The Helicopter Company (THC) is entering fixed-wing business aviation after signing a letter of intent with Bombardier for 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000s. The agreement also includes purchase options for a further 48 aircraft across the three platforms.

The signing took place at the Farnborough International Airshow and was attended by THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez, head of aviation and security at Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, and Bombardier CEO Eric Martel and chairman Pierre Beaudoin.

The new fixed-wing business will provide business jet charter and aircraft management services, with THC saying the expansion is driven by growing demand for business aviation in Saudi Arabia.

Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, says: “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.”

The company intends to operate up to 60 Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft, including the Challenger 3500, Global 5500 and Global 8000.

Eric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier, says: “We are honoured 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.”

THC says the expansion will support the growth of Saudi Arabia's general aviation sector. The company currently operates more than 60 helicopters across emergency medical services, aerial work, private charter and tourism in the Kingdom.