LONDON: A company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has agreed to buy 10 H125 helicopters from Airbus as it broadens its tourism offering.
It is part of a plan by the Riyadh-based commercial operator The Helicopter Company (THC) to boost its fleet and roll out new services across the Kingdom “related to scenic tourism and aerial work such as filming, banner towing, and surveying.”
“THC has taken a massive step in expanding its fleet and implementing its ambitious operational plan,” said THC CEO Arnaud Martinez. “We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation industries through our innovative air transport services that guarantee passengers a one-of-a-kind experience to relish the beauty of the Kingdom from above.”
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in developing its tourism sector and last year started to issue tourism visas on arrival for the first time.
PIF unit buys 10 helicopters from Airbus in tourism push
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PIF unit buys 10 helicopters from Airbus in tourism push
- THC CEO Arnaud Martinez: THC has taken a massive step in expanding its fleet and implementing its ambitious operational plan
- Arnaud Martinez: We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation industries through our innovative air transport services
King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.
This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights.
This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience.
For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years.
He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co.
He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.
