Asia Pacific Helicopter MRO Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Component, Helicopter Type, and End Users

The Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market was valued at US$ 8.98 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 15.79 billion by 2030; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2022 to 2030.

Growing Demand for Helicopters in Southeast Asia Fuels Asia Pacific Helicopter MRO Market.

The aviation industry in Asia Pacific is constantly growing owing to rising income levels in the region. The demand for helicopters in the region, especially in southeastern countries, is growing. The demand for helicopters for commercial and military applications is growing significantly in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. One of the notable commercial applications is growing offshore energy production activities in Southeast Asian countries, which has increased in the past few years owing to the rising demand for energy. As per the data published in the American Journal of Transportation in 2023, southeast Asia's renewable energy investments are expected to surpass US$ 76 billion by 2025. Thus, the demand for helicopters is projected to increase, ultimately driving the demand for helicopter MRO services. In May 2023, Malaysia's Weststar Aviation Services bought five new Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin-turbine helicopters to add to its existing fleet. The AW139s will serve Weststar's offshore energy support business. Weststar operates more than 35 Leonardo AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopters from bases in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries. According to the Vice President and head of sales for Asia Pacific of Airbus Helicopters, the company plans to expand its presence in Thailand over the next ten years due to rising demand for light and medium lift helicopters in Thailand. According to Airbus's demand analysis for 2023, Thailand's in-service fleet in the military and public service sectors is predicted to rise by 20% over the following ten years. Apart from Airbus, many other helicopter manufacturers and fleet operators are focusing on business expansions in Southeast Asia. In October 2023, TAG Aviation opened a new office in Singapore. According to the company's official statement, increased demand for its services in Singapore and Southeast Asia has driven the business expansion strategies of the company. In June 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries Co. signed a preliminary agreement with Vietnam's Viettel Aerospace Institute to collaborate in the development and production of helicopters, which is likely to pave the stage for KAI's entry into Southeast Asia's aircraft industry. Thus, continuously growing demand for helicopters in commercial and military applications in Southeast Asia is expected to generate lucrative opportunities for the helicopter MRO market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Helicopter MRO Market Overview

The Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is growing at the highest CAGR owing to the rising demand for civil and military helicopters. In Asia Pacific, more than 61% of the helicopters are owned and operated by four countries-China, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Overall, Australia has the largest market for helicopters, followed by Japan, with most helicopters from Airbus and Leonardo.

China represents the largest number of helicopters, reaching 913 in 2023, according to the analysis team. The growing number of contracts for the adoption of new helicopters in Asia Pacific has created a massive demand for helicopter MRO services across China and India. For instance, in April 2023, Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with GDAT, China's helicopter operators, for the adoption of the 50 H160 helicopters. This contract was made to order H160 on the civil helicopter. The companies also signed a strategic partnership to procure the helicopter H160 in China.

Asia Pacific Helicopter MRO Market Segmentation

The Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is segmented based on component, helicopter type, end users, and country. Based on component, the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is segmented into airframe maintenance, engine maintenance, component maintenance, and line maintenance. The engine maintenance segment held the largest market share in 2022.

In terms of helicopter type, the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is segmented into light helicopter, medium helicopter, and heavy helicopter. The medium helicopter held the largest market share in 2022.

By end users, the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is bifurcated into commercial and military. The military segment held a larger market share in 2022.

Based on country, the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market is segmented into Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. China dominated the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market share in 2022.

Airbus SE, Elbit Systems Ltd, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, and Leonardo SpA are some of the leading companies operating in the Asia Pacific helicopter MRO market.