WDS: KSA ‘key market’ for Airbus Helicopters

The head of Airbus Helicopters reaffirmed at WDS that Saudi Arabia remains a key market for the European OEM, with a strong military presence and a growing civil market.

Caption: Airbus Helicopters chief executive Bruno Even: Saudi Arabia is a key market. (Image Billypix)

Bruno Even noted the company had been in Kingdom for more than 40 years. It supports some 100 helicopters flying in Saudi Arabia, including 45 civil H145s and 10 H160s, together with a military fleet of 17 Dauphins and Panthers, 20 Super Pumas and 17 Cougars.

Even was keen to highlight the company’s efforts in building local partnerships, including with SAMI, and Saudia Technics, and with its construction of a local logistics hub which is already operational. 

Looking to the future, Even saw an opportunity for the NH90 NFH naval helicopter, whose ‘polyvalent’ (multirole) capabilities include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue.

He also predicted a potential market for up to 100 H175M helicopters in Saudi Arabia.

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