Airbus Strengthens Partnership with THC in Saudi Arabia

(09 Mar 2022, 11:17 +07)  Airbus and The Helicopter Company (THC) have signed an agreement to continue expanding helicopter activities as well as to introduce urban air mobility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

THC currently operates 10 Airbus H125s, and recently added 20 five-bladed H145s (with an option for an additional ten aircraft) and six ACH160 helicopters (with an option for an additional four) to its fleet.

The agreement foresees the decarbonisation of flight operations for Airbus’ products in THC’s fleet. This includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for conventional helicopters, as well as the introduction of urban air mobility (UAM) services in the country.

Airbus' fully electric eVTOL prototype, CityAirbus NextGen

Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said, “This is a significant move toward the introduction and efficient operations of cleaner helicopters and advanced technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to be a part of this unique opportunity to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the urban transportation market together with Airbus.”

The Helicopter Company, established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the first and only helicopter services provider licensed to operate commercial flights in Saudi Arabia.

“We are looking forward to working closely with THC to further develop our strong commitment to the decarbonisation of our customers’ missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This agreement with one of our major partners is an important step towards pioneering sustainable air transportation services around the world.”

Since 2014, Airbus has been exploring how electric propulsion can help drive the development of new kinds of aerial vehicles and in September 2021 unveiled its fully electric eVTOL prototype, CityAirbus NextGen.