With Saudi Arabia pushing its goal to diversify, the country has been tapping into many sectors that could broaden its economic base. As part of this strategic move, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), established The Helicopter Company (THC) in 2018 to meet the growing demand for commercial helicopters associated with the country’s expansive Vision 2030.
In this interview, THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez discusses how the company is contributing to the country’s national objectives, supporting a wide range of growing sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and culture, among others; as well as embracing cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize the Saudi aviation market.
As part of its economic diversification plan, Saudi Arabia is boosting its aviation industry. How is The Helicopter Company aligning its growth with the objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy? How about with the more comprehensive Saudi Vision 2030?
THC has grown at an unprecedented scale, expanding rapidly with plans to grow our fleet to approximately 100 aircraft in the next 2 to 3 years. Through an expansive fleet and a wide array of services, from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to aerial work, we are actively contributing to the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s objective of raising the standard of civil aviation in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, THC’s commitment to innovation is in line with the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s objective of modernizing the nation’s aviation structure. We are also deeply committed to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) within the Kingdom, as evident in our recent partnerships with Altanfeethi and Riyadh Municipality, which seek to explore opportunities aimed at transforming Saudi’s aviation landscape.
THC significantly contributes to Vision 2030’s diversification goals through our services, which support the growth of the tourism, entertainment, sports, and cultural sectors in Saudi Arabia. This is evident in our EMS support at 9 Rallies and aerial filming work for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah. We also support other high-profile local events such as MDLBEAST and Rally Dakar, the latter of which THC recently dedicated 13 helicopters to provide a spectrum of services, including filming, HEMS, and private charters for VIPs.
Most notably, THC supports the development of the Kingdom’s healthcare services through our Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) program, which is operated by THC in partnership with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA). The program aims to ensure immediate and efficient emergency response coverage within the Kingdom. Since the inception of HEMS, THC has saved over 3,300+ lives to date, demonstrating its commitment and effectiveness. We have established a strong foundation with 14 bases and 15 helicopters currently operational, and a significant expansion is underway.
The aviation and tourism sectors are intertwined. Can you share specific ways THC contributes to Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector?
THC plays a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector through our strategic collaborations. Our partnership with Red Sea Global, which oversees two of the Kingdom’s largest regenerative tourism projects — the Red Sea and Amaala — on the western coast, is a prime example. By providing a 14-passenger helicopter and crew for EMS and operational needs, we contribute significantly to these projects’ success and safety.
Additionally, since 2019, THC has worked with the Royal Commission for AlUla to offer year-round scenic tours, exemplifying our commitment to enriching Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. This partnership allows visitors to explore the Kingdom’s heritage and natural beauty and leverages THC’s fleet and operational expertise to boost tourism. THC also operates Al-Ula and Khaybar tourism flights during the Khaybar season.
By offering unique experiences, supporting infrastructure development, and expanding our service offerings through strategic partnerships, THC is actively contributing to the growth of both tourism and aviation in the Kingdom.
The Helicopter Company is actively supporting giga projects like Red Sea Global and NEOM. Can you provide a deeper look into your company’s role in facilitating these visionary endeavors?
Giga projects such as Red Sea Global and NEOM are unprecedented and fast-moving, requiring agile partners that can provide innovative services to support their visionary work — THC does just that. Our unique position as a pioneer in the Saudi helicopter industry has equipped us with the expertise and infrastructure necessary to support these giga projects, tailoring our services to meet their evolving needs.
THC provides specialized services such as aerial work, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), and VIP transport to ensure the smooth execution of these large-scale projects.
How does THC’s Qimam Aviation Program contribute to the development of future Saudi aviation leaders? Can you share some success stories of graduates from this program?
The Qimam Aviation Program is central to THC’s commitment to nurturing future Saudi aviation leaders. Our focus extends beyond building a fleet; it’s about investing in our people and equipping them with the skills and expertise needed to seize emerging opportunities within the industry. We’re proud that the Qimam program had over 111 Qimam graduates between 2022 and 2024, including 60 pilots and 51 technicians, reflecting the program’s growing impact on shaping the next generation of Saudi aviation leaders.
Through specialized tracks within the Qimam Aviation Program, such as pilot training and maintenance, we are fostering local talent and building a homegrown staff for the future. A notable achievement is the graduation of the first two Saudi female pilots from the program, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and the advancement of women in aviation.
One of our success stories is Captain Reem Flimban, a Qimam graduate who became the world’s first female pilot with an Airbus H160-type rating, marking a historic milestone in the aviation industry.
Read| Plaza Premium Group: Transforming and elevating airport experiences
How is The Helicopter Company integrating innovative technologies into its aviation services, and what future technological advancements does THC plan to implement in its operations?
THC’s strategy involves utilizing greener technology to contribute to the global movement of the industry to become more sustainable and safeguard our environment while pushing for urban air mobility within the region to transform Saudi’s aviation industry.
Our forward-thinking work is best exemplified in our partnerships that push innovative technologies in the Kingdom and beyond. This is clear in our partnership with Red Sea Global, where we celebrated the first delivery of an ACH160 helicopter in March 2023, Airbus’ most technologically advanced model. At the same time, we signed a contract with aerospace leader SKYTRAC Systems for mission monitoring and advanced connectivity services, including low-earth orbit satellite technology, and we look forward to using those advanced technological tools in the near future.
As we grow, THC will continue integrating innovative technologies into our aviation services as part of our commitment to deliver world-class operations and shape Saudi’s aviation ecosystem.
For more interviews, click here.
