Saudi Arabia's The Helicopter Company said Tuesday it signed a letter of intent with Bombardier to expand into business aviation, with plans to acquire up to 60 private jets as it broadens its aviation operations.
The agreement between Bombardier and the portfolio company of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund includes a planned firm order for 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500 jets, five Global 5500 jets and two Global 8000 aircraft, along with purchase options for an additional 48 aircraft across the three platforms, the companies said.
The announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. comes as The Helicopter Company moves into fixed-wing aviation for charter and aircraft management services.
Its said the expansion is aimed at meeting rising demand for private aviation in Saudi Arabia, driven by growth in tourism, business activity and new destinations as part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 economic-diversification initiative.
"The vision has always been to become the General Aviation Champion from Saudi Arabia to the world," said Arnaud Martinez, chief executive of The Helicopter Company.
The planned fleet would include Bombardier's super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft, combining shorter regional travel capabilities with longer-range jets designed for international business travel.
Bombardier Chief Executive Éric Martel said the order represented an endorsement of the company's aircraft and its long-term commitment to supporting growth in Saudi Arabia.
The Helicopter Company, established in 2018, currently operates more than 60 helicopters in Saudi Arabia across emergency medical services, aerial work, private charters and tourism operations. It said the move into business jets would help position it as a leading aviation operator in the region.
Write to Anvee Bhutani at anvee.bhutani@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 21, 2026 13:19 ET (17:19 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Comments