Helicopter MRO Market Analysis

Global Helicopter MRO Market Overview

Helicopter MRO Market Size is Anticipeted to reach at a USD 12.34 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.55% by 2020-2030 The increased use of commercial helicopters and the rise in the outsourcing of MRO services are poised to fuel business growth. 

COVID-19 Analysis

The aviation sector is the most affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, relative to other sectors. This is attributed to the containment policies against the pandemic of COVID-19 that led to the closure of the entire service of the multinational passenger airline. How long the markets will take to rebound in the post-COVID world is still uncertain. The coronavirus pandemic gave the world economy a profound meta-uncertainty and its influence could reshape the future functionality of our pre-COVID economic structures.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing Offshore Activities to Drive Market Growth

The increasing global demand for civil helicopters is the main factor driving the growth of the civil helicopter MRO industry. Many of this demand may be attributed to reasons such as the increase in offshore activity, increased usage by law enforcement agencies, search and rescue operations, and evacuation of medical emergencies. This increase in demand for civil helicopter services will foster the need for MRO services, which in turn will fuel growth prospects in the global MRO civil helicopter services sector over the forecast period. The increasing worldwide demand for helicopters is the main factor driving the growth of the helicopter MRO industry. This increase in demand for civil helicopters will foster the need for MRO services, which in turn will fuel growth prospects in the global MRO helicopter services industry over the forecast period.

Opportunities

Growing Adoption of Helicopter Modifications to Create Growth Opportunities

Increased use of composites would stimulate growth opportunities in this market during the forecast period. In helicopters, composites play a crucial role in the construction of seats, engine bay frames, and fuselage. Factors such as its high-cost efficiency increased strength, corrosion-resistant properties, chemical inertness, high fatigue, ease of manufacture, high strength-to-weight ratio, design durability, and lower component count will increase its acceptance during the forecast period.

Restraints

Environmental Regulations to Impede Market Growth

However, environmental risks and the development of next-generation helicopters can obstruct the growth of the sector. In addition, strict government rules are likely to limit business expansion. 

Segmental Analysis

The Global Helicopter MRO Market was segmented by type, helicopter type, application and region.

By Type

By type, the market was categorised as heavy maintenance airframe, engine maintenance, part maintenance, and line maintenance. Device servicing involves a number of small and large parts in helicopters. Since spare parts and subsystems for helicopters are widely available, the costs involved in the repair of components are smaller relative to other types of maintenance.

By Type of Helicopter

Based on the type of helicopter, the industry was segmented into small helicopters (<3.1 tonnes), medium helicopters (3.1–9.0 tonnes) and heavy helicopters (>9.0 tonnes). Heavy helicopters have a carrying capacity of more than 9 tonnes. This helicopters are primarily used by the military to transport troops, combat equipment and artillery. Due to their high load size, big helicopters demand regular MRO services. As a result, the heavy helicopter segment (>9.0 tonnes) is expected to record a CAGR of 5.81 per cent during the forecast period.

By Application

The application divisions of the industry are civilian and military. Owing to the growing need for commercial helicopters, there has been a resulting growth in demand for civil helicopter MRO services.

Regional Analysis

The geographical overview of the global market has been conducted in four major regions, including the Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the rest of the world.

U.S. Dominates the North American Market

North America has the world's largest number of MRO installations for both commercial and military helicopters. In addition, as the essence of fighting continues to evolve, the US Department of Defense (DoD) is investing in updating its current helicopter fleet. During the forecast period, the regional demand is predicted to post a 3.97 percent CAGR. The increasing adoption of civilian turbine-powered helicopters in this area. The strong economic prosperity of North America will also promote the replacement of ageing aircraft that are active in different fields, such as tourism, offshore operations, search and rescue missions. The opportunities for demand growth would be impelled by this the replacement of ageing aircraft. While investments have been made in the production of advanced MRO services in Canada, the US largely dominates the North American industry. In addition, due to the increasing adoption of civilian turbine-powered helicopters in this region.

High R&D Investments in Europe to Drive the market

During the evaluation period, Europe is expected to be the second-largest sector. At a CAGR of 4.38 percent during the projected period, the regional market is projected to hit USD 3.22 billion by 2025. Germany is also a significant contributor to the aerospace industry and I am likely to contribute to the overall development of the sector.

China to Drive APAC Market

During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the third-largest region. At a CAGR of 6.88 percent during the projected period, the regional market is projected to hit USD 1.59 billion by 2025. China holds second place in the expanding civil aviation industry in APAC. Thanks to its robust aviation goods and services, China is one of the fastest growing countries in the global aviation supply chain. They are also focusing on joining the market for commercial helicopter production. The Chinese government is also promoting the collaboration and development of helicopters by private businesses and international companies. The rising Chinese economy offers an immense potential demand for the development of helicopters of all classes. The rapid growth of suppliers of airframes and engines and the increasing number of helicopters in APAC have contributed to a boost in the MRO demand for helicopters.

Growing Technological Advancements to Drive MEA market

The Middle East and Africa accounted for the lowest market share, but their share is projected to rise due to Kenya's steady development and the country's plans to create a permanent base. This will create opportunities for Airbus Helicopter MRO operations in Africa and in areas of the Middle East. A twin-engine helicopter contract for improved airborne law enforcement and civil emergency response capability has also been signed with the Kenya police. These operations involve various types of helicopters and their pilots to promote MRO services in the aftermarket.

Competitive Landscape

Major Players to Focus on Mergers and Acquisitions

As the manufacturers in this industry compete on the basis of expense, efficiency, reliability, and aftermarket operation to achieve full market prominence, the global civil helicopter MRO market is highly competitive. In order to succeed in this industry, vendors must supply customers with the latest technologies and materials to provide cost-effective and high quality service. During the forecast era, suppliers with a global footprint network, in-house development facilities, multiple product offerings, and a large customer base will experience the highest growth.

• Airbus SAS (Netherlands)


• Heli-One (Canada)


• Honeywell International Inc. (US)


• Leonardo SpA (Italy)


• MTU Aero Engines AG (Germany)


• Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (UK)


• Safran SA (France)


• StandardAero (US)


• Textron Inc.  (US)


• United Technologies Corporation (US)

Recent Development

December 2020: Erickson Integrated, the world's leading utility aircraft operator, maintainer, and manufacturer, declared final FAA approval for the S-64F and CH-54B composite main rotor blades. The advanced design of the blades, especially in hot and high temperatures, provides a significant performance advantage.

December 2020: South Korea's lone aircraft maker, Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), received a USD 958 million helicopter contract from the state military procurement department. Under the agreement with the Administration of the Defense Acquisition Program (DAPA), KAI will provide the Army with the Surion (KUH-1) transport utility helicopter by 2024.

Report Overview

By Type

• Airframe Heavy Maintenance


• Engine Maintenance


• Component Maintenance


• Line Maintenance

By Helicopter Type

• Light Helicopter (<3.1 Tons)


• Medium Helicopter (3.1–9.0 Ton


• Heavy Helicopter (>9.0 Tons)

By Application

• Civil


• Military