Global Commercial Helicopters Market Overview
Commercial Helicopters Market Size was estimated at 63.80(USD Billion) in 2023. The Commercial Helicopters Market Industry is expected to grow from 66.20(USD Billion) in 2024 to 87.50 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Commercial Helicopters Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 3.83% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Key Commercial Helicopters Market Trends Highlighted
Key market drivers for commercial helicopters include increasing demand for emergency medical services, expanding tourism industry, and rising infrastructure development. Advancements in technology, such as autonomous flight and hybrid propulsion systems, are expected to create new opportunities for manufacturers. The trend towards personalization and customization of helicopters for specific applications is also gaining traction.In recent times, the commercial helicopter market has witnessed a shift towards more fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft. The adoption of electric and hybrid powertrains is becoming increasingly common, driven by environmental concerns and rising fuel costs. Additionally, the use of advanced materials and innovative design techniques is contributing to the development of lighter and more durable helicopters.
Commercial Helicopters Market Drivers
Growing Demand for Emergency Medical Services
One of the main drivers of growth in the commercial helicopter market is the increased demand for emergency medical services. Helicopters are uniquely capable of providing medical treatment in remote or inaccessible areas, and the use of helicopters in emergency cases is becoming more and more popular. The population is continuously growing and aging, and with age, people are more likely to develop serious diseases such as heart disease or stroke, so the demand for emergency medical services will increase.In addition to that, helicopters can rapidly evacuate patients to hospitals to apply specialized treatment, which increases the chances of their survival and recovery. Therefore, the growing demand for emergency medical services will continue to drive the growth of the commercial helicopter market. Moreover, to meet the needs of the growing market, commercial helicopter manufacturers are developing new technologies and designs that will facilitate the use of helicopters in emergency medical services.Impact on the Commercial Helicopter Market The growing demand for emergency medical services has a positive impact on the commercial helicopter market. With increasing demand for emergency medical services, demand for commercial helicopters increases as well. This results in the growth of sales of commercial helicopters and investment in the development and research of new helicopter technologies. Moreover, the growing demand for emergency medical services is creating new opportunities for commercial helicopter operators.Some of these operators provide specialized medical evacuation services for their clients, who need to get quickly from remote or sparsely populated areas to hospitals. At a time when there are still too few hospitals where they can get the required treatment, such a service can save lives and is expected to increase in popularity. Key Players in the Commercial Helicopters Market Airbus, Bell Textron, Leonardo, and Sikorsky are some of the key players who operate in the commercial helicopter market.To meet the growing needs of the expanding market, they are investing in the development of new technology and designs. The goal of this investment is to create helicopters that are more capable of providing emergency medical services.
Rising Demand for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration
The rising demand for offshore oil and gas exploration is another major driver of growth in the commercial helicopter market. Helicopters are used to transport personnel and equipment to and from offshore oil and gas platforms, and they are also used for a variety of other tasks, such as search and rescue operations and environmental monitoring. As the demand for energy continues to grow, so too does the demand for offshore oil and gas.This is leading to increased investment in offshore oil and gas exploration, which is, in turn, driving demand for commercial helicopters. Impact on the Commercial Helicopter MarketThe rising demand for offshore oil and gas exploration is having a positive impact on the commercial helicopter market. As the demand for offshore oil and gas exploration increases, so too does the demand for commercial helicopters. This is leading to increased sales of commercial helicopters, as well as increased investment in the research and development of new helicopter technologies. Key Players in the Commercial Helicopter MarketSeveral key players operating in the commercial helicopter market including Airbus, Bell Textron, Leonardo, and Sikorsky.These companies are investing in new technologies and designs to meet the growing demand for commercial helicopters. The Future of the Commercial Helicopter MarketThe future of the commercial helicopter market is bright. The rising demand for offshore oil and gas exploration is expected to continue to drive growth in the market in the coming years. In addition, the development of new technologies, such as electric propulsion and autonomous flight, is expected to boost the market further. As a result, the commercial helicopter market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Increasing Use of Commercial Helicopters for Tourism and Leisure Activities
The increasing use of commercial helicopters for tourism and leisure activities is another major driver of growth in the commercial helicopter market. Helicopters are used to provide a variety of tourism and leisure activities, such as sightseeing tours, aerial photography, and mountain climbing. As the economy continues to grow, so too does the demand for tourism and leisure activities. This is leading to increased demand for commercial helicopters, as they provide a unique and exciting way to experience tourism and leisure activities. Impact on the Commercial Helicopter MarketThe increasing use of commercial helicopters for tourism and leisure activities is having a positive impact on the commercial helicopter market.As the demand for tourism and leisure activities increases, so too does the demand for commercial helicopters. This is leading to increased sales of commercial helicopters, as well as increased investment in the research and development of new helicopter technologies. Key Players in the Commercial Helicopter Market Several key players operating in the commercial helicopter market including Airbus, Bell Textron, Leonardo, and Sikorsky.These companies are investing in new technologies and designs to meet the growing demand for commercial helicopters. The Future of the Commercial Helicopter MarketThe future of the commercial helicopter market is bright. The increasing use of commercial helicopters for tourism and leisure activities is expected to continue to drive growth in the market in the coming years. In addition, the development of new technologies, such as electric propulsion and autonomous flight, is expected to boost the market further. As a result, the commercial helicopter market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Commercial Helicopters Market Segment Insights
Commercial Helicopters Market Category Insights
There are three types of helicopters in the Commercial Helicopters Market, including light, medium, and heavy helicopters. Light helicopters are the most commonly used in the market as they have the largest share 58%. Light helicopters are very maneuverable and universal so they can be used in many different applications, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, utility operations, or other fields. Market leaders in this segment are Airbus Helicopters, Bell Textron, and Leonardo.Medium helicopters are larger than light ones, as their MTOW is higher. The purpose of medium helicopters is different they are used for corporate transport, offshore oil and gas, and search and rescue. The market for medium helicopters grows at a modest pace and is associated with the expansion of applications of these products in offshore oil and gas and corporate. The major players are Sikorsky, Airbus Helicopters, and Leonardo. Heavy helicopters, in turn, are the largest and the most powerful their maximum takeoff weight is always over 20,000 pounds.This segment is also expected to grow rapidly due to the increase in demand in the military sector as far as numerous weapons can be lifted and transported by helicopters. Heavy helicopters are also used in construction. This is mainly due to the rising number of end-use industries and technological development.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Commercial Helicopters Market Application Insights
Application The Commercial Helicopters Market Segmentation by Application includes Civil and Military. The civil segment is expected to ho ld a large r market share of around 62.7% in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.14 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the civil segment can be due to the increasing use of helicopters for the transportation of emergency medical services, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, among others. However, the military segment is also expected to grow due to the increased defense budget by governments across the world and the need for advanced helicopters for military operations.
Commercial Helicopters Market Power Source Insights
The commercial helicopter market is segmented by power source into single-engine and multi-engine helicopters. The single-engine segment is expected to account for a larger market share in 2023 due to its lower acquisition and operating costs compared to multi-engine helicopters. However, the multi-engine segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to its increased safety and reliability, particularly for long-range and heavy-lift applications. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for helicopters in various applications such as emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, and transportation of personnel and equipment in remote areas.
Commercial Helicopters Market Mission Type Insights
The Commercial Helicopters Market revenue was valued at USD 12.39 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 19.47 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period. Segmenting the market by mission type, Exploration, Search and Rescue, and Firefighting collectively accounted for a significant market share in 2023. Exploration helicopters are primarily utilized in the oil and gas industry, contributing to the segment's growth. Search and Rescue helicopters play a crucial role in emergency response operations, while Firefighting helicopters are employed in combating wildfires and other large-scale blazes.These segments are expected to maintain their prominence in the market over the coming years due to the increasing demand for specialized helicopter services in these domains.
Commercial Helicopters Market Regional Insights
Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. North America held the largest revenue share in 2023, and the region is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The presence of key manufacturers such as Bell Textron Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, coupled with the high demand for commercial helicopters in the region, contributes to its significant market share. Europe is another major market for commercial helicopters, with a high demand for these aircraft in various sectors, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, and offshore operations.The APAC region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for commercial helicopters in emerging economies such as China and India. South America and MEA are expected to experience moderate growth, with MEA benefiting from the growing oil and gas industry.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Commercial Helicopters Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Major players in the Commercial Helicopters Market industry are continuously investing in research and development to improve their product offerings and gain a competitive edge. Commercial helicopter market players are focusing on developing advanced technologies, such as autonomous flight and electric propulsion, to meet the evolving needs of their customers. The Commercial Helicopters Market industry is characterized by intense competition, with several major players vying for market share.Airbus Helicopters, a leading player in the Commercial Helicopters Market market, offers a comprehensive range of helicopters for various applications, including passenger transport, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The company has a strong presence and is known for its innovative designs and advanced technologies. Airbus Helicopters is continuously investing in research and development to enhance the performance and safety of its helicopters.Leonardo, another major competitor in the Commercial helicopter market industry, also offers a wide range of helicopters for various applications. The company is known for its expertise in manufacturing military helicopters and has been expanding its presence in the commercial helicopter market. Leonardo is focusing on developing next-generation helicopters that incorporate the latest technologies to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Key Companies in the Commercial Helicopters Market Include
- Changhe Aircraft Industries Group
- China National AeroTechnology Import Export Corporation
- Kazan Helicopters
- Denel Aviation
- MD Helicopters
- Bell Textron
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- PZLSwidnik
- Textron Aviation
- Leonardo S.p.A
- AgustaWestland
- Russian Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Commercial Helicopters Market Industry Developments:
Increased demand for offshore wind operations The growing offshore wind industry has led to increased demand for helicopters for transporting personnel and equipment to offshore wind farms.Technological advancements Advancements in helicopter technology, such as the development of electric and hybrid-electric helicopters, are expected to drive market growth in the coming years.
Expansion into new markets Commercial helicopter manufacturers are expanding into new markets, such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, to capitalize on growing demand.Current market trends include Rising demand for light and medium helicopters Light and medium helicopters are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of applications, including passenger transport, law enforcement, and medical evacuation.Growth in the pre-owned helicopter market The pre-owned helicopter market is growing rapidly as buyers seek more affordable options. Consolidation in the industry The commercial helicopter industry is consolidating as larger manufacturers acquire smaller companies to expand their market share.
Commercial Helicopters Market Segmentation Insights
Commercial Helicopters Market Category Outlook
Commercial Helicopters Market Application Outlook
Commercial Helicopters Market Power Source Outlook
- Single-Engine
- Multi-Engine
Commercial Helicopters Market Mission Type Outlook
- Exploration
- Search and Rescue
- Firefighting
Commercial Helicopters Market Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- South America
- Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Commercial Helicopters Market Report Scope
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2023 |
63.80(USD Billion) |
Market Size 2024 |
66.20(USD Billion) |
Market Size 2032 |
87.50(USD Billion) |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
3.83% (2024 - 2032) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
Historical Data |
2019 - 2022 |
Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
Key Companies Profiled |
Changhe Aircraft Industries Group, China National AeroTechnology Import Export Corporation, Kazan Helicopters, Denel Aviation, MD Helicopters, Bell Textron, Sikorsky Aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, PZLSwidnik, Textron Aviation, Leonardo S.p.A, AugustaWestland, Russian Helicopters, Airbus Helicopters, Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant |
Segments Covered |
Category, Application, Power Source, Mission Type, Regional |
Key Market Opportunities |
Helicopter leasing and rentalsExpansion into emerging marketsDevelopment of advanced technologiesIncreased demand for medical evacuation servicesGrowth of tourism and leisure activities |
Key Market Dynamics |
1 Growth in air travel and tourism2 Increasing demand for emergency medical services3 Government funding for military and defense4 Expansion of the offshore wind energy industry5 Technological advancements in helicopter design |
Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The commercial helicopters market is expected to reach USD 87.50 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.83% during the forecast period of 2024-2032.
North America and Europe are anticipated to dominate the commercial helicopter market throughout the forecast period. These regions have well-established aviation industries and a high demand for helicopters for various applications, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and offshore operations.
Commercial helicopters are used for a wide range of applications, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, offshore transportation, and corporate travel. These helicopters are designed to meet specific mission requirements, such as speed, range, and payload capacity.
The key players in the commercial helicopter market include Airbus Helicopters, Bell Textron, Leonardo S.p.A., Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, and Russian Helicopters. These companies offer a range of helicopter models to meet the diverse needs of commercial operators.
The growth of the commercial helicopter market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for emergency medical services, offshore transportation, and law enforcement operations. Additionally, the rising popularity of helicopter tourism and the expansion of the aviation industry in emerging economies are contributing to market growth.
The commercial helicopter market faces challenges such as high acquisition and operating costs, stringent regulations, and competition from fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, the availability of skilled pilots and maintenance personnel can be a limiting factor in some regions.
The latest trends in the commercial helicopter market include the adoption of advanced technologies such as fly-by-wire systems, the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the development of hybrid and electric helicopters. These trends are expected to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of commercial helicopter operations.
The commercial helicopter market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2032, driven by increasing demand from various applications and technological advancements.
The growth of the commercial helicopter market is influenced by factors such as rising demand for emergency medical services, offshore transportation, and law enforcement operations, as well as technological advancements, such as the adoption of fly-by-wire systems and the development of hybrid and electric helicopters.
Potential risks and challenges associated with investing in the commercial helicopters market include economic downturns, fluctuations in fuel prices, changes in regulatory policies, and intense competition from both established and emerging players.