Saudi operator The Helicopter Company (THC) ordered 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The intermediate twin-engine helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028 under the framework agreement signed by THC and Leonardo at HAI Heli-Expo, now Verticon, in 2024. That agreement allows for the acquisition of up to 130 aircraft and this order represents a further step under it. The AW139s will extend THC’s dual-OEM fleet strategy and add to a fleet that already makes it one of the largest operators of the type, supporting emergency medical services, VIP transport and offshore operations.

Captain Arnaud Martinez, chief executive of THC, says: “We are proud to expand our long-standing partnership with Leonardo, which strengthens our leadership and operational capabilities in the region and beyond. Building on our existing AW139 fleet, which has made THC one of the largest and most recognised operators worldwide, this new order will contribute to our fleet optimisation strategy while supporting our plans to grow our global footprint.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, co-general manager of Leonardo and managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, adds: “We are very pleased to move forward into the next stage of THC’s Leonardo helicopter fleet expansion and modernisation plan, which we launched two years ago, having also recently celebrated the delivery of the operator’s 40th aircraft. We stand ready and committed to supporting THC through its long-term strategy project to make sure our technology provides the high standard of service KSA’s communities expect."

The AW139 is Leonardo’s best-selling helicopter in its class, with close to 1,600 units ordered by around 300 customers in more than 90 countries. Around 18 per cent of the type’s world fleet is in service in the Middle East. The latest order builds on THC’s continued expansion and contributes to the aviation ecosystem goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030.