Commercial Helicopter Market

Market Perspective

The global Commercial Helicopter Market was valued at USD 7.12 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 13.60 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.62% from 2023 to 2030.

The growth of the commercial helicopter industry is driven by the increasing use of these helicopters in search and rescue (SAR), emergency services (EMS), law enforcement, public safety, and firefighting. The market is expected to witness an upsurge in demand from the oil and gas industry for rotorcraft for various marine applications. The need for new helicopters is influenced by several factors, such as width, body size, product information, and the development of operational technology. As older helicopters are replaced, factors such as expensive maintenance, gradual deterioration of operations, contract change durations, and safety concerns are predicted to persist. Air travel has become an integral aspect of both business and leisure trips, necessitating regular upkeep and incurring associated expenses. The challenges faced by traditional modes of transport, such as road and rail, in reaching remote areas offer superiority and growth potential for transport rotorcraft.

Analyst’s Review on Commercial Helicopter Market

The market growth is fueled by the increased use of commercial helicopters in medical, rescue, and offshore helicopter services. These helicopters are rapidly being used in offshore oil & gas production, VIP transport, law enforcement, and emergency services. Thus, manufacturers focus on noise reduction and speed to improve the efficiency of the helicopter. The market's growth is influenced by additional factors, such as a decrease in accidents and the availability of enhanced travel experiences. Moreover, the commercial helicopter market is experiencing growth due to the rise in lease and purchase agreements within the tourism sector.

Market Definition

A commercial helicopter is an aircraft designed for various commercial applications such as transportation, aerial work, emergency services, search & rescue operations, and more. It is often used by companies, government agencies, and organizations for various purposes. They have one or more electric horizontal propellers or rotors that allow them to take off and land vertically, move in any direction, or remain stationary in the air. It is a versatile aircraft that offers flexibility and accessibility to destinations where other means of transportation may be limited or impractical. These helicopters have the ability to take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for long runways. This feature allows them to work in confined spaces and remote locations. Commercial helicopters often have spacious cabins to accommodate passengers, cargo, or special equipment. The design of the cabin can vary according to the intended use, such as VIP transport, medical evacuation, or utility activities.

Market Dynamics

The major growth drivers for the market are the increasing demand for efficient and reliable transport solutions in various industries. Helicopters serve as a versatile mode of transportation that allows companies to access remote locations, transport personnel, and equipment, and conduct aerial surveys or inspections.  Other factors contributing to the growth of the commercial helicopter market are the expansion of tourism and leisure activities. Helicopters and charters have become popular with travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences. In addition, these helicopters are used for luxury travel, providing a comfortable and unique form of transportation for individuals. They are essential for providing rapid medical aid and transport in emergency situations, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas. The ability to quickly reach the scene of an accident or transport patients between medical facilities has propelled the demand for ambulance helicopter services. Innovations in helicopter design, such as better fuel efficiency, superior safety features, and increased payload, have made helicopters more attractive for commercial applications. In addition, the development of navigation systems and flight technology has improved operational efficiency and safety, which is expected to continue to expand in the coming years.

The market's growth is restrained by the high procurement costs. The market faces a financial burden, which may make it difficult to obtain sufficient financing for commercial helicopter operations, such as helicopter acquisition, maintenance, or service expansion, due to the limited availability of commercial financing. The growth of the commercial helicopter industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can be negatively impacted by the lack of accessible business finance. This, in turn, can have repercussions on the overall performance of the industry as well as the broader business and economic landscape. Additionally, the industry faces significant obstacles such as safety concerns and regulatory compliance, which are further impeding market expansion.

Segmentation Analysis

The global commercial helicopter market is segmented based on type, application, and geography.

Based on type, the market is segmented into medium, heavy, and light. The medium segment is expected to dominate, with a forecast market value of USD 6.28 billion by 2030. The segment's growth is accelerated by its growing use in various applications such as tourism, medical and emergency services, transportation, law enforcement, and foreign helicopter services. The market for medium-lift multi-role and utility helicopters in the military sector is experiencing accelerated growth due to the rising demand for these aircraft.

Based on application, the market is classified into transport, medical services, law enforcement & public safety, oil & gas, and others. The transport segment dominated the market, with a value of USD 2.59 billion in 2022.  They provide a fast and efficient mode of transportation, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas. These helicopters play a vital role in medical emergencies because they allow patients to be quickly transported from the scene of an accident or from remote locations to hospitals. 

Geographical Analysis

Based on region, the global commercial helicopter market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America is dominating the market with a value of USD 2.84 billion in 2022, owing to the proliferating demand for custom and luxury helicopters, especially in the transportation industry, and is expected to grow as sophisticated business travelers prefer luxury and comfort. Modern commercial helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics systems, including navigation equipment, communication systems, and flight control systems. These technologies increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency. 

Commercial helicopters prioritize safety and include various safety features such as anti-collision fuel systems, emergency call devices, and advanced autopilot systems. These features help reduce risks and ensure the safety of passengers and crew in the region. Commercial helicopters are designed to deliver high performance in speed, range, and payload and can fly at different altitudes and speeds to meet the requirements of different missions. The increasing demand for changing operational requirements, fuel-efficient rotorcraft, and expiring warranties are the major factors expected to positively influence regional market growth through the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The global commercial helicopter market report will provide valuable insight, with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies, such as partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures, to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions. The major players in the market are

• Bell Textron Inc.
• Robinson Helicopter Company
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• The Robinson Helicopter Company
• Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
• Abu Dhabi Aviation
• Enstrom Helicopter Corp
• CHC Group LLC
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Airbus S.A.S.

Key Developments

• June 2023 (Launch): Bell has strategically addressed the global surge in demand for affordable armed helicopters by effectively managing the interplay between customer demand, supply, and challenges associated with Foreign Military Sales. This has enabled the company to offer militarized commercial helicopters to budget-conscious customers.
• January 2023 (Collaboration): Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines collaborated to further improve the capabilities and competitiveness of the next-generation AW09 single-engine helicopter. The combined Leonardo and Safran helicopter support network offers innovative, simplified, and competitive maintenance solutions and operating costs supported by tailored PBH (Power-By-The-Hour) and SBH (Support-By-The-Hour) contracts, as well as a wide range of digital services.

The global Commercial Helicopter Market is segmented as:

By Type

• Light
• Medium
• Heavy

By Application

• Oil & Gas
• Medical Services
• Transport
• Law Enforcement & Public Safety
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America