Saudi Arabia's Helicopter Company Just Ordered 8 More H145s

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-07-21

### A Big Bet on Vertical Lift It's not every day you see an order this size for helicopters. But that's exactly what happened at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026. The Helicopter Company (THC), which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has placed a firm order for eight more Airbus H145 helicopters. This isn't just a random purchase, either. These new birds are part of a much larger framework agreement that goes back to 2024. The original deal between THC and Airbus covered up to 120 helicopters of different types. So this latest order is really just the next chapter in a long-term plan. ### What's the H145 Good For? The H145 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter. It's known for being versatile and reliable. You'll see them used for everything from emergency medical services to offshore oil and gas transport. In Saudi Arabia, THC uses them for commercial passenger flights, VIP charters, and tourism. One of the coolest features of the H145 is its Fenestron tail rotor. That's the ducted fan design that makes it quieter than most helicopters its size. It also has a four-axis autopilot, which takes a lot of the workload off the pilots. That means safer flights, especially in tricky conditions. ### The Big Picture for Saudi Arabia This order is part of a bigger story. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its tourism and transportation infrastructure. They want to attract more visitors, and they need the mobility to support that. Helicopters are a great way to cover long distances quickly, especially in a country that's roughly the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River. THC is positioning itself as the go-to operator for high-end travel. Think of it like a luxury airline, but for shorter hops. They're also looking at industrial applications, like supporting oil and gas operations in remote areas. The H145 is perfect for that kind of work because it can land on small pads and doesn't need a lot of ground support. ### Delivery Timeline and What It Means The eight new helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. That might seem like a long way off, but in the aerospace world, that's pretty standard. Production slots fill up fast, and Airbus has to manage its supply chain carefully. For THC, this order means they can plan their growth with confidence. They know they'll have the aircraft they need to expand their routes and services. For Airbus, it's a vote of confidence in the H145 platform. The helicopter has been in service for years, and it keeps getting upgraded with new technology. - The H145 has a maximum range of about 400 miles. - It can carry up to nine passengers plus two pilots. - The helicopter's maximum takeoff weight is around 8,400 pounds. - It cruises at about 145 miles per hour. ### What This Means for the US Market You might be wondering why this matters to professionals in the United States. Well, the H145 is also popular here. It's used by hospitals for air ambulance work, by law enforcement for surveillance, and by private owners for executive transport. Seeing a big order like this from a major operator like THC signals that the market for this type of helicopter is strong. It also shows that Airbus is winning in the light-twin category. That puts pressure on competitors like Bell and Leonardo. When a big player like THC places a large order, it often triggers a wave of similar orders from other operators who don't want to be left behind. ### The Bottom Line This order is more than just a headline. It's a sign that the helicopter industry is healthy and growing. THC is making a long-term bet on the H145, and that's a good indicator for anyone involved in aviation, finance, or logistics. Whether you're a pilot, a mechanic, or an investor, this is the kind of news that tells you where the market is heading. So the next time you see a helicopter flying overhead, remember: there's a good chance it's an H145, and it might be part of a much bigger plan than you realize.