Helicopters Market Size

Global Helicopters Market Overview

Global Helicopters Market Size was valued at USD 33309.28 million in 2024. The Helicopters market industry is projected to grow from USD 34448.533 million in 2025 to USD 46625.1982 million by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42 % during the forecast period (2025 - 2034). Growing demand for emergency medical service helicopters, increasing demand for lightweight helicopters and increasing helicopter tourism are some the key market drivers boosting the growth of the helicopters market.  

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Helicopters Market Drivers

• Growing demand for emergency medical service helicopters

The use of helicopters is increasing for emergency medical services (EMS) as they offer specialized crew and necessary equipment for emergency situations. In remote locations and cases where time is of the essence, helicopter EMS (HEMS) play a vital role in saving lives. This has led the governments in various countries to support the implementation of helicopters as air ambulances. Technological developments in air ambulance services are projected to boost the growth of the Europe air ambulance service market in the coming years. Air ambulance services having innovative medical devices and other accessories include defibrillator, heart monitor, and ventilator which offers preliminary emergency medical care to the patients. Improvements in air ambulance service technologies that allow real time patients' data on health to be sent to medical experts. It also allows doctors to plan for an emergency on time. Increasing developments in the medical equipment and aircrafts provide proper medical treatment to the patient in minimal time.

Increasing demand for lightweight helicopters

In recent years, there has been a rise in the demand for lightweight helicopters due to the growth of the tourism industry, increasing private ownership, and applications in law enforcement and paramilitary across the globe. Moreover, the increasing demand for inner-city air travel due to a rise in traffic, particularly in emerging economies, is driving the growth of the market. There has been a significant rise in the number of charter helicopter companies. For example, Uber Technologies Inc. and ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Ola) have started providing helicopter facilities with 50% lower fares as compared to the other private helicopter service providers. There has also been an increase in helicopter rentals for specific purposes such as rescue and evacuation, filmmaking, and tourism. Helicopter tourism in countries such as India, Singapore, and a few countries in the European Union has seen a boom in recent years. Facilities such as wide range, comfort, upgraded safety systems, and the ability to fly under a variety of conditions make the lightweight helicopters favourable and convenient for tourism.

Airbus Helicopters (January 2024) Secured a major contract from the French Ministry of Defense for 69 H160M helicopters, replacing its aging Puma fleet for military transport and special operations. 

Helicopters Market Segment Insights:

Helicopters Component & System Insights

Based on Component & System, the Helicopters Market segmentation includes Airframe, and Engine. The Airframe component & system held the majority share in 2022, contributing around ~72.34% to the market revenue. The Airframe component & system includes sub segments as, Avionics, Main Rotor Systems, Aerostructures, Transmission Systems, Anti-Torque Systems, Electrical Systems, Hydraulic Systems, Stability Augmentation Systems, Undercarriages, Flight Control Systems, Environmental Control Systems, Emergency Systems, Special-Purpose Systems, Cabin Interiors, and Others. The airframe of helicopters consists of sheet metal and a tubular structure. This structure is generally made of stainless steel, or titanium alloy as these materials can sustain load, high stress, and strain during critical missions. The airframe includes the avionics, main rotor systems, aerostructures, transmission systems, and anti-torque systems. Current helicopters use lightweight and durable materials for airframes, which reduce overall weight, improves fuel efficiency and agility, and require minimal maintenance.

Figure1: Global Helicopters Market, by Component & System, 2022 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Helicopters Type Insights

Based on the Type, the Helicopters Market segmentation includes Military, and Civil & Commercial. The Military segment is further segmented into, Light Helicopters (<4.5 Tons), Medium Helicopters (4.5–8.5 Tons), and Heavy Helicopters (>8.5 Tons). The Civil & Commercial segment is further segmented into, Light Helicopters (<3.1 Tons), Medium Helicopters (3.1–9.0 Tons), and Heavy Helicopters (>9.0 Tons). The demand for commercial helicopters has been increasing over the past few years. In civil & military, light and medium helicopters are being used widely. The light helicopters have a load-carrying capacity of fewer than 3.1 tons, and the medium helicopters have a load-carrying capacity of between 3.1 to 8.5 tons. The civil & commercial helicopters segment is expected to register a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Bell Textron (December 2022) : Awarded a USD 1.3 billion contract by the US Army to develop and produce the next-generation Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), replacing the UH-60 Black Hawk. 

Helicopters Application Insights

Based on the Application, the Helicopters Market segmentation is Civil & Commercial, and Military. The Civil & Commercial segment is further segmented into, Emergency Rescue & Medical Support Helicopters, Transport Helicopters, Offshore Helicopters (Oil & Gas), and Civil Utility Helicopters. The Military segment is further segmented into, Maritime Helicopters, Attack & Reconnaissance Helicopters, Training Helicopters, Transport Helicopters, and Search & Rescue Helicopters. The Civil & Commercial segment dominated the market in 2022. Light and medium helicopters are largely used for civil & commercial applications. The commercial applications of medium helicopters are largely in the oil & gas industry to carry drilling machinery and equipment and for emergency medical services. Likewise, light helicopters are largely used for commercial air transport and private and business aviation.

Helicopters Point of Sale Insights

Based on the Point of Sale, the Helicopters Market segmentation is OEM, and Aftermarket. The OEM segment dominated the market in 2022. OEM includes helicopter manufacturers who manufacture helicopters according to client requirements. OEMs are also involved in providing aftermarket services to its customers globally. The OEM segment is expected to register a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period.

Helicopters Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The North America helicopters market accounted for ~32.50% in 2022. Many operators in the US are looking to expand the scope of application of helicopters, which makes them a higher contributor in the North American market as compared to Canada. In North America, the helicopters are used for various applications, such as charter services, aerial tours, and search and rescue missions. Charter services are increasingly gaining popularity, with operators providing various services to promote tourism and air travel. Furthermore, emergency medical services through helicopter operations are proving to be effective in the US and Canada, for ensuring a quick emergency response. Many operators are also focusing on offering tours and aerial photography along with utility and offshore transport services.

Figure2: Global Helicopters Market, by Region, 2022 & 2032 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and Brazil. 

Europe Helicopters market accounts for the second-largest market share. In Europe, developments such as the increasing investment in air ambulance services and military modernization programs, are supporting the growth of helicopters market in the region. There is an ever-growing demand for helicopters in medical and rescue & law enforcement applications. The requirement for charter air services across Europe is also increasing. The increasing traffic congestion in Europe is promoting air travel through helicopters, which is driving the market. Also, many European cities, such as London and Paris, are top tourist destinations in the world where helicopter tours, sightseeing, and aerial photography are becoming highly popular.

Asia-Pacific helicopters market is expected to register the fastest growth among countries, such as China, India, and South Korea, that are heavily investing in military and boosting tourism in the region. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations are also gaining importance in countries, such as India, where the market for medical tourism is developing very fast. Fast transport, the ability to access remote areas, and increasing affordability are the primary reasons for the development of the civil helicopter market in the region. In China, the government funding and decreasing stringency in airspace restrictions are expected to support the adoption of helicopters for air medical and rescue operations. Regions such as Shandong are launching a comprehensive road traffic accident and emergency rescue helicopter service system. In India, another major market, the government initiatives, such as ‘Make in India’, are encouraging helicopter manufacturers to set up operations in the country and increase their presence in the region.

The Middle East & Africa region has been witnessing phenomenal growth in the economy. The major factor is the growth of the tourism industry in the region. Over the years, there has been a high demand for helicopters for emergency medical services, law enforcement operations, oil and gas transportation, and promotion of tourism in the region, which is simultaneously driving the regional market.

The helicopters market is witnessing a fast growth in the South America region. In countries such as Brazil, offshore transportation to and from oil and gas sites is widespread and operators are expanding into the tour and sightseeing operations. Also, emergency medical service operations and the ability of helicopters to be used in construction and cargo transport and utility work are driving the market for civil helicopters. It is expected that helicopters would play a critical role in many areas of applications, including public transportation.

Helicopters Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The Global Helicopter Market is witnessing significant growth over the forecast period majorly due to growing demand for emergency medical service helicopters and increasing demand for lightweight helicopters. There are several domestic, regional, and global players operating in the Helicopter market who continuously strive to gain a significant share of the overall market. During the study, MRFR has analyzed some of the major players in the global Helicopter market who have contributed to the market growth.

The major players in the market include Airbus SAS, Textron Inc., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd, Leonardo SpA, Lockheed Martin Corporation, MD Helicopters, Inc., Robinson Helicopter Company, Russian Helicopters JSC,  Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and Boeing. These players focus on expanding and enhancing their product portfolio and services to remain competitive and increase their customer base. Additionally, these players are focusing on partnerships & collaborations to expand their business and customer base to enhance their market position.

Key companies in the Helicopters market include

• Airbus SAS


• Textron Inc.


• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited


• Enstrom Helicopter Corporation


• Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd


• Leonardo SpA


• Lockheed Martin Corporation


• MD Helicopters, Inc.


• Robinson Helicopter Company


• Russian Helicopters JSC


• Aviation Industry Corporation of China


• Boeing

Helicopters Industry Developments

• In August 2022, Airbus signed a contract with the brazil government that will involve the delivery of ACH160 helicopters for the annual Latin America business aviation conference and exhibition.


• In July 2022, Leonardo received a EUR 1.76 billion contract from the polish armed force to deliver 32 AW149 multirole helicopters. The new state-of-the-art AW149 helicopters will be able to carry out missions, including troop transport and air support; the contract also includes logistics, training, and simulator packages.


• In May 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had signed an agreement with Rolce Royce to establish packaging, installation, marketing, and services support for Rolls-Royce MT30 marine engines in India.

Helicopters Market Segmentation

Helicopters Component & System Outlook

• Airframe


• Avionics


• Main Rotor Systems


• Aerostructures


• Transmission Systems


• Anti-Torque Systems


• Electrical Systems


• Hydraulic Systems


• Stability Augmentation Systems


• Undercarriages


• Flight Control Systems


• Environmental Control Systems


• Emergency Systems


• Special-Purpose Systems


• Cabin Interiors


• Others


• Engine

Helicopters Type Outlook

• Military


• Light Helicopters (<4.5 Tons)


• Medium Helicopters (4.5–8.5 Tons)


• Heavy Helicopters (>8.5 Tons)


• Civil & Commercial


• Light Helicopters (<3.1 Tons)


• Medium Helicopters (3.1–9.0 Tons)


• Heavy Helicopters (>9.0 Tons)

Helicopters Application Outlook

• Civil & Commercial


• Emergency Rescue & Medical Support Helicopters


• Transport Helicopters


• Offshore Helicopters (Oil & Gas)


• Civil Utility Helicopters


• Military


• Maritime Helicopters


• Attack & Reconnaissance Helicopters


• Training Helicopters


• Transport Helicopters


• Search & Rescue Helicopters

Helicopters Point of Sale Outlook

• OEM


• Aftermarket

Helicopters Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Russia
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • Saudi Arabia
  
  
  • UAE
  
  
  • Israel
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  


• South America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Rest of South America
  
  
  
  

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