Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi-based The Helicopter Company (THC) has unveiled two major fleet expansion deals at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, marking its entry into fixed-wing business aviation while strengthening its helicopter operations.
According to THC’s announcement on LinkedIn, the company signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Bombardier to place a firm order for 12 business jets, with options to purchase an additional 48 aircraft. If finalized, the agreement would expand THC's potential business jet fleet to 60 aircraft.
The LoI was signed during a ceremony attended by Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC; Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, Head of Aviation & Security at Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF); Éric Martel, CEO of Bombardier; and Pierre Beaudoin, Chairman of Bombardier.
THC said the planned acquisition represents a strategic step into the fixed-wing business aviation market, supporting its ambition to become a leading general aviation operator from Saudi Arabia.
In a separate announcement at the airshow, the company confirmed a firm order for 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters under the framework agreement signed with Leonardo during HAI Heli-Expo 2024. The signing ceremony was attended by Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA); Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC; and Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager at Leonardo and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters.
According to THC, the latest helicopter order reinforces its dual-OEM fleet strategy and long-term fleet optimization plan as it expands its capabilities to meet Saudi Arabia's growing aviation demand.
