The Helicopter Company (THC)

The Helicopter Company (THC) is a Saudi Arabian commercial helicopter operator. Its website says it was established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of its strategy to develop new sectors that support Vision 2030, and that it has been operating since mid-2019. The chief executive officer named on the site is Capt. Arnaud Martinez.

Services

• Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), including the Saudi Air Ambulance program launched with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in 2022.
• Aerial work such as filming and aerial surveying.
• Tourism: aerial tours of landscapes and historical sites. In 2026 the company announced a partnership with webook.com to make helicopter sightseeing tours in Saudi Arabia bookable online.
• Private charters and VIP transportation within Saudi Arabia.

Fleet

• Leonardo AW139: twin-engine, EMS, utility and corporate, 6 to 14 people.
• Airbus H125: single-engine, utility, 5 people.
• Airbus H145: twin-engine, EMS and utility, 6 to 8 people.
• Airbus H160: twin-engine, corporate, 6 to 8 people.

The home page shows 2025 figures of 900+ employees, a fleet of 62, 16+ bases and 40K+ flight hours. In July 2026 the company announced an order for 11 more AW139 helicopters.

Licences and history

• 2019: first Saudi civil helicopter launched; Part 121 special unscheduled air operator licence and Part 145 maintenance licence obtained.
• 2020: Part 133 aerial work licence; first operation with Red Sea Global.
• 2021: Qimam Aviation training programme established for pilots and maintenance staff; Part 135 licence acquired.
• 2023: named Helicopter Operator of the Year by The Aviator Middle East; first H160 operator in the MENA region.

Partners listed include NEOM, Red Sea Global and AlUla.