Yahya Al-Ghoraibi, CEO, The Helicopter Company • Interview

What potential do you see in Saudi Arabia for the business?

We started at the end of 2018, and the aim was to launch a new method of transport in the country. We wanted to start in providing private flights initially. As we mature in the business, we intend to move into more sectors, including Hajj and Umrah, Tourism, Aerial Work, and Medical Services. The potential in the Kingdom is huge. We would like to build a culture of helicopter transportation in the country.

What is your vision for building a culture of helicopter use in the Kingdom?

Our vision revolves around creating new and unique opportunities in the Kingdom’s domestic transport sector. To achieve this purpose, we seek to provide innovative services that contribute to the advancement and efficiency of the Kingdom’s air transport industry and at the same time meet the clients’ demand. We want helicopter services to be as widely available as we can make them.

Do you have plans to expand regionally?

Right now, we are focused on the maturity of our local operations. We want to help develop this market before we start focusing too much attention elsewhere. The size of the country is such that you need a lot of work and aircrafts to cover the country. By the time we complete the domestic work, we will be ready to expand regionally. We are extremely close to our neighbors in the Gulf, so it would be an organic choice to expand regionally.

Do you see a role for your company in the logistics ambitions of the Kingdom?

We will invest a great deal in creating our own infrastructure. We will work on certifying existing helipads as well as supervise the construction of new ones. Local companies will be utilized when possible, but we will build what is not available from scratch, meaning we will be able to create a huge transfer of know-how and industry knowledge into the country, and this will support the Kingdom’s broader logistics goals.