Aerospace

The Helicopter Company signs HCare In-Service contract for fleet of 20 H145 helicopters

The Helicopter Company (THC), which was founded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the first helicopter services provider authorized to conduct commercial flights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an HCare In-Service contract to cover their fleet of 20 five-bladed H145 helicopters.

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The fleet of H145 helicopters was ordered in December 2021 and will be used for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Five have already been delivered, and the remaining 15 are anticipated to be finished by the end of 2024.

The HCare In-Service package has been customised to meet the unique operational requirements of THC and offers them parts availability by-the-hour services to optimize the maintenance and performance of the fleet.

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THC was founded by PIF as part of its strategy to activate new industries in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vision 2030 and generate long-term commercial returns, while also meeting the growing demand for luxury travel and tourism services. THC will begin offering its services in 2019. To improve accessibility to domestic tourist destinations and offer services like filming and aerial surveying, THC previously signed contracts to purchase 10 Airbus H125s and six ACH160 helicopters.

The new HCare offer includes three flexible solutions in addition to HCare Initial and HCare Lifetime, including HCare In-Service. For specific fleets, HCare First is offered for Airbus Corporate Helicopters aircraft, while HCare Classics is offered for the legacy fleet’s out-of-production models (H120, Dauphin, Puma and Gazelle).

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.