Airbus inked ordersfor up to 130 helicopters on Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2024. Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) signed a framework agreement for up to 120 helicopters over the next five to seven years.
That deal includes firm orders for eight H125 singles and 10 H145 twins that are converted options from an earlier contract. It brings THC’s total firm orders from Airbus Helicopters to 60, of which 25 are already in service. The new H125s will support aerial work and tourism, while the H145s will be used in a variety of roles including air ambulance and corporate transport. THC currently has 47 aircraft that serve diverse segments.
German helicopter emergency medical services operator DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters also announced a firm order for seven H145 helicopters and options for three more. These helicopters will also be covered by DRF’s fleet-wide Airbus HCare Smart contract, which provides parts-by-the-hour support.
DRF Luftrettung and its subsidiaries operate more than 50 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters at 40 bases throughout Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland for emergency rescue, intensive care transport, special missions, and hoist operations.
In addition, West Virginia-based HealthNet Aeromedical Services signed an agreement to take four more H135s. The medevac operator has an all-Airbus fleet of H130, H135 and EC145 helicopters.