The Helicopter Company has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier covering an initial order for 12 business aircraft and options for 48 additional jets. The potential 60-aircraft fleet would support the Saudi Arabian helicopter operator’s expansion into fixed-wing business aviation.
The proposed firm order includes five Challenger 3500 aircraft, five Global 5500 aircraft and two Global 8000 aircraft. THC would have discretion over whether to exercise the options for the remaining 48 aircraft.
Because the agreement is currently a letter of intent, the parties must still finalize a binding purchase contract. The number of aircraft ultimately ordered could differ from the potential fleet described in the announcement.
The companies signed the agreement at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Attendees included THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez, Public Investment Fund Head of Aviation and Security Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, Bombardier CEO Éric Martel and Bombardier Chairman Pierre Beaudoin.
THC is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and is currently the country’s leading commercial helicopter operator. The company operates more than 60 aircraft across emergency medical services, aerial work, private charter and tourism.
The new division will provide private charter and business jet management services. THC said the expansion responds to rising demand created by Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth, increased business activity and development of new destinations.
The planned fleet would span the super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range categories. Using aircraft from the Challenger and Global families could also provide operational benefits through fleet commonality, including more consistent training, maintenance and support requirements.
The Challenger 3500 is intended for regional and transcontinental business travel, while the Global 5500 provides longer-range capability. The Global 8000 is Bombardier’s flagship ultra-long-range business jet.
THC plans to position the new operation as a leading regional business aviation provider and a preferred Saudi operator for private charter services. The expansion also supports the Public Investment Fund’s broader effort to develop an integrated aviation ecosystem under Saudi Vision 2030.
Bombardier plans to support THC through its global service network and potential investments in local operating capabilities. The aircraft manufacturer currently supports a worldwide fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft.
KEY QUOTES:
“As a portfolio of companies, THC was always poised to expand beyond rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations. Our vision has always been to become the General Aviation Champion from Saudi Arabia to the world.”
“Every investment we make is guided by the same philosophy, to build an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation, operational excellence and long-term value creation.”
“Fleet commonality, advanced aircraft technology and a commitment to more efficient and sustainable operations are fundamental to that approach, enabling us to deliver the highest standards of safety and service while positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of modern aviation.”
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of The Helicopter Company
“Bombardier’s aircraft are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of customers around the world, offering exceptional versatility, dispatch reliability and a world-class customer experience.”
“We are honored that The Helicopter Company has selected Bombardier to support its future fleet ambitions. This is a powerful symbol of our companies’ shared customer-centric DNA and vision for economic growth in the region.”
“As demand continues to grow across the region for the super-midsize category, the Challenger 3500 is ideally positioned to meet customer expectations for performance, comfort and reliability. The Global 5500 continues to set the benchmark in its class with industry-leading range and outstanding versatility, while the flagship Global 8000 ushers in a new era of business aviation performance and capability.”
Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier
