The Helicopter Company (THC) has placed a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters, under the framework agreement signed between THC and Airbus Helicopters in 2024, which covers up to 120 helicopters of various types. The latest eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, a structured window intended to allow their integration into THC’s existing operations. The H145s will support THC’s emergency medical services (EMS) and other mission-critical work across the Kingdom and beyond.

Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, says: “The additional order of H145s reinforces the dynamic partnership we have developed with Airbus over the past six years.”

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, adds: “The H145 has already proven its excellence in Saudi Arabia’s demanding hot and high conditions, and we are proud to see the growing number of H145s powering THC’s operations.”

THC’s relationship with Airbus Helicopters dates back to 2020, when the operator placed its first contract for ten H125s. The 2024 framework agreement included a firm order for eight H125s and ten H145s, bringing THC’s total firm Airbus helicopter fleet to 60 aircraft at the time, 25 of which were already in service. THC has already deployed the H145 for EMS work and the Dakar Rally, and took delivery of its first ACH160 for Red Sea Global tourism operations in 2023. The order builds on THC’s role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation goals.

The H145 is Airbus’ latest twin-engine rotorcraft, designed for flexibility in high and hot operating conditions. More than 1,800 examples are in service worldwide, logging over 8.6 million flight hours, and the type is noted for a low acoustic footprint among helicopters in its class.