Red Sea Global awards contract to The Helicopter Company for a helicopter and associated operating services

The Helicopter Company will provide Red Sea Global with one 14-passenger helicopter and crew for emergency medical services and operational requirements

Red Sea Global (formerly known as TRSDC), the developer behind

the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, The Red Sea and Amaala, has awarded a contract to The Helicopter Company (THC) in Riyadh for the provision and operation of an AW139 helicopter, crew and maintenance technicians in addition to helicopter flight services during daylight hours.

Signed by RSG CEO John Pagano and THC Chairman Raid Ismail, the contract will allow RSG emergency medical services (EMS) with alternate configuration change capability for 14-seat passenger utility transport at RSG’s site on the west coast of Saudi Arabia.

Under the terms of the contract, THC will work closely with RSG’s recently appointed medical services provider International SOS–Al Rushaid (ISOS). ISOS will provide medical crew when necessary and medical equipment, including oxygen bottles for carriage on the helicopter, from the operational base it will share with THC at RSG’s Construction Village near Umluj, approximately 145km north-west of Yanbu.

At the peak of construction activity, RSG is expecting to have up to 30,000 workers in multiple locations over a 1,000km2 development area. Having the ability to respond rapidly to medical emergencies is a critically important component of RSG’s worker welfare program.

THC will provide and maintain an Aerolite three-stretcher kit for the transport of up to three patients on stretchers and stowage of up to four oxygen bottles. The stretcher kit connects to the helicopter power supply and contains various electrical outlets to connect different types of medical devices.

THC recently signed an agreement to buy 10 Airbus H125 helicopters to grow its fleet, increase access to domestic tourism destinations and provide services such as filming, banner-towing and aerial surveying.

Launching its services in 2019, THC was established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to meet the growing demand for luxury tourism and air travel services. THC supports PIF's strategy to maximize sustainable returns and to launch and develop new sectors.

Located between the towns of AlWajh and Umluj on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, The Red Sea Project is on track to welcome the project’s first visitors by the end of 2022. The first phase of the development will include 16 luxury hotels offering 3,000 rooms across five islands and two inland resorts. It will also include a marina, entertainment facilities, an airport and the necessary supporting logistics and utilities infrastructure.

Work is well underway at the destination with the development of key supporting infrastructure and accommodation for the current 4,000-strong workforce and company employees deployed to manage construction.

Upon completion in 2030, the destination will deliver up to 8,000 hotel rooms across 22 islands and six inland sites. The annual number of visitors will be carefully managed to avoid over-tourism and ensure that every guest enjoys a uniquely memorable experience.