Commercial Helicopters Market Report 2025

The commercial helicopters market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $38.75 billion in 2024 to $40.1 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increased use of helicopters in search and rescue (SAR), growing demand for air ambulance services, government support, and a rising number of tourist destinations.

The commercial helicopters market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $46.31 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for air taxis, rise in air transportation, increasing commercial aircraft orders, growth in the offshore oil and gas industry, and growing urbanization. Major trends in the forecast period include the development of drone taxis, the development of UAV commercial helicopters, the use of artificial intelligence technology, product innovations, the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), the development of hybrid-electric demonstrator for commercial missions, strategic partnerships and collaborations and development of flying laboratories to test next generation of innovations.

The increased utilization of helicopters across emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and firefighting operations is set to be a significant catalyst for the expansion of the commercial helicopters market. In emergency medical services, helicopters play a crucial role in swiftly transporting patients, medical supplies, and personnel, catering to both immediate critical needs and long-distance transfers within the medical network. With approximately 400,000 patients transported annually via rotary-wing aircraft and 150,000 via fixed-wing aircraft in the USA, as highlighted by the MIT International Center for Air Transportation (ICAT), helicopters in EMS constitute a pivotal driver in the commercial helicopters market, compared to the 36 million transported by ground.

The increasing demand for the tourism industry is anticipated to boost the growth of the commercial helicopter market in the future. The tourism industry includes all economic activities and services associated with travel for leisure, business, or other purposes. It comprises various sectors and businesses that cater to the needs and preferences of tourists and travelers. Commercial helicopters are utilized in the tourism industry for a variety of purposes, enhancing travel experiences and providing unique aerial views of scenic locations accessible to a wider range of travelers. For example, in December 2023, Eurostat, the Luxembourg-based statistical office of the European Union (EU), reported a notable increase in air travel, with the total number of passengers reaching 820 million in 2022, representing a significant rise of 119.3% compared to the previous year. Thus, the growing demand for the tourism industry is driving the expansion of the commercial helicopter market.

Prominent firms within the commercial helicopters sector are prioritizing the integration of technological advancements to uphold their competitive edge in the industry. As an illustration, Textron's Bell is currently developing an innovative technology termed electrically distributed anti-torque (EDAT) to address noise-related concerns. This system aims to enhance safety measures and operational efficiency while notably reducing sound emissions compared to traditional tail rotor-equipped aircraft. Their Bell 429 model, featuring EDAT technology, substitutes the conventional rotor setup with four electrically-driven fans at the helicopter's rear, offering significant advantages over the conventional tail rotor.

Leading companies operating in the commercial helicopter domain are adopting a strategic partnership approach to augment their competencies and competitive standing. Strategic partnerships involve collaborative endeavors where companies leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. As an example, in January 2023, Italy-based aerospace entity Leonardo S.p.A. forged a strategic alliance with France-based helicopter manufacturer Safran S.A. This collaboration is aimed at developing the next-generation AW09 single-engine commercial helicopter, integrating cost-effective maintenance solutions, bespoke PBH (Power-by-the-Hour) and SBH (Support-by-the-Hour) contracts, and an array of digital services to enhance the offering's appeal and functionality.

In June 2022, Duofu Group, a Chinese aviation company, completed the undisclosed acquisition of Fama Helicopters, an Israel-based helicopter manufacturer known for its two-seater ultralight helicopter KISS 216. This strategic move positions Duofu Group to enhance its aviation capabilities and integrate advanced technologies into its portfolio.

Major companies operating in the commercial helicopters market include Airbus SE, Leonardo SpA, Russian Helicopters, Textron, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Robinson Helicopter Company, MD Helicopters Inc, Kaman Corporation, Airbus Helicopters India Pvt Ltd, Bell Helicopter India, Eurocopter India Pvt Ltd, HAL, Indian Rotorcraft, Indocopters, Mahindra, Ramco, TataCitic Offshore Helicopter (COHC), China Flying Dragon General Aviation, China Southern Zhuhai Helicopter Company, Reignwood, Sichuan Xilin Fengteng, China Eastern GA, Aerospeed Ltd, Aeroventure Museum, Air Alderney, Air Harrods Ltd, Airwork (Helicopters) Ltd, Atlas Helicopters, Avincis Group, Babcock International, Bond Aviation Group, Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Bournemouth Helicopters Ltd, Brintel Helicopters, Bristow, British Airways Helicopters, British Caledonian Helicopter, British European Airways, British Executive Air Services, Kazan Helicopters, Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov Design Bureau, Motor Sich JSC, Antonov State Enterprise, Brantly International, The Boeing Company, Magellan Aerospace, Northstar Aerospace Inc, Bombardier Inc, Era Group Inc, Vector Aerospace, Flapper, Helibras, Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc., Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC), Ayezan E Gistics Llc, Transworld Aviation FZE, Abu Dhabi Aviation.

North America was the largest region in the commercial helicopters market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global commercial helicopters market share during the forecast period. The regions covered in the commercial helicopters market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the commercial helicopters market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain.

Commercial helicopters are helicopters utilized for transporting passengers and cargo for commercial purposes. They can operate with one or two pilots, providing the flexibility to land and take off in various locations, including airports, urban areas, and helipads on buildings.

The primary types of commercial helicopters include light-weight, medium-weight, and heavy-weight categories. They are further classified based on the number of engines, with options for single-engine and multi-engine configurations. These helicopters find applications in sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, medical services, law enforcement, public safety, and others.

The commercial helicopters market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides commercial helicopters market statistics, including global and regional shares, competitors with a commercial helicopters market share, detailed commercial helicopters market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the commercial helicopters industry. This commercial helicopters 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 commercial helicopters market consists of sales of helicopters of various types for commercial purposes such as passenger transport, cargo, and utility tasks such as photo, patrol, forestry, and advertising. The market includes MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services provided by manufacturers during the commercial helicopter’s warranty period. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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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