The Helicopter Company

What The Helicopter Company does

The Helicopter Company (THC) is Saudi Arabia's leading commercial helicopter operator and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), founded in 2018 to activate the Kingdom's general aviation sector under Vision 2030. Headquartered in Riyadh, THC operates a fleet of 62 helicopters spanning four models (Leonardo AW139, Airbus H125, H145, H160) from 16+ bases across the country, employing 900+ staff and logging 40,000+ cumulative flight hours. The company runs four core service lines: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) from 14+ dedicated bases supporting the Saudi Air Ambulance program with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (4,500+ lives saved as of 2024); private charters and VIP transport integrated with Blacklane's global chauffeur network; tourism aerial experiences distributed through Almosafer; and customized aerial work for industrial clients. THC holds comprehensive GACA operating licenses (Part 121, 133, 135, 145) plus the Part-60 training license, and maintains ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications.

THC's business model combines multi-year government-funded HEMS contracts (subscription/recurring) with per-mission charter and tourism revenue (transactional) and B2B aerial work services (project-based). Distribution is multi-channel: direct enterprise sales to government and Giga Projects, partnerships with Almosafer and Blacklane for tourism and luxury mobility, and event sponsorships (LEAP, Dakar Rally, Monaco Yacht Show) for visibility. THC has pursued aggressive expansion via the 2022/2023 full acquisition of Rotortrade (global helicopter dealership), the November 2025 acquisition of a 76% stake in Heliconia (African offshore rotary-wing operator), framework agreements for up to 250 helicopters with Airbus and Leonardo, eVTOL partnerships with Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, and a Letter of Intent for cross-border service with Bahrain. Capital sources include a SAR 800M Murabaha facility from Gulf International Bank (2023) and a SAR 600M facility from Arab National Bank (2025).

Name

The Helicopter Company

Legal name

The Helicopter and Jet Company

Website

https://helicopter.com.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Helicopter Company is Saudi Arabia's leading PIF-owned commercial helicopter operator, running a fleet of 62 aircraft from 16+ bases to deliver HEMS, private charters, tourism, and aerial work for government, enterprise, and luxury clients across the Kingdom and into Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Helicopter Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (48121), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

On-Demand/Charter Helicopter Passenger Services (THABAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH), Air Medical Transport (Helicopter/Fixed-Wing) (HLAFANAD), Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind) (TLAFACAH), Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD)

Keywords

• Commercial helicopter operations
• Air ambulance services
• Helicopter charter services
• Aerial tourism
• Aerial work services

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS): Critical care patient transport and emergency medical evacuation services operating from 14+ bases across Saudi Arabia, saving 4,500+ lives as of 2024.
2. Private Charters: VIP transportation services for business and government travelers, including airport-to-city transfers and executive transport, integrated with Blacklane ground services.
3. Tourism Services: Aerial tours and sightseeing experiences showcasing Saudi Arabia's landscapes and historical sites, sold through partnerships with Almosafer and Red Sea Global resorts.
4. Aerial Work Services: Customized services including filming, banner towing, aerial surveying, and heavy load lifting for industrial clients.
5. Regional Expansion via Heliconia Acquisition: 76% majority stake in Heliconia provides entry into African offshore markets (North and West Africa), generating new revenue streams from oil and gas offshore services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Helicopter Company (THC) operates a fleet of 62+ commercial helicopters (Leonardo AW139, Airbus H125, H145, H160) from 16+ bases across Saudi Arabia, delivering four core service lines: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for critical care transport, Private Charters for VIP and executive travel, Aerial Tourism showcasing Saudi landscapes, and Aerial Work including filming, surveying, and heavy lifting. As PIF's aviation champion, THC holds comprehensive GACA operating licenses (Parts 121, 133, 135, 145, 60) and ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications, serving government agencies, Giga Projects, corporates, and affluent travelers.

Product overview

The Helicopter Company (THC) is Saudi Arabia's leading commercial helicopter operator offering a unified portfolio of rotary-wing services. The company operates four helicopter models (Leonardo AW139, Airbus H125, H145, H160) across four core service lines: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Aerial Work, Tourism, and Private Charters. THC serves diverse segments including emergency medical transport, corporate transport, tourism, aerial filming, and specialized operations. As of 2025, THC operates a fleet of 62+ aircraft from 16+ bases, having achieved significant growth since mid-2019. The company has expanded regionally through the acquisition of Heliconia (76% stake) and is exploring advanced air mobility through eVTOL partnerships with Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Qimam Aviation Program: Flagship workforce development platform dedicated to nurturing Saudi talent and advancing national capabilities in rotorcraft aviation. The program has trained over 100 pilots and technicians including Saudi Arabia's first female helicopter pilots.

Products and services

• Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Critical care patient transport and emergency medical evacuation services operating from 14+ bases across Saudi Arabia with 24/7 readiness, targeted at government health agencies and Saudi Red Crescent Authority; has saved 4,500+ lives as of 2024.
• Private Charters VIP helicopter transportation service providing tailored air travel solutions for business or pleasure throughout Saudi Arabia, including airport-to-city transfers and executive transport, integrated with Blacklane ground services.
• Tourism Services Aerial tours and sightseeing experiences showcasing Saudi Arabia's landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions including Red Sea resorts, AlUla, NEOM, and desert landscapes; sold through Almosafer partnership.
• Aerial Work Services Customized industrial and commercial aerial services including filming, photography, banner towing, aerial surveying, and heavy load lifting for media, construction, surveying, and specialized operations.
• Offshore Helicopter Services (via Heliconia) Offshore rotary-wing services including oil and gas platform crew transport, marine platform crew changes, and maritime search and rescue, delivered through Heliconia operations in North and West Africa.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,500+ lives saved through HEMS operations as of 2024
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and TelecommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026LoI to establish cross-border helicopter service connecting Bahrain and Dammam, representing THC's first international route beyond Saudi Arabia and marking strategic milestone in growth journey.
• Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Three-year strategic partnership appointing THC as SMC's Strategic Aviation Partner. THC provides integrated aviation services for major national and international motorsport events, formalizing a long-standing collaboration.
• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026MoU to activate helipads and enable helicopter services within King Abdullah Financial District, marking a key milestone in advancing urban air mobility in Riyadh.
• BlacklaneflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 December 2025Partnership to deliver integrated luxury air-and-ground mobility experiences. THC provides helicopter services while Blacklane offers premium chauffeur services, creating seamless end-to-end travel journeys for discerning customers in Saudi Arabia.
• Archer AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025THC signed agreement with Archer Aviation and Red Sea Global at Dubai Airshow to develop and integrate eVTOL aircraft into Saudi Arabia's mobility ecosystem. Partnership aims to test and deploy Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility.
• Joby AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025THC signed MoU with Joby Aviation and Red Sea Global for pre-commercial evaluation flights in Saudi Arabia in H1 2026. Partnership supports Vision 2030 objectives for advanced air mobility deployment.
• Riyadh AirminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025THC and Riyadh Air signed strategic MoU to advance seamless premium air mobility across Saudi Arabia.
• AlmosaferflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 November 2025Almosafer, Saudi Arabia's leading travel company and part of Seera Group, serves as THC's travel partner for helicopter transfers. Almosafer integrates aerial experiences across its B2C and B2B portfolio, enabling THC to reach tourists and travelers throughout Saudi Arabia.
• HeliconiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2025THC acquired 76% majority stake in Heliconia, a leading African rotary-wing aviation services operator. The acquisition enables THC to expand into North and West Africa, enter the offshore sector, and strengthen its position as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia's global general aviation footprint.
• KAFD (Flights Activation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2025THC activated helicopter air mobility flights from KAFD helipad to key destinations across Riyadh, advancing urban air mobility within the Kingdom.
• Diriyah CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2025MoU to explore advanced urban air mobility solutions within Diriyah development, focusing on infrastructure planning, regulatory alignment, and sustainability.
• Saudi Aviation ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025MoU to secure hangar space and access aviation services, supporting THC's operational growth and expansion.
• King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025MoU to enhance VIP aviation services and improve connectivity for VIPs, delegations, and investors at KAEC.
• Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2025MoU to explore sustainability partnership opportunities, utilizing SIRC's recycling technologies within THC operations to reduce environmental footprint and promote circular economy.
• Oil Park Development Company (OPDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2024MoU to deliver premium helicopter services for THE RIG, world's first offshore adventure tourism destination, enhancing visitor transport and tourism experience.
• Riyadh MunicipalityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2024MoU to establish three new landing sites in Riyadh, expanding THC's urban infrastructure footprint.
• Saudia TechniccoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 3 May 2024Five-year maintenance agreement for helicopter maintenance services, supporting THC's operational reliability and fleet management.
• Bristow GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024MoU to explore advanced air mobility opportunities, signed at HAI Heli Expo California.
• Leonardo (Helicopters)coreTechnology or Integration · 27 February 2024THC signed framework agreement for 20 additional AW139 helicopters and long-term partnership with Leonardo. THC is one of world's largest AW139 operators with 40 aircraft delivered.
• Airbus HelicopterscoreTechnology or Integration · 27 February 2024THC signed historic framework agreement for up to 120 Airbus helicopters over 5-7 years. Partnership includes delivery of H125, H145, and H160 models, with THC as first H160 operator in MENA.
• RotortradecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022THC acquired 51% then 100% of Rotortrade, a global helicopter dealership operating across five continents. Rotortrade supports THC's global growth strategy and announced new leasing service at Verticon 2025.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Bristow Group: Bristow Group is one of the world's largest commercial helicopter operators, providing offshore oil and gas transport, search and rescue, and government aviation services. It is directly comparable to THC across its offshore (via Heliconia), government, and VIP/executive charter segments, with similar fleet scale and global framework agreements with OEMs.
• CHC Helicopter: CHC Helicopter is a global commercial helicopter services company serving offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. It is closely comparable to THC's multi-segment model (offshore, HEMS, charter) and competes for similar large fleet framework agreements with Airbus and Leonardo.
• PHI Aviation: PHI Aviation is a leading global helicopter operator specializing in offshore oil and gas transportation, air medical services, and helicopter maintenance. Its mix of HEMS, offshore crew change, and energy-sector services mirrors THC's diversified vertical portfolio.
• Falcon Aviation Services: Falcon Aviation Services is a UAE-based business aviation and helicopter services company operating VIP charters, aerial tours, and offshore support across the Gulf. It is a direct regional competitor to THC in VIP/executive transport, tourism, and offshore helicopter services across the GCC.
• Gulf Helicopters: Gulf Helicopters is a Qatar-based helicopter operator providing offshore oil and gas services, VIP/executive transport, and maintenance. It is highly comparable to THC given its GCC base, mixed offshore/VIP/utility portfolio, and similar H125/AW139 fleet composition.
• Era Helicopters (part of Bristow): Era Helicopters (now part of Bristow Group) provides helicopter transportation services primarily to oil and gas customers in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally. It is comparable to THC's Heliconia offshore segment and offers similar crew change and aerial work services.

Broad incumbents

• Babcock International (Mission Critical Services - Aviation): Babcock International operates a large global aviation services division providing helicopter EMS, search and rescue, and offshore transport. As a broad incumbent in aviation services, it competes with THC for large multi-year government and energy-sector contracts in multiple geographies.

Regional players

• Air Center Helicopters: Air Center Helicopters is a UAE-based operator providing VIP, charter, and aerial work services across the Middle East. It is comparable to THC as a regional MENA competitor in the on-demand charter and executive transport market.

Others

• Leonardo Helicopters: Leonardo Helicopters is a major OEM and THC's primary AW139 supplier under framework agreements. While not a direct operator peer, Leonardo is a key strategic partner and comparable player in the global commercial helicopter ecosystem from the supply side.
• Airbus Helicopters: Airbus Helicopters is a leading global helicopter OEM supplying H125, H145, and H160 to THC under a 120-aircraft framework agreement. Comparable as ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor, shaping fleet economics and product roadmap alignment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/THC_KSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@thehelicoptercompany5876
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thc-ksa
• Instagraminstagram.com/thehelicoptercompany
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheHelicopterCo

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Helicopter Company