Baker, THC’s chief commercial officer. “THC’s contributions to Saudi Arabia’s growth span the three key areas of social, cultural and economic transformation, through services that include aerial filming, VIP transport and logistical support for events such as Formula 1, Dakar Rally, and MDLBEAST Soundstorm, the Middle East’s largest music festival.”
Baker added that THC is equally focused on workforce development, with a strong commitment to attracting and retaining local talent in line with Vision 2030.
“We employ over 900 people — with over 200 of those being pilots — onboarding on average 20 new employees per month,” he said. “THC is keen to nurture its Saudi workforce skills and local talent in the aviation domain through a number of tailored programs such as the Qimam program for pilots and technicians.”
THC’s HEMS program
THC’s most ambitious project to date is the creation of a Saudi Air Ambulance service — a nationwide air ambulance network operated in partnership with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.
“Since 2022, THC has saved over 5,000 lives, demonstrating its commitment and effectiveness,” Baker said. “When a call is received for a vehicle or hiking incident, THC aims to be airborne within 15 minutes with its expert crew.”
In addition to day-to-day operations, THC also supports major events like the Dakar Rally with dedicated helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) coverage.
Looking ahead, THC aims to expand HEMS coverage to over 90 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population by 2026. As Baker explained, much like in other countries, Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural and remote regions with limited access to advanced care.
“HEMS can bridge this gap by transporting patients from these underserved regions to the specialized hospitals in major cities,” he said.
The HEMS program currently operates from 14 bases, with plans to grow to more than 20 by the end of 2026 — a scale-up that will require additional personnel and aircraft. THC’s HEMS fleet, now numbering 15 helicopters, is expected to expand to 23.
Fleet composition
THC currently operates a fleet of more than 40 helicopters from 20 bases across Saudi Arabia. Looking ahead, its most recent agreement with Airbus includes the potential delivery of up to 120 helicopters of various types by 2031. Part of the deal involves an initial order for eight H125s, along with 10 H145s that were converted from an earlier contract between both parties in 2020.
“The H125 helicopters support the delivery of THC’s range of services in areas [such as] aerial work and tourism,” Baker said. “The H145s are used in a variety of roles, including HEMS and corporate transport. Both models are used in support of the Dakar Rally.”
In 2023, THC also took delivery of its first Airbus ACH160 to support transport operations for Red Sea Global.
In addition to the Airbus agreement, THC signed a separate purchase deal with Leonardo for up to 130 helicopters — potentially including AW109s, AW169s, AW139s, and AW189Ks. The AW189K is powered by the Safran Aneto-1K engine, which offers 28 percent more takeoff power than earlier variants. The deal includes a firm order for 20 AW139s, converted from options under a previous agreement. These aircraft will be used for HEMS, corporate missions, and future emerging business needs.
Medical fleet
Focusing on HEMS operations, THC is receiving factory-new H145 D3 helicopters from Airbus in Donauwörth, Germany, and factory-new AW139s from Leonardo in Italy.
“Both helicopter types are equipped with the advanced air technology EMS/medical interior,” Baker said. “All H145 D3 and AW139 helicopters are also configured for night vision goggle [NVG] operations, with certain locations designated for night operations under NVG. The helicopters also feature advanced navigation and safety systems, including a helicopter terrain awareness system, traffic advisory system, weather radar, wire strike protection system, and various integrated systems for medical rescue missions.”
Baker noted that the H145 D3 is particularly well-suited for operations in the mountainous regions of southern Saudi Arabia due to its strong high-altitude performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the AW139’s greater payload capacity and extended range make it ideal for covering the vast and remote areas of the Kingdom’s central, northern, and eastern regions.
Ensuring supply
With long-term plans for both HEMS expansion and overall company growth, THC placed its aircraft orders well in advance to ensure a steady, uninterrupted buildout. Last year, the company took delivery of 18 helicopters. More than 20 are scheduled to arrive in 2025, followed by another 20 in 2026 — averaging roughly one helicopter delivery every three weeks over the three-year period.
In terms of fleet lifecycle, Baker said the company operates its aircraft on a planned eight- to 10-year cycle.
“Our model is to operate aircraft that are on full PBH [power-by-the-hour] programs and under warranty,” he said. “The older aircraft will then go to Rotortrade, which THC acquired fully in 2023, for sale or leasing opportunities.”
Baker noted that as Saudi Arabia’s “giga projects” — which include innovative residences and resorts, ski hills, water parks, and idyllic island destinations — come online, demand for helicopter transport will continue to grow.