“This Is the Truth About Helicopter Safety” — Arnaud Martinez, CEO, The Helicopter Company

On this episode, Arnaud Martinez, CEO of The Helicopter Company (THC), joins Mo to unpack the company’s meteoric rise and its critical role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030.Arnaud takes us behind the scenes of the complex aerial logistics powering giga-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea, the life-saving impact of THC’s national Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), and the high-stakes operations behind global events such as the Dakar Rally.The conversation also dives into the psychology of aviation safety, how accountability and human factors shape decision-making in the air, and THC’s long-term commitment to developing Saudi aviation talent. Arnaud also shares his personal journey—from a French pilot to an executive helping lead the Kingdom’s aerial transformation.

 

0:00  Intro  

2:27  Filling the Market Gap in the Kingdom  

4:08  From Pilot to CEO  

5:28  Addressing Fear & Helicopter Safety  

8:55  Moving to Saudi Arabia  

13:45 Witnessing Saudi Vision 2030 in Action  

15:58 Powering Major Events  

18:20 Investing in Saudi Talent  

21:55 Accountability & Human Factors in Aviation  

35:36 Why Saudi Is a Unique Aviation Landscape  

38:32 Hajj & Large-Scale Logistics  

46:18 Saving Lives Through HEMS  

50:49 Advice for Aviation Professionals  

53:42 Personal Inspirations  

58:33 Closing