Saudi order for Leonardo helicopters.
On the occasion of the Farnborough International Airshow, the defense and aerospace group announced an additional order of 11 Leonardo helicopters by The Helicopter Company (Thc), a Public Investment Fund company and the main commercial helicopter operator in Saudi Arabia.
Specifically, 11 AW139s will be delivered between 2027 and 2028, as part of the framework agreement signed between THC and the Italian defense and aerospace group during the Heli-Expo (now Verticon) show in 2024. The Saudi operator will thus expand its fleet to meet the growing demand for specialized aviation services. “This additional order represents an important milestone of this agreement, which provided for a potential acquisition of up to 130 helicopters,” highlights the joint statement.
The Italian giant led by Lorenzo Mariani continues to grow in Saudi Arabia. The announcement follows also the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the beginning of 2024 by Leonardo with the country aiming to explore collaboration opportunities in aerospace and defense.
All the details.
THC EXPANDS ITS LEONARDO-BRANDED HELICOPTER FLEET
With the arrival of the new AW139s, THC will consolidate its role among the largest global operators of this helicopter, enhancing the service offering which includes emergency medical services (EMS), VIP transport, and offshore transport activities.
Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, stated: “We are proud to expand our long-standing collaboration with Leonardo, which strengthens our leadership and operational capabilities both inside and outside the region. Starting from our current fleet of AW139s, which has made THC one of the largest and most recognized operators worldwide, this additional order will contribute to our fleet optimization strategy while supporting our plans to expand global presence.”
THE AW139 PROGRAM
With more than 1600 helicopters ordered, about 300 customers in over 90 countries, “the AW139 is the best-selling helicopter in its category worldwide,” highlights the Piazza Monte Grappa group adding that “This model has proven very successful in the Middle East, with about 18% of the global fleet currently in service in the region.”
“We are pleased to move to the next phase of THC’s Leonardo helicopter fleet expansion and modernization plan, launched two years ago, having also recently celebrated the delivery of the operator’s 40th aircraft,” commented Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager of Leonardo and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters.
THC STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP IN THE AW139 FLEET
Finally, as highlighted by Arabnews, the latest order further strengthens THC’s position as one of the largest global AW139 operators. The company currently manages a fleet of over 60 aircraft employed in medical emergency services, aerial work, private charter flights, and tourism throughout the Kingdom.
