The Helicopter Company orders 11 more Leonardo AW139s at Farnborough Airshow

The Helicopter Company, Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has placed an order for 11 additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028. 

The order was announced on July 21, 2026, the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs through July 24.

The new aircraft fall under a multi-year framework agreement THC and Leonardo, the Italian aerospace and defense group, signed at HAI Heli-Expo, now known as Verticon, back in 2024, an arrangement that allows for the potential acquisition of up to 130 helicopters over time. This latest order marks a key milestone within that broader plan.

Growing a fleet already among the world’s largest

The intermediate twin-engine AW139s are expected to reinforce THC’s dual-OEM strategy and its ongoing fleet optimization plans, positioning the company to keep pace with Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation needs. 

The addition will further cement THC’s standing as one of the world’s largest operators of the type, supporting services that include Emergency Medical Services, VIP transport, and offshore operations.

Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, a company under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, said the order builds on a long-standing relationship with Leonardo that strengthens the company’s leadership and operational reach both regionally and beyond. He said the expanded AW139 fleet, which has already made THC one of the largest and most recognized operators of the type worldwide, will support its fleet optimization strategy while helping grow its global footprint.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Co-General Manager of Leonardo and Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said the order moves THC’s fleet expansion and modernization plan, launched two years ago, into its next stage, noting that the partnership marked the delivery of THC’s 40th aircraft. 

He said Leonardo remains committed to supporting THC’s long-term strategy and ensuring its technology meets the standard of service expected across the Kingdom.

A helicopter with a strong regional track record

According to Leonardo, the AW139 is the best-selling helicopter in its class worldwide, with orders nearing 1,600 units from around 300 customers across more than 90 countries. The type has found particular success in the Middle East, where roughly 18% of the global AW139 fleet is currently in service.

THC, which has operated in Saudi Arabia since mid-2019 and now flies more than 60 aircraft across segments including emergency medical services, aerial work, private charters, and tourism, said the new order aligns with its continued expansion and contributes directly to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s push to build a broader aviation ecosystem.

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