Helicopter-Based Transportation Global Market Report 2024

The helicopter-based transportation market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $1.19 billion in 2023 to $1.24 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to various factors, including the expansion of urban air mobility (UAM), increased utilization of helicopter-based transportation for medical and emergency services, growth in tourism and leisure activities employing helicopters, engagement in offshore oil and gas operations, and the deployment of helicopters for military and defense applications. These factors collectively contributed to the historical growth of helicopter-based transportation.

The helicopter-based transportation market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.46 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to factors such as the market demand for on-demand services, growing environmental considerations favoring helicopter transportation, infrastructure development initiatives supporting helicopter operations, military and defense procurement driving demand, and continued engagement in offshore oil and gas operations. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass a focus on sustainability and green initiatives in helicopter transportation, the development and deployment of autonomous and unmanned helicopters, increased utilization in tourism and VIP transport, upgrades in military and defense applications, and expanded usage in emergency services.

The helicopter-based transportation market is poised for growth, driven by an increasing adoption of helicopters across various applications. Helicopters, characterized by their non-winged structure and rotating blades, find utility in diverse sectors, including energy and electricity industry support, cargo logistics, search-and-rescue operations, firefighting missions, and military and government contracts. The versatility of helicopters, with their ability to take off and land vertically and hover in place, contributes to their demand for transportation purposes. Notably, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported a significant 17.55% rise in global helicopter shipments in 2021, totaling 860 units. This surge underscores the growing acceptance of helicopters across multiple applications, affirming the positive trajectory of the helicopter-based transportation market.

The helicopter-based transportation market is set to benefit from the expansion of the offshore wind industry. This sector involves the deployment of wind turbines in bodies of water, primarily oceans and seas, to harness renewable energy. Helicopters play a pivotal role in supporting the offshore wind industry by providing crucial transportation and logistical services throughout various phases of wind farm development and operation. As projected by McKinsey & Company, the global installed capacity of offshore wind is anticipated to soar to 630 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, a substantial increase from the 40 GW recorded in 2020. The robust growth in the offshore wind industry serves as a driving force for the helicopter-based transportation market.

Innovation in helicopter-based transportation is marked by the integration of cybersecurity solutions into helicopter systems. An exemplar in this trend is Leonardo S.p.A., an Italy-based aerospace, defense, and security company, which introduced Augusta for the VIP helicopter sector. Augusta is a sophisticated and sustainable air mobility solution, offering enhanced performance, aerodynamics, operational capabilities, and tailored client services for VIP transport. This innovation underscores the industry's commitment to advancing helicopter-based transportation by incorporating cutting-edge cybersecurity measures.

Strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly prevalent in the helicopter-based transportation market, enabling operators to expand their global reach and coverage. A case in point is the collaboration between NHV Group, a Belgium-based B2B helicopter services provider, and Apex Aviation, a China-based aircraft service and maintenance company. This strategic partnership, announced in October 2023, aims to deliver innovative helicopter transportation services to Taiwan's burgeoning offshore wind industry. Such collaborations signify a concerted effort to enhance capabilities and meet the growing demands of the helicopter-based transportation sector.

In August 2022, Bristow Group Inc., a US-based vertical flight solutions provider, made a significant acquisition by purchasing British International Helicopter Services Limited. This undisclosed transaction strengthened Bristow's government services business while reinforcing British International Helicopters' established relationships with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. British International Helicopters, a UK-based provider of aviation services, particularly in oil and gas, naval operations, and cargo lifting, contributes to Bristow's expanded presence and capabilities in the helicopter-based transportation market.

Major companies operating in the helicopter-based transportation market report are Bristow Group Inc., CHC Group LLC, Global Helicopter Service GmbH, Heli-Central Pty Ltd., Leonardo S.p.A., PHI Inc., Air Center Helicopters Inc., Air Charter Service India Pvt. Ltd., Central Helicopter Services AG, Falcon Aviation Services Inc., British International Helicopters Services Limited, Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., Polar Airlines, Cougar Helicopters Inc., Helijet International Inc., Air Methods Corporation, Columbia Helicopters Inc., HNZ Group Inc., Maverick Aviation Group, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Helitrans AS, London's Air Ambulance Limited, National Grid Helicopter Services Limited, LifeFlight Australia, Air Zermatt AG, Starspeed Limited, Russian Helicopters JSC, Canadian Helicopters Limited., INAER Aviation Europe S.L.U., New York Helicopter Charter Inc., Summit Helicopters Inc., ERA Helicopters LLC, Heli-Union SA, Alpine Helicopters Inc., Patriot Aviation LLC.

North America was the largest region in the helicopter-based transportation market share in 2023. The regions covered in the helicopter-based transportation market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the helicopter-based transportation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The main types of helicopter-based transportation include passenger transportation and cargo transportation. Passenger transportation encompasses the movement of individuals using helicopters on a designated network, covering services such as medical transport, passenger tours, and other commercial transportation services. Helicopter-based transportation is employed for carrying people from one location to another. The use of light, small, medium, and heavy-lift helicopters is common for surveillance, search and rescue operations, passenger transportation, and cargo transportation. This mode of transportation finds applications across various industries, including mining, oil and gas, hydropower construction, agriculture, energy, and other end-user sectors.

The helicopter-based transportation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides helicopter-based transportation market statistics, including helicopter-based transportation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a helicopter-based transportation market share, detailed helicopter-based transportation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the helicopter-based transportation industry. This helicopter-based transportation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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