Saudi’s The Helicopter Company (THC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), took centerstage at the ongoing Dubai Airshow when it announced the purchase of its 11th H125 aircraft from Rotortrade. It will start operating as part of THC’s fleet this November.
The kingdom’s premier provider of commercial helicopter services likewise confirmed the aircraft modified for aerial work has also been delivered.
THC acquired the H125 from Rotortrade, a trusted global helicopter dealership operating across five continents in June this year. The acquisition is part of THC’s plans to develop Saudi Arabia’s helicopter transport infrastructure. It is also aimed at meeting the growing demand for helicopter services in the kingdom and beyond.
THC set to soar higher
It is worth noting that the aircraft is also the very first H125 in THC’s color scheme of livery. With this delivery, THC’s overall fleet will stand at 47 at the end of 2023.
Further, THC confirmed that further deliveries are planned for next year. New aircraft acquisitions will increase the company’s fleet to 65 by the end of 2024. Looking ahead, the company plans to manage a fleet of 100+ by 2026.
Read: Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company soars at high altitude
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, commented on the recent milestone saying: “THC’s hard work and ambition have enabled us to grow at an unprecedented scale.”
According to Martinez, the delivery of the H125 will allow THC to continue delivering unparalleled service and value to its customers. It will also help push the boundaries of innovation in the industry.
He added: “THC is committed to investing in high-quality, cutting-edge aircraft. We never compromise when it comes to our world-class operations. We are determined to prove that everything is possible in aviation with the right partner. Our work with Rotortrade is a great example of this. Together, we will continue to make an impact in the kingdom and beyond, catering to our customers with our diverse range of services.”
Tight deadline
Meanwhile, Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade, says the company “takes great pride in our ability to deliver helicopters tailored to our customers’ exact requirements.” He stressed that the purchase was especially significant considering the tight timeframe of the purchase and delivery.
Other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) would have found the process challenging. Lubrano explained, “In this particular case, THC, our parent company, encountered a year waiting period for a new helicopter from the OEM. This prompted us to source a pre-owned solution. This showcases our unwavering dedication to delivering the most effective solutions to our clients. It helps ensure the fulfilment of their operational requirements.
As part of this commitment, Rotortrade is reinforcing its engineering and modification capabilities in France and in the United States to ensure timely delivery of helicopters tailored to our customers’ exact specifications.”
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