THC recognized for “Most Innovative Air Ambulance Services” at the MEA Business Aviation Innovation Awards 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 November 2025 - The Helicopter Company (THC), a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, was awarded the “Most Innovative Air Ambulance Services” at the Aviation Innovation Awards 2025 which took place at MEA Business’ Annual Gala Evening in Dubai Marina on 19 November 2025.
MEA Business, the organizer of the Aviation Innovation Awards, is a regional publication and platform covering business, aviation, and industry developments across the Middle East. The awards highlight organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance and innovation within the aviation sector, recognizing contributions across areas such as safety, operational excellence, and service advancement.
The “Most Innovative Air Ambulance Services” award recognizes THC’s advanced Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and its significant contributions especially during the 2025 Hajj season. For the fourth consecutive year, THC successfully completed emergency rescue missions, approximately 62 this year, with response times averaging between seven and nine minutes. These operations were supported by a dedicated fleet of four helicopters (three active and one on standby), alongside a team of 15 pilots, 15 paramedics, and 15 specialized technicians.
During the 2025 Hajj season, THC introduced automated CPR devices and 90-meter aerial hoists capable of lifting to 200 kilograms for the first time. Additionally, they enhanced aircraft configurations to accommodate up to three patients per flight. To ensure rapid access across Makkah, 37 certified helipads were established, enabling efficient deployment and faster medical responses in critical emergencies.
Beyond Hajj, EMS is a major strategic pillar in THC’s portfolio, reflecting the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in Saudi Arabia by saving lives and elevating national emergency response standards. THC aims for a 15-minute response time for various medical scenarios across the Kingdom, including hiking accidents, road incidents, and remote-area emergencies.
The HEMS program continues to expand rapidly, enabling coverage of 90% of Saudi Arabia for comprehensive emergency medical services. Since its inception, HEMS has saved more than 6,000 lives, demonstrating THC’s profound impact and unwavering commitment to public safety.
This recognition highlights THC’s pioneering role in air ambulance operations and its ongoing commitment to safety and saving lives, improving emergency response standards, and enhancing the Kingdom’s healthcare sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s 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 Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC has 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://helicopter.com.sa/
LinkedIn: The Helicopter Company