The first national commercial helicopter operator in Saudi Arabia has showcased its chopper during the first Saudi International Exhibition at al-Thumama Airport, north of Riyadh.
The unveiling came two days after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the launch of The Helicopter Company.
The chopper, the first in the company’s plan for a bigger fleet, will soon begin its trips between Saudi cities, according to the firm’s Marketing and Communication Director, Mona Kurdi.
Saudi Arabia is in the implementation phase of several giant projects, most notably the Neom, Amaala, Red Sea and al-Qidiya, in several cities in the central, western and northern regions.
It also plans to issue a tourist visa for foreigners to benefit from this vital sector that is expected to provide thousands of jobs and support the local economy.
On Monday, PIF announced the new company with initial capital of $150 million, saying it will cater to emerging demand in luxury tourism as well as untapped existing demand for urban aerial transportation.
Kurdi told Asharq al-Awsat that the company's operations will include the central, northern and western regions, saying the firm will provide access to remote destinations and a high-end experience on par with other global destinations.
The company also provides safe access to long-haul destinations and enhances economic opportunities within the tourism sector, she added.
The helicopter in question was the AW139 with five soft seats, and stamped with the company’s name both in Arabic and English.
The Fund indicated that the firm aims at maximizing sustainable returns, launching and developing new sectors, as well as supporting efforts to achieve Saudi Vision 2030.
The budding company seeks to meet the growing demand within Saudi Arabia for luxury tourism and air transport services.
