Bombardier signs LOI with THC to sell up to 60 jets in Saudi Arabia

Bombardier signed a letter of intent with The Helicopter Company, owned by the Saudi Arabian government, to sell up to 60 aircraft. Bombardier has signed a Letter of Intent with The Helicopter Company to sell up to 60 state-of-the-art jets. The LOI was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the UK. The state-owned THC is Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, and the LOI marks their expansion into fixed-wing business aviation. They hope to solidify further their position as a leading aviation company in Saudi Arabia. THC was established as part of the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The recent LOI is part of Vision 2030, a government program aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and society. “Every investment we make is guided by the same philosophy – to build an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, in a press release. Founded in 2018, THC currently has over 60 aircraft. Their operations include Emergency Medical Services, aerial work, private charters, and tourism. THC’s expansion addresses a growing demand in Saudi Arabia’s business aviation market. THC aims to become the region’s leading business aviation operator. THC wants to meet this growing demand for private and general aviation, driven by Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism and business activity. THC has partnered with Bombardier to acquire a fleet of up to 60 aircraft spanning Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families. In addition to potential sales, the LOI also included a firm order for 12 aircraft. These include five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s, and two Global 8000s. The fleet will combine efficiency, long-range capability, and premium passenger comfort. It will span across the super-midsize, long-range, and ultra-long-range segments. “Our team looks forward to working hand-in-hand with THC,” said Éric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, in a press release, adding, “To support their ambitions and success throughout the lifecycle of their soon-to-be extensive, bespoke fleet.” Martel continued: ‘Through planned local investments dedicated to supporting THC’s operations and the strength of our global support network, we are committed to delivering the resources, expertise, and service wherever their operations take them.’ Saudi Arabia’s business aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, being driven by increasing demand for private and general aviation services. THC’s entry into this enclosed market could help the company expand its services and increase its market share. The partnership between THC and Bombardier marks further growth in Saudi Arabia’s business aviation market. This follows the recent authorizations of VistaJet and FlexJet to operate domestic flights in the country. VistaJet started domestic operations last August. Flexjet received similar authority in December 2025.