Commercial Helicopter Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 683.24 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 894.49 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.54 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Europe |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Commercial Helicopter Market Analysis
The Commercial Helicopters Market size is estimated at USD 683.24 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 894.49 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.54% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Commercial helicopters are rotorcraft that are designed and used for various business and non-military purposes. They offer versatility and flexibility in transportation, logistics, and other operations, such as firefighting, film and photography, utility, and survey work. Thus, they are employed in multiple industries and applications. The growing demand for rotorcraft, such as helicopters, for various applications and end-user industries, like oil and gas and law enforcement, is expected to drive market growth.
The intensive use of helicopters for various applications has simultaneously increased the need to incorporate advanced technologies to facilitate their use for contra-distinct purposes. Technological developments like enhancement of the engine performance, improvement of their performance capabilities, etc., have made them more suitable for functioning in tough and challenging environments. Market players are focusing on enhancing the ergonomics and safety aspects of helicopters. However, the market might witness significant resilience from the rapid growth of the drone industry as they can act as potential substitutes for helicopters, particularly in specific applications for end users.
The commercial helicopter market is highly sensitive to regional economic conditions and their subsequent impact on levels of capital investment and consumer spending. Factors such as the economic downturn can lead to reduced investments, changes in government spending levels, reduced customers’ and suppliers’ access to credit, hamper consumer confidence, and increase buyers’ propensity for cheaper substitutes in specific applications.
Commercial Helicopter Market Trends
Search and Rescue Segment Will Showcase Remarkable Growth During the Forecast Period
Search and rescue (SAR) teams employ helicopters to support operation logistics through the transport of rescuers. The speed afforded by helicopter transport can reduce time and rescuer fatigue, both vital considerations in many rescue operations. Features of helicopters, like their ability to reach inaccessible regions, smaller size, and applications in emergency operations, make helicopters the most desirable form of rescue in many countries. For instance, in December 2023, massive rainfall flooded villages and towns in the southern areas of Tamil Nadu, India. Locals and disaster response teams mobilized resources to rescue stranded residents. In rescue, the Indian navy’s helicopters conducted the relief operations and dropped 3.2 tons of relief material in Tamil Nadu's flood-affected areas.
The incorporation of innovative technology in regular search and rescue helicopters is increasing. Many military SAR operations are usually conducted in combat zones, and the focus on market giants in terms of their market expansion will further stimulate market growth. In November 2023, to strengthen bilateral relations and boost the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Indian government offered at least seven helicopters for use in the Philippines' rescue and humanitarian efforts during disasters. The helicopters provided to the PCG are built for India’s Navy and Coast Guard and can be used for security operations and carrying more people and load.
In August 2023, Bristow Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc., signed a contract with the Irish Department of Transport to provide rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard. Bristow will shift to the new contract in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company will operate six specialized SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from four dedicated bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford, and Dublin Weston. Thus, the growing procurement of helicopters for search and rescue operations drive the segment growth during the forecast period.
The Middle East and Africa is Projected to Show Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The increase in the demand for helicopters for commercial applications like agriculture, aerial photography, tourism, offshore applications, and air ambulance across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others drives the growth of the market.
Saudi Arabia has a large geographical area with many remote and difficult-to-access locations. Helicopters are one of the most essential modes of transportation for these areas, especially during emergencies or when time is of the essence. Helicopters with medical equipment, such as stretchers and oxygen supplies, help provide emergency medical assistance to those in need. They are used to transport patients from remote areas to hospitals and medical facilities in urban areas. For instance, in February 2024, Leonardo was awarded a contract by the THC (The Helicopter Company), which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to deliver 20 AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters to strengthen the country’s emergency medical service (EMS), and search and rescue (SAR).
The United Arab Emirates is home to several government agencies and para-public bodies that rely on helicopters for their operations. Emergency medical services are another key use of helicopters in the United Arab Emirates. For instance, in January 2022, Falcon Aviation Services and Response Plus Holdings signed a partnership agreement to provide air ambulance services in the United Arab Emirates using their two specially fitted helicopters for the air ambulance needs. Thus, the growing use of helicopters for various commercial applications such as search and rescue, transportation, offshore, and medical services are expected to boost market growth across the region.
Commercial Helicopter Industry Overview
The commercial helicopter market is consolidated. Market players, such as Airbus SE, Textron Inc., Rostec, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, and Leonardo SpA, hold a major market share. Other small and domestic companies occupy a minimal market share.
Key players in the market are highly investing in research and development and introducing advanced commercial helicopters. For instance, Leonardo SpA launched its VIP helicopters and travel services under a related new name, "Agusta," and unveiled the heliport called "Casa Agusta" in 2020. The company provides a range of helicopters for the commercial markets, including all the main weight categories, from 1.8-tonne single-engine to 16-tonne three-engine helicopters.
Commercial Helicopter Market Leaders
Airbus SE
Textron Inc.
Rostec (Russian Helicopters)
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Leonardo S.p.A.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Commercial Helicopter Market News
May 2023: Air Corporate (Italy) awarded a contract for 43 Airbus helicopters to Airbus. This contract represents the biggest aircraft order in Italy. It was expected to deliver helicopters for several private and corporate passenger services and utility operations. The helicopters include 40 single-engine helicopters (H125/H130) plus three ACH160s from Airbus Corporate Helicopters.
March 2023: Abu Dhabi Aviation signed a contract with Leonardo SpA to procure six AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The helicopters are expected to be delivered between 2024-2026 and will be used to perform offshore transport missions. These latest helicopters are expected to allow ADA to achieve compliance with the latest OGP guidelines.
Commercial Helicopters Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Maximum Take-off Weight
5.1.1 Light Helicopters
5.1.2 Medium Helicopters
5.1.3 Heavy Helicopters
5.2 Application
5.2.1 Government
5.2.2 Search and Rescue
5.2.3 Fire Service
5.2.4 Law Enforcement
5.2.5 Emergency Medical Service
5.2.6 Coast Guard
5.2.7 Border Patrol
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 North America
5.3.1.1 United States
5.3.1.2 Canada
5.3.2 Europe
5.3.2.1 United Kingdom
5.3.2.2 Germany
5.3.2.3 France
5.3.2.4 Russia
5.3.2.5 Rest of Europe
5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
5.3.3.1 China
5.3.3.2 India
5.3.3.3 Japan
5.3.3.4 South Korea
5.3.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.4 Latin America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Argentina
5.3.4.3 Rest of Latin America
5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
5.3.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.3.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.3.5.3 South Africa
5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 Airbus SE
6.2.2 Textron Inc.
6.2.3 Lockheed Martin Corporation
6.2.4 Leonardo SpA
6.2.5 MD Helicopters Inc.
6.2.6 Robinson Helicopter Company
6.2.7 Enstrom Helicopter Corporation
6.2.8 Rostec (Russian Helicopters)
6.2.9 Schweizer RSG
6.2.10 Kaman Corporation
6.2.11 Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd
6.2.12 Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd
6.2.13 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Commercial Helicopter Industry Segmentation
Commercial helicopters are rotorcraft designed and used for various business and non-military purposes. They are employed in various industries and applications, offering versatility and flexibility in transportation, logistics, and other operations.
The commercial helicopter market is segmented by maximum take-off weight, application, and geography. By maximum take-off weight, the market is segmented into light, medium, and heavy. By application, the market is segmented into government, search and rescue, fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical service, coast guard, and border patrol. The report offers the market size and forecasts for major countries across the region. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts were made based on value (USD).
| Maximum Take-off Weight | |
| Light Helicopters | |
| Medium Helicopters | |
| Heavy Helicopters |
| Application | |
| Government | |
| Search and Rescue | |
| Fire Service | |
| Law Enforcement | |
| Emergency Medical Service | |
| Coast Guard | |
| Border Patrol |
| Geography | |||||||
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Commercial Helicopters Market Research Faqs
How big is the Commercial Helicopters Market?
The Commercial Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 683.24 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.54% to reach USD 894.49 million by 2029.
What is the current Commercial Helicopters Market size?
In 2024, the Commercial Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 683.24 million.
Who are the key players in Commercial Helicopters Market?
Airbus SE, Textron Inc., Rostec (Russian Helicopters), Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and Leonardo S.p.A. are the major companies operating in the Commercial Helicopters Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Commercial Helicopters Market?
Middle East and Africa is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Commercial Helicopters Market?
In 2024, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in Commercial Helicopters Market.
What years does this Commercial Helicopters Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Commercial Helicopters Market size was estimated at USD 645.39 million. The report covers the Commercial Helicopters Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Commercial Helicopters Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Commercial Helicopters Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Commercial Helicopter market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Commercial Helicopter analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
