THC's decision concerning helicopter operations: Flying the Airbus H125, H145, and ACH160
The Helicopter Company (THC) Expands Fleet with Airbus ACH160
The Helicopter Company (THC) of Saudi Arabia, established under the Public Investment Fund for the Kingdom, has recently expanded its fleet to include the Airbus ACH160 helicopter. This modern, twin-engine, medium-class helicopter is designed for corporate and VIP transport, offshore operations, utility missions, and more.
The ACH160 boasts a spacious cabin with flexible seating arrangements, often configurable for up to 7 passengers, ensuring comfort and luxury for VIP transport. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including the Helionix system, which enhances situational awareness, safety, and ease of piloting.
This helicopter offers excellent performance with a good balance of range, speed, and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for a variety of operational roles within THC's charter, offshore, and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) services. The ACH160's fuel-efficient and SAF-ready engines increase endurance, and its quick-start procedure allows for a rotor to run in just two minutes, making it efficient for private and corporate customers.
The ACH160 is equipped with a large Fenestron, Blue Edge Blades, and Helionix avionics, enhancing flight stability and cockpit efficiency. Captain Abdulmajeed praises the ACH160 for its advanced safety features. In addition, the helicopter offers automatic take-off and landing modes, new autopilot modes, and redundant avionics systems to further enhance safety.
THC's strategic fleet choices, including the ACH160, align with Saudi Arabia’s national vision to expand and modernize its aviation capabilities for commercial, governmental, and specialized operational needs. The company has taken delivery of 12 H125s, 20 H145s, and five ACH160s from Airbus, and in the space of five years, it has rapidly grown to operate over 60 helicopters.
Approximately more than half of THC's operations are HEMS, using Airbus H145 helicopters. The ACH160's avionics system is designed to minimize distractions and enhance safety. It also features an efficient air-conditioning system and long-range navigation, making it suitable for extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia. The ACH160's simplified maintenance procedures streamline operations, and THC never compromises on safety, maintaining a solid track record for the past five years of operations.
The Helicopter Company's goal is to create the premier commercial helicopter operator in the region. With the addition of the Airbus ACH160 to its fleet, THC is well on its way to achieving this goal, providing top-tier helicopter services for a wide range of missions, including tourism, corporate, EMS services, aerial work, and commercial development. Since 2022, THC's HEMS missions have saved over 5,000 lives, underscoring the company's commitment to safety and service.
The addition of the Airbus ACH160 to The Helicopter Company's (THC) fleet expands their capabilities into various sectors, combining the comfort and luxury of corporate transport with the efficiency of utility missions, aligning with the company's growth in the aerospace industry. This technological advancement, fitted with state-of-the-art finance-backed engines, positions THC to deliver high-performance services, enhancing their reputation in the financial sector.
