Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier for up to 60 business jets as the operator prepares to expand beyond helicopters and enter the fixed-wing charter and aircraft management market.
The agreement calls for THC and Bombardier to finalize a firm order for 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000s. THC would also receive options for another 48 aircraft across the three models.
The companies announced the agreement on July 21, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow.
THC, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, currently operates more than 60 helicopters across emergency medical services, aerial work, private charter and tourism.
The new fixed-wing operation will give THC aircraft spanning the super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range business jet categories.
The Challenger 3500 will serve the lower end of the planned fleet, while the Global 5500 will add longer-range capability. The Global 8000, Bombardier’s flagship, will sit at the top of the fleet.
THC said the mix will allow it to serve a range of missions while maintaining commonality across aircraft from the same manufacturer.
“As a portfolio of companies, THC was always poised to expand beyond rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations,” THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez said. “Our vision has always been to become the General Aviation Champion from Saudi Arabia to the world.”
The company said demand for private aviation in Saudi Arabia has grown alongside the country’s tourism industry, business activity and development of new destinations.
THC aims to become a leading business aviation operator in the region and a preferred provider of private charter services in Saudi Arabia.
Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel said the manufacturer plans to support THC through its global service network and investments tied to the operator’s future fleet.
“Our team looks forward to working hand-in-hand with THC to support their ambitions and success throughout the lifecycle of their soon-to-be extensive, bespoke fleet,” Martel said.
Bombardier did not announce a value for the proposed order or a delivery schedule.