Saudi Helicopter Company secures firm order for 12 Bombardier jets with options for 48 more
Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) has signed firm purchase agreements for 12 Bombardier business jets, turning a letter of intent announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026 into a binding order. The deal, announced on November 13, 2026, covers five Challenger 3500s, five Global 5500s and two Global 8000s. Bombardier valued the order at approximately $568 million based on 2026 list prices. The agreements also include options for another 48 aircraft across the three models, potentially bringing THC’s business jet fleet to 60 aircraft. Bombardier said THC has sole discretion over whether to exercise those options. The manufacturer described the transaction as the largest business aviation fleet order to date in Saudi Arabia. Saudi helicopter operator expands into business aviation THC is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and has been operating since mid-2019. Its fleet includes more than 60 helicopters used for emergency medical services, aerial work, private charter and tourism. The Bombardier jets will be THC’s first fixed-wing aircraft. In the letter of intent in July 2026, the company said it planned to use the jets for charter and aircraft management services. THC is also expanding its helicopter fleet. At Farnborough, it placed a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters , scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. Captain Arnaud Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of THC, said the Bombardier agreement marks the company’s entry into business aviation, citing growing demand in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. "The Helicopter Company's decision to move forward with these fleet purchase agreements is a meaningful vote of confidence in what our teams deliver every day," said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier. From regional flights to intercontinental business jet operations The order spans three segments of the business jet market: super-midsize, long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. Bombardier positions the Challenger 3500 for regional travel, including routes within the Gulf Cooperation Council. The aircraft typically seats nine passengers, with a maximum capacity of 10, and has a range of 6,297 kilometers (3,400 nautical miles). The larger Global 5500 seats up to 16 passengers and has a range of 10,927 kilometers (5,900 nautical miles). The Global 8000, meanwhile, has a range of 14,816 kilometers (8,000 nautical miles), allowing nonstop flights between city pairs such as Riyadh and Los Angeles, according to Bombardier. As part of the agreements, Bombardier has also committed to a long-term strategic investment in Saudi Arabia, including establishing a local presence. The manufacturer did not specify the scope of that investment or provide a timeline.