Helicopters Market

Industry Overview

Helicopter demands are increasing due to its special characteristics such as landing and take-off. The Global Helicopters Market is growing at a significant rate, due to the mounting need for lightweight helicopters and augmented requirements for emergency medical services helicopters. Different applications contributed to the helicopter market size. The market has witnessed high demand for military helicopters in the coming years due to its exclusive manoeuvrability characteristics, and enhanced technologies that the helicopters are armed with.

Helicopters Market Segmentation

Insight by Point of Sale

Based on point of sale the helicopter market is subdivided into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket.

Helicopter OEM Insight by Type

Based on type, the market is subdivided into military and civil & commercial. Among both types, the military segment accounted for the largest share in the market, due to increased demand in developing countries, and the augmented need for advanced defence equipment. In addition, the civil & commercial segment is expected to have higher growth in the market due to mounting demand in medical services, firefighting, tourism, general utility and law enforcement.

The military helicopters segment is subdivided into heavy helicopters (>8.5 tons), medium helicopters (4.5–8.5 tons) and light helicopters (9.0 tons)

Helicopter OEM Insight by Application

Based on application the market is subdivided into military applications and civil & commercial applications. Among both applications, the military application accounted for the largest share in the helicopters market due to its exclusive manoeuvrability characteristics, and enhanced technologies that the helicopters are armed with. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of military helicopters is more as compared to commercial helicopters.

The military helicopter segment is subdivided into transport helicopters, search & rescue helicopters, attack & reconnaissance helicopters, training helicopters, maritime helicopters and others. In addition, the civil and commercial helicopter segment is subdivided into transport helicopters, civil utility helicopters, emergency rescue & medical support helicopters, offshore helicopters and others          

Helicopter OEM Insight by Component and Systems

On the basis of component and systems the market is subdivided into airframe, and engine. Among the all components and systems, the airframe accounted for the largest share in the helicopter market.

The airframe segment is subdivided into aerostructures, avionics, transmission system, emergency system, main rotor system, environmental control system, undercarriage, anti-torque system, cabin interiors, electrical system, hydraulic system, stability augmentation system, flight control system and special purpose system.

Helicopter Aftermarket Insight by Component and Systems

Based on components and systems, the market is subdivided into main rotor systems, emergency floatation systems, ADS-B, window & windshields, ACAS-II, doors, HGPWS, seats, skids & bear paws, and tyres. The main rotor system is further subdivided into avionics, emergency systems, main rotor blades, cabin interiors, turbine filters, landing gear systems, actuators, aerostructure and others.

Global Helicopters Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Helicopters Market Industry Trends

Technological advancements such as electro-optical and infrared systems (EOIR), electronic flight instruments (EFI), improved flight vision systems (EFVS) for heliports, ultra-light multi-mode radar, multirole combat helicopters with incorporated avionics and weapons and improved innovative cockpits and mounting digital helicopter condition-monitoring are the trends in the helicopters market.

Helicopters Market Growth Drivers

Augmented requirements for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) helicopters, mounting need for military helicopters, mounting use of helicopters in disaster relief, and mounting need for lightweight helicopters are the primary growth drivers for the helicopter market. Mounting the need for fuel-efficient turboshaft engines and advancement in avionics to enhance safety features are also facilitating the growth of the helicopter market.

Helicopters Market Challenges

Reduction in the defence budget in developed nations, high prices related to novel technology, cancellation of rotorcraft orders and strict regulatory standards for helicopter manufacturing and improvement are the major challenges to the growth of the helicopter market.

Helicopters Market Industry Ecosystem

Globally, the manufacturing companies trying to enter the helicopter market are required to maintain stringent regulatory standards. Moreover, the high level of capital requirement also poses a major barrier to the entry of new players. This offers an edge to the established players in the industry competition.

Helicopters Market Geographic Overview

Geographically, North America accounted for the largest share of the market due to the retirement of the old-generation helicopters and augmented usage of helicopters.

Asia-Pacific is observed to witness the fastest growth in the market due to expending an enormous amount on the progress of civil and military helicopter fleets. Mounting needs for helicopters and an upsurge in defence spending are also surging growth of the Asia-Pacific helicopters market.

Helicopters Market Competitive Insight

Key players in the helicopter market are catering for the demand by developing of medium helicopters and investing in technologically advanced products across the globe. Hiratagakuen strengthens Japan’s aeromedical operations with the Airbus fleet. Airbus Helicopters SAS, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Robinson Helicopter Company, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc., Leonardo S.P.A., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Boeing, Md Helicopters, Inc. and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are the key players offering helicopters.

KAI has been taking leading role in national aviation industry and security with successful development of KT-1 Basic Trainer, FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft, KUH-1 Utility Helicopter, T-50 Advanced Jet trainer and RQ-101 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Airbus Helicopters SAS is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus. It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries. Its head office is located at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France.

Recent Developments by Key Players

Airbus Helicopters and Aerovel have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, as part of a strategy to strengthen its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. Flexrotor is a small tactical unmanned aerial system designed for surveillance, target acquisition, intelligence and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land.