The global helicopter market was valued at USD 67.46 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 74.52 billion in 2024 to USD 97.13 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period. In 2023, North America led the market, accounting for a dominant share of 55.34%. The U.S. helicopter market, in particular, is expected to witness substantial growth, with its value projected to reach USD 45.26 billion by 2032, driven by a rise in both military and civil helicopter deliveries.
The global helicopter market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across military, civil, and commercial applications. Rising investments in defense modernization, expanding emergency medical services, and the growing use of helicopters for transport, tourism, and offshore operations are contributing to market expansion. Technological advancements, such as improved fuel efficiency, enhanced avionics, and the development of electric and hybrid helicopters, are further supporting growth. Additionally, strong demand from regions like North America is expected to continue due to consistent helicopter procurement and fleet upgrades.
Airbus S.A.S (Netherlands)
Textron Inc. (U.S.)
Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
The Boeing Company (U.S.)
Rostec (Russia)
The Robinson Helicopter Company (U.S.)
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. (India)
Kaman Corporation (U.S.)
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/helicopter-market-101685
The global helicopter market is segmented based on type, number of engines, maximum take-off weight (MTOW), application, point of sale, and geography. By type, the market is categorized into civil & commercial and military helicopters. Based on the number of engines, it is divided into single-engine and twin-engine helicopters. In terms of MTOW, the market is segmented into less than 3,000 kg, 3,000 kg to 9,000 kg, and greater than 9,000 kg. By application, the segments include emergency medical service, corporate service, search and rescue operations, oil & gas, defense, homeland security, and others. Based on the point of sale, the market is classified into new and pre-owned helicopters. Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa—each region further segmented by type, number of engines, MTOW, application, point of sale, and key countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, China, India, Brazil, and the U.A.E.
Light to Lead Due to Demand for Civil and Commercial Helicopters
According to weight, the helicopter market is divided into light, medium, and heavy. Light segment dominated in 2022 due to growing demand for civil and commercial helicopters in sightseeing, aerial photography, and transportation of small groups and cargo.
EMS to Lead Due to Increasing Applications in Healthcare
Based on application, the market is divided into Emergency Medical Service (EMS), corporate service search and rescue operation, oil & gas, defense, homeland security, and others. The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) segment is set to dominate due to increasing applications in healthcare. The search and rescue operation segment has the second largest share owing to its applications in disaster management, aerial firefighting activities, and others.
Pre-Ownedto Lead the Segment Due to Various Benefits
Based on point of sale, the market is divided into new and pre-owned. Pre-owned segment is set to dominate due to cost-effectiveness of pre-owned and increased backlog deliveries by OEMs.
In terms of geography, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the helicopter market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players.
Demand for Air Ambulance Services to Propel Market Growth
Demand for air ambulance services is projected to drive the helicopter market growth. The demand for air ambulance services has been increasing as they are one of the fastest means of transportation due to their quickness to offer transportation to critical patients. Their ability to reach remote and inaccessible areas makes them an ideal option for transporting patients to medical facilities with speed and efficiency. The demand for ambulance services is set by the growing elderly population, rise in chronic diseases, and the requirement for prompt medical attention during emergencies.
However, delivery backlogs, high operational, and maintenance costs to impede the market expansion.
North America to Dictate Market Share Due to Modernization and Expansion of Military
North America held the dominating helicopter market share in 2022 due to modernization and expansion of the military fleet. In June 2022, Lockheed Martin Corp received a five-year contract for USD 2.3 billion to manufacture a minimum of 120 H-60M Black Hawks as the U.S. military seeks a successor to its existing fleet. The five-year contract includes an option for 135 additional aircraft worth USD 4.4 billion, available to the Army, U.S. agencies, and allies.
Europe has held the second-largest share as helicopters are used for the transportation of offshore wind farms and maintenance of wind turbines.
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the market due to defense spending by emerging countries and increasing demand for lightweight helicopters.
New Product Launches by the Key Market Players to Boost Market Progress
The helicopter market has key players such as Airbus S.A.S, Textron Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, and others. The key players have been adopting strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, product launches, collaborations, and partnerships. In December 2022, Airbus SAS launched DisruptiveLab for the improvement of rotorcraft performance. DisruptiveLab is a flying laboratory that is designed to test technologies that can enhance the performance of aircraft and reduce CO2 emissions.
December 2023 – U.K.-based startup Hill Helicopters unveiled the first prototypes of its HX50 single-engine light helicopter. The two completed aircraft highlight design variations, with one featuring skid landing gear and the other equipped with wheeled landing gear.
August 2023 – The U.S. State Department approved Poland’s request to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters and related equipment, in a deal valued at approximately USD 12 billion. Upon completion, Poland would become the largest AH-64E operator outside the United States.