The Helicopter Company Expands Leonardo Partnership with Order for 11 Additional AW139 Helicopters
Farnborough, United Kingdom – 21 July, 2026 - The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has announced a firm order for 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
Scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, the helicopters form part of the landmark framework agreement signed by THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo, now known as Verticon, in 2024. The multi-year agreement provides for the potential acquisition of up to 130 aircraft.
The order supports THC’s dual-OEM strategy and disciplined fleet optimization plan, strengthening the company’s ability to respond to Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation requirements. The additional AW139 helicopters will enhance THC’s capacity to provide a growing range of services, including Emergency Medical Services, VIP transport and offshore operations.
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 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.”
Building on its existing fleet, the latest order further reinforces THC’s position as one of the world’s largest operators of the AW139. It also supports the company’s plans to expand its international footprint and contribute to the development of a robust and dynamic aviation ecosystem in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
For any media queries on THC, please contact:
Tania Ahmed
About 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 premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has over 60 aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.
For more information, please visit: https://www.thehelicoptercompany.com.sa/
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