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Commercial Helicopter Market

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Companies
Industry Size (2021)
USD 5.9 Bn
Forecast (2032)
USD 6.2 Bn
CAGR (2022 to 2032)
6.4%

Commercial Helicopter Outlook (2022 to 2032)

[250 Pages Report] In 2021, the Global Commercial Helicopter market was estimated to be worth around US$ 5.9 Billion. The industry is expected to reach a worth of about US$ 11.5 Billion by the end of 2032, based on a projected CAGR of 6.4% over the next ten years. The Global Commercial Helicopter Market has already witnessed rapid growth over the years with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2017 to 2021.

Commercial Helicopter Market
Commercial Helicopter Market

Attributes

Details

Global Commercial Helicopter Market Size (2021F)

USD 5.9 Billion

Global Commercial Helicopter Market Size (2022E)

USD 6.2 Billion

Projected Market Value (2032F)

USD 11.5 Billion

Global Market Growth Rate (2022 to 2032)

6.4% CAGR

Share of Top 5 Countries

59%

North America Market Share (2021)

41.4%

United States Growth Rate (2022 to 2032)

5.5% CAGR

Key Companies Covered
  • Airbus S.A.S.
  • Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
  • Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  • Korea Aerospace Industries
  • Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Aircraft
  • Robinson Helicopter Company

The growing demand for commercial helicopters for usage in Emergency services, military and defense purposes, VIP transport, oil and gas rigs, and replacement of older fleets, are driving factors for the market. The use of electric power is enhancing safety, cost, and noise components. The light type of helicopters generated the maximum revenue for the Commercial Helicopter Market. Law Enforcement and public safety is the leading application, having witnessed a CAGR of 5% from 2017 to 2022 and a forecasted CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2032. The global market for commercial helicopters witnessed a CAGR of 5.4% from the year 2017 to 2021 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 6.4% in the next ten years.

Why is Noise Pollution a prominent restrictor for commercial helicopter sales and how are manufacturers working to combat it?

New technologies to reduce noise to help overcome a significant barrier to growth

According to studies, the sound a helicopter makes flying at 500 feet is around 87dB. At double the distance, 1000 feet, the sound level is significantly lower, 79 Db. These sound levels and the concern for noise pollution created due to them are key issues for the industry and a barrier to growth and mainstream usage. Manufacturers trying to combat this are looking at several options. One emerging solution amongst communities thus is to increase the height these helicopters fly at, and fly on less populated routes so as to reduce the harm to people. Apart from this, manufacturers have attempted to innovate their hardware in several ways.

Airbus introduced the Blue Edge rotor blades, which reduce BVI-generated noise through a swept-back tip. There have also been several innovations on the tail end of the aircraft. Fenestron by Airbus covers the tail rotors, which serve the dual purpose of noise reduction and improving safety.

How is the electric power usage in helicopters giving a boost to the market?

The increased safety, environmental noise, and reduced cost of electric power can provide gives a boost to the market

Fully electric helicopters still face issues with range, weight, and distance. Traditional helicopters have an edge over the existing models of purely electric aircraft since they can handle extreme conditions- such as the ones rescue operations are often carried out in, can fly longer distances, and fare better against unexpected weather issues.

Hybridized helicopters, which harness the benefits of electric power in combination with the advantages of traditional aircraft show promise in boosting market demand. There are several reasons why manufacturers are looking to switch over to electricity in some form. For one, the environmental benefits the improved fuel economy and emission reduction complete hybrids can provide, owing to the electric motor-traditional combustion engine setup.

Hybrid power can also reduce noise and cost-related concerns. For example, Bell introduced their version of an electrically distributed anti-torque system or EDAT which replaces the tail motor with electric fans. This system can lead to significantly lower operating costs and enhanced noise control. There are also safety benefits; for instance, Airbus and the French CAA tested out a hybrid helicopter with an electric engine as a backup, in the form of a battery and an electric motor. They found that this system provided around 30 seconds' worth of power, which is a crucial amount of tie in the event of engine failure as it provides the pilot precious seconds to trigger emergency mechanisms. The development of more powerful engines, which can allow for a few minutes of power shows significant potential in boosting demand by enhancing safety.

How are innovations in Urban Air Mobility providing a demand boost?

Helicopters gaining traction as a way to increase connectivity and boost the liveability of cities

Urban Air Mobility or the usage of small aircraft in urban areas at low altitudes is an emerging trend in the wider picture of making urban spaces more connected and boosting their liveability. One example of this is air taxis. As early as the 1950s, air taxi UAM services were being offered in the USA, mainly connecting people from cities to airports. Several cities even encourage this as a way to reduce congestion on prominent routes.

Which application contributes the most to demand for commercial helicopters?

Use in police operations, emergency medical services and search-rescue operations contribute to the demand growth

Public Safety and Law Enforcement is the leading application of commercial helicopters, having witnessed a CAGR of 5.0%, with the forecasted CAGR growing at 5.5%.

Helicopters can carry large weights and transport equipment and people to and from areas where road vehicles cannot reach. They can carry water to douse forest fires, log trees, people, or supplies from difficult terrain and carry camera equipment to cover police operations or large pallets of cargo. These helicopters are often being used for law enforcement, such as for traffic control, pollution control, night patrols, and surveillance.

The EMS or emergency medical services, such as air ambulance or emergency cargo transportation are a key component. In remote situations or in situations where the immediate transport of a patient, or transfer to other hospitals is necessary, air ambulances, which as helicopters equipped with a limited number of medical equipment, are often used.

Search and rescue operations are also harnessing the benefits of using helicopters. Smaller helicopters can be used to collect intelligence while larger aircraft can be used to physically remove people or drop supplies or emergency helpers in case of rescue or natural disaster relief.

Category-Wise Insights

Why do light commercial helicopters make up the largest proportion of market revenue?

Light commercial helicopters are the leading component of commercial helicopters, having witnessed a CAGR of 5.2% in the 2017 to 2021 time period which is expected to continue, with the predicted CAGR growing at 6% during the forecast period. Light types of helicopters are often used in situations where heavy lifting is not necessary, such as in police operations, surveillance, aerial inspections, and archaeological or geographical surveys. The benefit of lower costs and the ability to take off, land, and be parked in comparatively narrow areas mean light commercial helicopters will continue to lead demand. They can also be used to gather information in case of a natural disaster.

Region-Wise Insights

How is Europe an emerging market for Commercial Helicopters?

Europe is an emerging market for commercial helicopters, having witnessed a CAGR of 2% from 2017 to 2021 and a forecasted CAGR of 6% in the forecast period of 2022 to 2032. The estimated market value at the end of the forecast period, 2032 is US$ 2.8 Billion, with the estimated contribution to revenue in 2021 being a quarter of the global market at 25.1%

The increase in defense spending and spending on emergency service-use helicopters, political tensions in the market, the need for replacement of the aging fleet, Heli-tourism, and technological developments as driving demand. The European Geostationary Navigation and Overlay Service, or EGNOS is a collaboration between the European Space Agency, Eurocontrol, and the European Commission, and provides a navigation system to improve the GPS accuracy in Europe significantly, by between from 2m to as much as 20m more accurate.

Country Wise Insights

Which country provides the largest part of the Commercial Helicopter Market?

The USA has the largest market for Commercial Helicopters and will continue to do so in 2032, with a market value of US$ 3.9 Billion. The US has the largest fleet of both civil and military helicopters at over 9,700, as well as the largest number of heliports, over 5600 in the world. From 2017 to 2021, the US witnessed a CAGR of 5.1%, and from 2022 to 2032, it is predicted to have a CAGR of 5.5%.

Competitive Landscape

Commercial helicopter manufacturers are focusing on further enhancing their existing models, improving safety, and harnessing new technologies such as electric power. There are a large number of researchers working on developing technologies for the automation of certain parts of the flying process to reduce loads on pilots. Airbus S.A.S., Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Enstrom Helicopter Corp., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Korea Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Aircraft, and Robinson Helicopter Company are among the key companies.

Some of the recent developments by the key players in the Commercial Helicopter Industry are as follows:

  • In June 2022, Germany’s defense department confirmed that they would be buying 60 CH-47T helicopters from US-based company Boeing’s chinook helicopters for military use.
  • In March 2022, Airbus Helicopters and countries including France and Spain announced an agreement. Under the agreement, around 42 of France’s combat helicopters will be upgraded, and 18 of Spain’s, and Germany's will be given the chance to enter the program, known as the Tiger MKIII program announced an agreement between France and Spain for its Tiger program. The prototype flight will occur in 2023, and the deliveries to France and Spain will occur in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
  • In March 2022, France’s Safran Helicopter Engines and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a memorandum of understanding for their upcoming Joint Venture facility at Sattari, Goa. The planned facility will provide Maintenance and Repair Operation services to Safran and HAL helicopters.
  • In November 2021, Russian Helicopters and Avicopter announced that they would be signing a deal to collaborate on the process of developing a multipurpose heavy-type helicopter. Russia’s Russian Helicopters will contribute to the technological development, while China’s Avicopter will work on the designing and prototype process to eventually produce and market it.

Key Segments Covered in Commercial Helicopters Survey

Commercial Helicopters Market by Type:

  • Light
  • Medium
  • Heavy
  • Very Large

Commercial Helicopters Market by Application:

  • Oil & Gas
  • Medical Services
  • Transport
  • Law Enforcement & Public Safety
  • Other Applications

Commercial Helicopters Market by Region:

  • North America Commercial Helicopters Market
  • Latin America Commercial Helicopters Market
  • Europe Preterm Commercial Helicopters Market
  • Asia Pacific Commercial Helicopters Market
  • Middle East & Africa Commercial Helicopters Market

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the global Commercial Helicopters Market currently worth?

The global Commercial Helicopters market was valued at US$ 5.9 Billion in 2021.

What is the Commercial Helicopters market Forecast through 2032?

The Commercial Helicopters industry is set to witness a growth rate of 6.4% over the forecast period and be valued at US$ 11.5 Billion by 2032.

At what rate did demand for Commercial Helicopters increase over the past 5 years?

The Commercial Helicopters market expanded at 5.4% from 2017 through 2021.

Who are the key players shaping the Commercial Helicopters Industry?

Airbus S.A.S., Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Enstrom Helicopter Corp., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Korea Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Aircraft and Robinson Helicopter Company are some of the key players.

Which type of Commercial Helicopter is driving market demand?

The light Commercial Helicopters is driving significant market demand.

Which application of Commercial Helicopters is the key component of demand?

Law enforcement and Public Safety, which witnessed a CAGR of 5.0 from 2017 to 2022 and has a forecasted CAGR of 5.5% for the test 10 years, is the key component of demand.

Who are the top 5 countries driving the highest sales of Commercial Helicopters?

The USA, UK, China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to be the key drivers of sales.

What is the USA market outlook for Commercial Helicopters?

The market in the USA accounts for more than 37% of the global market.

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Future Market Insights

Commercial Helicopter Market