The global helicopter market was valued at $25.3 billion in 2016 and is projected to surpass $31.8 billion by 2023, progressing at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period (2017–2023).
Medium-utility helicopters, under the military helicopter category, are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, in the helicopter market. It is mainly due to the increasing demand for multi-mission military helicopters in various developed countries.
Growing Demand for Helicopters Equipped with Advanced Technologies is a Major Growth Driver for the Market
The increasing count of aging helicopters lacking advance systems, along with the rising demand for technologically advanced helicopters are driving the growth of the helicopter market. Many countries are placing orders for technologically advanced helicopters, which enable military personnel to operate and conduct operations in varying weather conditions.
Increasing Number of Orders from Developing Countries for Advanced Helicopters Presents Growth Opportunities
Market players are receiving frequent orders of new helicopters equipped with advance systems from the emerging economies, which makes these countries a lucrative market. Countries such as India, Indonesia, and South Korea are thus seen as emerging helicopter markets by the leading manufacturers.
Segmentation Analysis of Helicopter Market
Civil helicopters are expected to exhibit faster growth in the helicopter market during the forecast period, mainly ascribed to the rising offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities. Additionally, light helicopters are expected to account for the largest share under the civil helicopter category, during the forecast period.
Geographical Analysis of Helicopter Market
North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the helicopter market during the forecast period, mainly on account of the growing investments by the governments for developing helicopters with enhanced functionalities. Additionally, the growing demand for helicopters from the oil and gas industry of the U.S. is also supporting the growth of the market in the region.
The Latin American market for helicopters is expected to grow significantly in the future, despite challenges related to market access and economic turbulence. It is due to the increasing rate of helicopter fleet replacement, mainly civil helicopters, in countries such as Mexico and Brazil. Additionally, strong purchase intentions for intermediate and medium helicopters are expected to benefit in the growth of the Latin American helicopter market.
Competitive Landscape of Helicopter Market
The helicopter market is currently at the moderately consolidation stage with presence of leading players, such as Airbus SE, Bell Textron Inc., The Boeing Company, Russian Helicopters JSC, Lockheed Martin Corp., Robinson Helicopter Co., Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Kaman Corp., and MD Helicopters Inc.
In March 2017, MD Helicopters Inc. partnered with Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP) and launched its online customer support portal, MyMD.aero. to provide real-time access to extended service capabilities. The partnership aims at delivering better access to the information required, so as to increase the productivity, improve repair times, and keep aircraft safe and flightworthy.
In February 2017, Lockheed Martin Corporation received $150 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, for the production of the target sight system (TSS) for the AH-1Z "Viper" attack helicopter, for which Lockheed Martin would produce TSS Lot 13 and Lot 14. The contract also accommodates options for TSS Lots 15 and 16, which would bring the total value in the follow-on production contract to $284.6 million, with all options exercised.
Some of the others major players operating in the global helicopter market are Volocopter GmbH, Vietnam Helicopter Corp., Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., and Gulf Helicopters Co.
GLOBAL HELICOPTER MARKET
By Type
By Geography