“This Is the Truth About Helicopter Safety” — Arnaud Martinez, CEO, The Helicopter Company
Wed Feb 04 2026
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
More
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