What is estimated in the commercial helicopter market until 2027?

The increase in the use of helicopters in various sectors, such as tourism, medical and emergency rescue services, transportation, and offshore helicopter services, as well as the high defence budgets of the military forces of emerging countries and powers, among others, have driven the demand and the need for the renewal of helicopter fleets significantly globally.

The current global market is evaluated at 31,900 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow to 41,200 million by 2027 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.1% globally, 4% in North America; This leads us to establish that the leading manufacturers in the market are investing in innovation. For example, the addition of TB17 lithium-ion batteries in aircraft, which offers substantial weight reductions of approximately 46% less than the standard battery, improved starting performance and longer life, as well as the high maintenance cost of having a fleet in optimal flight conditions, it has led operators in general to invest heavily in the acquisition of models with advanced technologies in structure and propulsion systems such as hybrid electric variants, which are expected to reduce fuel consumption by 40% and enter service before 2029.

Moreover, the North American helicopter market is consolidated by nature, with top-notch helicopter OEMs dominating the market. Over the past few years, this market has received a significant number of deliveries, representing 64% of the regional market share for these manufacturers, where more than 454 helicopters have been delivered to helicopter pilots of the US Defense Forces.

These ageing fleet acquisition and replacement plans, with the high numbers of orders from major global manufacturers and new collaborations between them, are anticipated to significantly accelerate the growth of the helicopter market in the coming years. Similarly, competition in the market will be challenging and will necessarily bring with it new innovations and optimisation in aircraft design and performance.

In addition, it is anticipated that the associations of manufacturers together with operators will be unified to offer new generation helicopters that will support their growth, as well as the forecast of new contracts that will help in the increase of theirgeographical presence in the coming years.