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Helicopter Market Size By End-Use (Commercial [Transport, Medical Services/Search & Rescue, Offshore Sector], Military [Reconnaissance, Maritime Surveillance]), By Component (Aerostructures/Airframes, Rotary System, Engine, Undercarriage, Avionics, Cabin Interiors, Environmental Control System), By Sales Channel (OEM, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul [MRO]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2021 – 2027

  • Report ID: GMI4576
  • Published Date: Feb 2021
  • Report Format: PDF

Helicopter Market Size

Helicopter Market size exceeded USD 29 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at 4% CAGR between 2021 and 2027. The rising military spending across the globe is driving the industry growth. 
 

Helicopter is a type of aircraft that is installed with horizontally spinning rotors that supply thrust and lift to it. This allow helicopter to land vertically, take-off, hover, to fly forward, backward and laterally.
 

Helicopter Market

The growing application of helicopters in commercial and military activities coupled with the ability of the aircraft to operate in the harsh environment is propelling the market demand. Factors, such as cabin size, range, performance technology upgrades, and brand experience, are significantly contributing to the adoption of new helicopters.
 

The increasing demand for helicopters for emergency medical services will provide growth opportunities through 2027. Helicopters have the ability to reach at high altitude locations faster than ground vehicles. At times, helicopters are the preferred mode of transport to reach inhospitable terrain in a limited timeframe. Patients receive early medical treatment and their chance of survival in critical cases surges significantly.
 

The factors hindering the industry growth include high operational and R&D costs associated with helicopters. These helicopters are operational for a long time in the air, increasing the overall maintenance cost owing to frequent wear and tear of vital components including tail rotor systems and engines. Additionally, end-users have to bear a heavy insurance cost and tax while purchasing a new helicopter, affecting the market representation of helicopters.
 

The aerospace & defense industry has been significantly impacted due to the prevailing situations of COVID-19. The manufacturing plants for various manufacturers have been shut down on account of the implementation of strict pandemic norms. The helicopter market globally has been adversely impacted during the escalating spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry challenges, such as scarcity of labor and raw materials, led to numerous difficulties in the development of new helicopters, creating a vast gap in demand and supply. However, with the leniency on lockdown restrictions imposed by various governments, the market will witness significant growth by 2021.
 

Helicopter Market Analysis

The commercial end use segment is estimated to witness an upward trend during 2021 to 2027 driven by the increasing adoption of commercial helicopters in tourism, offshore, and transportation helicopter services. In 2020, around 550 commercial helicopters were sold in the U.S. The commercial helicopters will see surging demand from oil & gas and offshore segments led by the varied usage of these helicopters in inspection and maintenance of offshore oil rigs.
 

Europe Helicopter Market Size

The Europe avionics segment accounted for around 20% of the helicopter market share in 2020. The growing market trend of technologically upgrading the existing system is augmenting the demand for the avionics segment. These systems allow to function within recognized safety parameters and to track and report performance measures.
 

Key players operating in the helicopter industry are upgrading their systems with advanced avionics components. For instance, in March 2019, Honeywell introduced a new communication technology Aspire 200 satellite communications system for Bell B429 helicopter.
 

The Europe OEM segment held more than 75% of the helicopter market share in 2020 propelled by the increasing adoption in commercial and military sectors. OEMs including Airbus Helicopters SAS, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Leonardo S.p.A. are the major manufacturers catering to the changing demand.
 

Leading manufacturers majorly focus on introducing products to enhance their product line and comply with the changing end-user requirements. For instance, in August 2020, Airbus Helicopters SAS introduced a new Lakota helicopter fleet to the U.S. Army and National Guard. The company launched UH-72B Lakota. The acceptance of helicopters in the military sector will spur the market revenue during the forecast timeline.
 

North America Helicopter Market Share

The North America helicopter market valued at around USD 10 billion in 2020 Impelled by rapidly increasing recreational activities in the region. Increasing air sports activities such as aerobatics, parachuting, and paragliding are generating lucrative growth opportunities.
 

The presence of various prominent players, such as Bell Textron, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, MD Helicopters, and Robinson Helicopter Company, in the region is anticipated to enhance the market share. These players focus majorly on building new long-term strategic partnerships to new business avenues and enhance their revenues. For instance, in December 2020, MD Helicopters, Inc. and the U.S. Army signed an agreement to provide logistics support for the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior reconnaissance and light attack helicopter fleet for Afghanistan Air Force. The agreement is worth USD 34 million, contributing positively to the accelerating market revenues.
 

Helicopter Market Share

Manufacturers in the helicopter industry are focused primarily on adopting strategies, such as product portfolio expansion and strategic partnerships, to enhance their market share. For instance, in December 2019, OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation) and Airbus Helicopters signed a tri-lateral global support contract to provide Tiger helicopters for the German, French, and Spanish Army. The contract includes critical matters such as continuous improvement & obsolescence treatment and secured repair & spares capabilities for the fleet.
 

The prominent players in the helicopter market include:

  • Babcock International Group PLC
  • Airbus Helicopters SAS
  • Bell Helicopter
  • Robinson Helicopter Company
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries
  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
  • Boeing
  • MD Helicopters
  • Universal Helicopters
  • Vietnam Helicopter Corporation
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation.
     

This market research report on helicopter includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD and shipment in units from 2021 to 2027 for the following segments:

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Market, By End-Use

  • Commercial

    • Transport
    • Medical Services/Search & Rescue
    • Offshore Sector
    • Others
  • Military
    • Reconnaissance
    • Maritime Surveillance
    • Others

Market, By Component

  • Aerostructures/Airframe

  • Rotary System
  • Engine
  • Undercarriage
  • Avionics
  • Cabin Interiors
  • Environmental Control Systems
  • Others

Market, By Sales Channel

  • OEM

  • Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Russia
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Poland
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Singapore
  • MEA
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Qatar
    • UAE
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
  • Latin America
    • Mexico
    • Brazil
    • Argentina

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

Global helicopter market captured USD 29 Bn revenue in 2020 and is projected to cross USD 39 billion valuation by 2027.

Global helicopter market size worth over USD 29 billion in 2020 and will expand at 4% CAGR over the forecast timeframe 2021-2027 due to consistent rise in defense expenditure worldwide.

The avionics segment held nearly 20% of Europe helicopter industry size during 2020 and will grow with increasing preference for technological upgradation of existing systems.

OEMs accounted for over 75% of helicopter market in Europe during 2020 owing to the presence of key companies in the region and high demand for military and commercial sectors.

The North America helicopter market share was pegged at USD 10 billion in 2020 and will expand with higher military spending and the growth in recreational activities.

Helicopter Market Scope

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Premium Report Details

  • Base Year: 2020
  • Companies covered: 15
  • Tables & Figures: 553
  • Countries covered: 24
  • Pages: 300
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