The Helicopter Company Orders 12 Bombardier Jets in $568 Million Fleet Deal

Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) has signed a firm order for 12 Bombardier business jets, comprising five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000s, as it prepares to launch a business aviation fleet.

Bombardier announced the agreements on Friday, November 13, valuing the firm aircraft at approximately US$568 million based on 2026 list prices. THC also retains purchase options for 48 additional jets across the three platforms, giving the agreement a potential total of 60 aircraft.

Bombardier described the transaction as the “largest business aviation fleet order to date in Saudi Arabia.”

From July’s letter of intent to a firm order

The agreements formalize the letter of intent announced on July 21 at the Farnborough International Airshow. That announcement set out the same initial aircraft mix and the additional purchase options. Friday’s announcement moves the 12-aircraft commitment into signed purchase agreements.

The US$568 million figure covers the 12 firm aircraft at published list prices. The 48 options are exercisable at THC’s discretion, allowing further fleet growth under the agreement.

“This transaction marks THC’s entry into business aviation,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, THC’s chief executive, in the announcement.

Challenger and Global aircraft for different missions

THC’s selection spans super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range business aircraft. The mix gives the company different cabin sizes and flight capabilities as it develops its jet charter and management operation.

The Challenger 3500 provides the super-midsize component of the fleet. Bombardier identifies missions within the Gulf Cooperation Council as a particular fit for the aircraft, whose published range is 3,400 nautical miles.

The Global 5500 adds a larger cabin with three living areas and a published range of 5,900 nautical miles. That gives THC an aircraft category suited to longer international trips alongside the Challenger fleet.

The Global 8000 extends the offering into ultra-long-range travel. Bombardier’s flagship has a published range of 8,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of Mach 0.95. The two aircraft account for the longest-range portion of THC’s initial commitment.

THC’s move into private jet charter and management

THC is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. In its July account of the expansion, PIF said the company’s move into business aviation would include chartering and managing jets. The fund links that expansion to tourism, business activity and new destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Founded in 2018, THC built its business around commercial helicopter services. Its move into fixed-wing aviation adds a different part of the travel market: business jets serving private charter customers and aircraft owners who need management services.

Charter services will address customers booking flights, while management services will serve owners placing aircraft with an operator. Developing both activities broadens the customer base THC is targeting.

In July, THC described the new business as a way to build a Saudi-based general aviation group with wider regional ambitions. The order now gives that plan an initial fleet commitment covering several mission categories.

Bombardier plans a Saudi presence

Bombardier said the partnership includes a commitment to long-term strategic investment and a local presence in Saudi Arabia. Éric Martel, Bombardier’s president and chief executive, said the manufacturer would support THC through its aircraft and global service network.

Friday’s release did not disclose aircraft delivery dates, the value of the Saudi investment or the facilities it would involve.