The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) enterprise and the Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has signed a strategic partnership with Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s largest travel company. Announced at Dubai Airshow, the agreement marks a turning point in the availability of helicopter travel for visitors and residents across the Kingdom.
For years, helicopter transfers in Saudi Arabia have largely been confined to private charters, VIP movements and government delegations. Booking options for high-end leisure travellers — even those seeking premium, time-saving travel — remained limited. This partnership is expected to significantly change that landscape.
Opening up helicopter mobility to a wider tourism market
By integrating THC’s services across its consumer, corporate, inbound and pilgrimage platforms, Almosafer becomes the first major travel retailer in Saudi Arabia to offer bookable helicopter experiences at scale. This introduces a new level of accessibility for travellers who previously had no clear avenue to arrange such services.
For leisure tourists, especially those visiting destinations with long overland distances or remote natural attractions, helicopter travel will become a practical and time-efficient option. For business and MICE travellers, it provides a new layer of premium mobility within and between major cities.
THC plays an important role in Saudi Arabia’s emerging aviation ecosystem, and the collaboration aligns with national priorities to enhance connectivity and elevate visitor experiences. With Almosafer’s reach across B2C and B2B sectors, helicopter mobility will now be integrated into:
- Airport-to-city transfers in Riyadh, Jeddah and other hubs.
- Corporate and government travel, via Almosafer Business.
- Inbound tourism, including itineraries created by Discover Saudi.
- Hajj and Umrah travel, through Mawasim, especially for premium pilgrimage segments.
- Tours and aerial experiences showcasing the Kingdom’s landscapes.
- Transport to remote resorts, chalets and natural areas, reducing travel times significantly.
This is the first time helicopter services in Saudi Arabia will be embedded directly into a mainstream travel platform — a structural shift for the sector.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, said: “We are excited to embark on this partnership with Almosafer, marking a new chapter in the continued expansion of THC’s services to meet the evolving demands of our customers. By combining our world-class aviation capabilities with Almosafer’s powerful reach, we are enabling more people to experience the Kingdom from a new perspective. THC is proud to play a key role in enhancing urban air mobility, promoting tourism, and showcasing the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia from above. At THC, we believe that with the right partner, nothing is impossible in aviation.”
Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, commented: “We are delighted to bring the state-of-the-art services of a visionary PIF company like THC into our ecosystem. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 by elevating the traveler experience across the Kingdom. By combining Almosafer’s extensive network with THC’s pioneering services, we will set new standards of luxury and convenience, ensuring every journey is seamless and transformative.”THC operates more than 60 aircraft across medical services, aerial work, private charters and tourism. Through the partnership, Almosafer will introduce helicopter transfers not only in major urban centres but also in emerging luxury destinations such as the Red Sea, AlUla, NEOM and other resort-led regions.
For travellers, this means:
- Shorter connection times
- Direct access to remote areas
- A premium option between major cities
- Aerial sightseeing experiences previously difficult to organise
A significant step for Saudi Arabia’s high-end tourism sector
For the luxury market — including the audience of Saudi Arabia for Elites — the partnership is notable for a simple reason: it normalises helicopter mobility as part of the travel ecosystem. What was once a bespoke or invitation-only service can now be built into itineraries with far greater ease.
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