Bombardier and The Helicopter Company sign deal for up to 60 aircraft

The deal marks the largest business aviation fleet order to date in Saudi Arabia.

Bombardier and The Helicopter Company (THC) have signed a purchase agreement worth about $568m for up to 60 aircraft, including a firm order for 12 jets. 

The firm order comprises five Challenger 3500, five Global 5500, and two Global 8000 aircraft. The agreements follow a letter of intent announced in July. 

The deal, the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia, will form the foundation of THC’s business aircraft fleet. Captain Arnaud Martinez (pictured left), CEO of THC said: “This transaction marks THC’s entry into business aviation and the next step in building an integrated aviation operator for the Kingdom. Demand for business aviation services in Saudi Arabia and the wider region continues to grow, and this fleet allows us to serve it with the right aircraft from day one.”

As part of the agreement, Bombardier has committed to a “long-term strategic investment” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including a local footprint.

Éric Martel (pictured right), president and CEO of Bombardier said: “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. As THC is preparing to launch their business aircraft fleet, we look forward to supporting their ambitions with industry-leading aircraft, a world-class support network and a partnership built on long-term success.”

Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 aircraft accommodates up to nine passengers and offers a range of 3,400nm (6,297km), making it ideally suited for missions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, said Bombardier in a press release. 

The Global 5500 offers the longest range in its category at 5,900nm (10,927km). It accommodates up to 16 passengers across three living zones.

Bombardier’s flagship Global 8000 offers a range of 8,000nm (14,816km). Featuring four living zones, the aircraft can fly nonstop between Riyadh-Los Angeles.