The global commercial helicopter market is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2027, according to IBA, an independent aviation consultancy. Last year, it valued this market at $8.2 billion but recognized rising demand in emerging economies, interest in super-medium models, and increased utilization as factors responsible for the anticipated $3.4 billion increase in market value over the next decade.
The combined global piston and turbine commercial helicopter fleet totals more than 33,000. IBA found 90 percent of the 22,000 turbine helicopters to be owned by operators, while the remaining 10 percent are leased. IBA anticipates demand for commercial helicopters to be driven by leasing companies purchasing new helicopters to renew their fleets serving rapidly expanding major helicopter operators. IBA predicts 55 percent of the market will be dominated by medium helicopters with super-medium helicopters also establishing a firm position in the market.
After oil prices plummeted around 2014, IBA noted that heavy- and medium-category helicopter deliveries followed suit in offshore oil and gas operations. IBA has seen evidence of a recovery that began in 2017, but noted it normally takes two years for the industry to recover following an increase in oil prices.
According to IBA, the base helicopter fleet in Asia continues to grow, with China taking the lead. A flight ban imposed by Chinese authorities that forbade commercial aircraft from operating below 1,000 meters has been rescinded and 450 helicopters have since been delivered. IBA noted Asia, on average, has been expanding at a faster rate than any of the other regions since 2007 and is expected to account for 27.9 percent of the overall market share.
