USD 32.3 billion
Helicopter Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
Helicopter Market By Point of Sale (OEM, Aftermarket), By OEM Type (Military, Civil & Commercial), By OEM Application (Military, Civil & Commercial), By OEM Component, By OEM number of engines, By Aftermarket Component, By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG20A2189 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: March, 2025
Pages:
202
|Tables:
65
|Figures:
75
Format -
Helicopter Market Insights
Global Helicopter Market size was valued at USD 32.3 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 34.27 billion in 2024 to USD 55.04 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Helicopter market has been witnessing dynamic changes impacted by numerous factors like growing demand for air mobility, improvements in military, and technological advancements. Growing congestion in metropolitan regions and rising urbanization are notably fueling the need for effective air transport solutions like personal helicopters and air taxis. Several nations across the globe are heavily investing in enhancing their military competencies, resulting in increased need for military helicopters for various purposes like transportation, surveillance, and combat operations. Furthermore, improvements like enhanced composite materials, avionics, and advanced rotor designs are increasing efficiency, safety, and cost-efficiency of helicopters. These factors are significantly driving the demand for helicopters, thus impacting the overall market growth.
Conversely, the market is witnessing a few challenges due to significant operational costs, regulatory challenges, and intense competition from different transport modes. The cost of maintenance, fuel, and skilled pilots may be high, which could notably restrict the growth of the market, mainly in the progressing nations. Strict regulations regarding noise, safety, and environment may affect the growth of the market. This could possibly increase compliance costs for operators and manufacturers, thus adversely impacting the market growth. In addition, the availability of alternative transportation methods like fixed-wing aircraft and drones may impede the demand for helicopters in most applications. Yet, the market is opportune to factors like increased focus on maintenance, repair, and overhaul MRO services, growth of urban air mobility, and rising investments in aviation.
US Helicopter Market is poised to grow at a sustainable CAGR for the next forecast year.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
OEM
Fastest Growth
Aftermarket
Growth Rate
6.1% CAGR
Global Helicopter Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)
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Helicopter Market Segments Analysis
Global Helicopter Market is segmented by Point of Sale, OEM Type, OEM Application, OEM Component, OEM number of engines, Aftermarket Component and region. Based on Point of Sale, the market is segmented into OEM and Aftermarket. Based on OEM Type, the market is segmented into Military and Civil & Commercial. Based on OEM Application, the market is segmented into Military and Civil & Commercial. Based on OEM Component, the market is segmented into Airframe and Engines. Based on OEM number of engines, the market is segmented into Twin Engines and Single Engines. Based on Aftermarket Component, the market is segmented into Aerostructures, Main Rotor Systems, Avionics, Landing Gear Systems, Emergency Systems, Cabin Interiors, Actuators and Filters. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Point of Sale
Based on point of sale, the helicopter market is categorized into OEM, aftermarket, and heavy helicopters. The OEM segment held a notable market share in 2023 and is projected to continue dominance in future as well owing to innovations and technology, well-established brand presence, and diverse product range. OEMs fuel advancements in technology, offering superior features and designs that notably improve efficiency, safety, and performance in helicopters. Established original equipment manufacturers like Bell, Airbus, and Sikorsky are the prominent brand and hold significant customer trust, resulting in steady demand for products. OEMs also offer a broader variety for diverse applications like commercial, military, and civil, satisfying different consumer requirements.
On the other hand, the aftermarket segment held a notable share of the market in the previous years and is expected to lead over the forecast period as well owing to the increasing fleet size, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance. As the application and number of helicopters is increasing for diverse operations, the demand for repair, maintenance, and overhaul services is also increasing. Operators are emphasizing increasing the lifespan of the present helicopters by efficiently utilizing aftermarket services. These services are mostly cost-effective instead of buying a novel aircraft. Strict regulatory and safety needs are also increasing the demand for regular inspections and maintenance, thus impacting segmental growth.
Analysis by Type
Based on type, the market is segmented into military, civil & commercial, offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, and law enforcement. The civil & commercial segment held a notable market share in the previous years and is expected to continue dominance over the forecast period as well owing to the rising demand for air transport, diverse applications, and advancements in technology. Growing congestion and urbanization are resulting in increasing demand for air mobility solutions, comprising air taxis, tourism, and executive transport. Commercial and civil helicopters serve different sectors like offshore oil and gas, medical transport, and law enforcement, thus increasing market presence and reach. Improvements in efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort have also increased the prominence of commercial and civil helicopters.
On the other hand, the military segment will hold a remarkable market share in the coming years owing to significant defense budgets, technological developments for military applications, and rising global security concerns. Several nations are majorly investing in improving their defense capabilities, thus impacting the demand for military helicopters in different roles like reconnaissance, transport, and combat. Constant improvements in military helicopter technology facilities are advancing operational efficacy, versatility, and safety, increasing their significance for modern armed forces. Global security concerns are also rising on the global scale, thus impacting segmental growth. rising geopolitical stresses and the demand for speedy response competencies have increased the need for military helicopters.
Global Helicopter Market Size By Point of Sale
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Helicopter Market Regional Insights
Geographically, North America dominated the market in the previous years and is expected to lead over the forecast period owing to strong military demand, established manufacturers, and diverse applications. The military in the U.S. is significantly investing in advanced technology for helicopters, thus impacting the need for both upgraded and new military helicopters. Most manufacturers have their headquarters in the United States including manufacturing facilities, supporting the market growth in the region. Also, the region holds a wider range of helicopter applications like offshore oil and gas, medical tourism, and law enforcement, resulting in strong market growth. The key players profiled in the region include Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft, Airbus Helicopters, Robinson Helicopter Company, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, MD Helicopters, and more.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the global helicopter market due to the rising demand for air travel, expansion of military, and infrastructural development. Rising disposable income and speedy urbanization are a few major drivers of the market in the region. They are notably increasing the demand for helicopter facilities in tourism, transportation, and several emergency cases. Nations like India, China, and Japan are notably investing in their military competencies, resulting in mounting demand for improved military helicopters. Also, key investments are seen in aviation infrastructure, comprising air traffic management and heliports, streamlining helicopter operations. These factors are projected to drive the market in the region.
Global Helicopter Market Size By Geography
- Largest
- Fastest
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Helicopter Market Dynamics
Drivers
Defense Spending and Military Modernizations
- The ongoing regional tensions and conflicts have forced several nations to enhance their military competencies, resulting in heavy procurement of improved military helicopters. Helicopters are vital for diverse military operations, comprising reconnaissance, troop transport, rescue, and logistical support, leading in its sustained demand. These factors are significantly propelling the growth of the market.
Expanding Oil and Gas Operations
- Helicopters are important for transporting personnel or workforce to remote locations or rigs and the rise of oil and gas is notably supporting the demand for efficient helicopter services. Hence, offshore practices are notably driving the demand for helicopters. They are also largely used in the mining sector for remote sites and transportation. This contributes to the progressing market growth.
Restraints
Significant Maintenance and Operational Costs
- Helicopters are highly fuel-intensive and variations in fuel prices may considerably affect operational costs, thus increasing their costs and making them less budget-friendly for a few operators. These operators may hesitate to adopt helicopters, thus affecting the market growth. Also, the technology and complex design necessitate timely maintenance, which could consume more time. This may impede possible buyers, mainly in the progressing regions.
Competition from Alternate Transport Modes
- The rising use of UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles for diverse applications like surveillance is presenting major competition for traditional services of helicopters, mainly in niche markets. Also, for long distance transport, the fixed-wing helicopters may offer better cost-efficiency, thus limiting the share of the helicopter market in a few sectors.
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Helicopter Market Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape of the global helicopter market is differentiated by the mix of numerous progressing players, new entrants, and various marketing strategies adopted by the profiled players. The prominent players are engaged in offering military helicopters, innovative designs, strong presence in the market, and production of civil helicopters. These include Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo S.p.A., and Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin). The competitive strategies adopted by the leading players comprise collaborations and partnerships, innovations, and geographic expansion, mainly in Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Overall, the market is progressing on the back of emphasis on sustainability and customization to maintain a competitive edge.
Top Players in Helicopter Market
- Airbus Helicopters (France)
- Bell Textron (United States)
- Lockheed Martin (United States)
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan)
- Boeing (United States)
- Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
- MD Helicopters (United States)
- Russian Helicopters (Russia)
- Korea Aerospace Industries (South Korea)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (India)
- Embraer (Brazil)
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
- Subaru Corporation (Japan)
- AVIC Helicopter Company (China)
- Sikorsky Aircraft (United States)
- Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (United States)
- Robinson Helicopter Company (United States)
- Kaman Corporation (United States)
- NHIndustries (France)
- PZL-Swidnik (Poland)
Recent Developments
- In October 2024, Airbus Helicopters is assured to obtain a production contract in 2025 for the (UAS) unmanned air system, named ‘the VSR700’, it has been creating for France Army. The company is expecting the contract soon since they meet and match the initial needs.
- In October 2024, Lockheed Martin is all set to develop a novel electronic warfare system for attack helicopters of service, while the BAE Systems is enhancing their rotary wing-fleet of service with novel encrypted missile warning systems and radios.
- In February 2024, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced the introduction of H145//BK117 D-3 helicopter to Central Helicopter Service, Ltd. to the market. This is the company’s 3rd D-3 delivered and 13th in total. The D-3 delivered is majorly intended for application in cases of medical services (emergency).
Helicopter Key Market Trends
- Eco-Friendly Innovations and Sustainability: There is an increased demand for eco-friendly aviation technologies, comprising fully electric and hybrid electric helicopters. Several manufacturers are majorly investing in research and development to notably decrease operational costs and emissions, while enhancing fuel effectiveness. Companies profiled are also adopting sustainable approaches like the use of improved materials that lessen the weight and enhance fuel efficacy and exploring alternate fuels.
- Use of Advanced Technology in Operations: The use of automation and artificial intelligence in flight operations is notably increasing, positively impacting navigation, safety, and maintenance. Artificial intelligence can majorly help pilots with decision-making and data analysis in real-time. Connectivity features are also integrated in helicopters that enable predictive maintenance and monitoring of systems in real-time. This reduces downtime and enhances reliability.
Helicopter Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest's ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, the helicopter market is considerably progressing due to growing demand for air mobility that fuels the need for effective air transport solutions, rising investments by nations to upgrade military capabilities, and innovations in avionics, rotor designs, and composite materials. The market is also fueled by the rising frequency of emergencies and natural disasters, driving the demand for helicopters. However, the market is hampered by heavy competition from alternate transport methods, that decrease the need for conventional helicopters in most applications. North America is projected to lead the market due to growing investment in aviation infrastructure and favorable regulations. Nonetheless, a few opportunities for the growth of the helicopter market include rising integration of advanced technologies like advanced avionics, IoT, and AI in helicopters, and increased use of helicopters for border patrol, law enforcement, and public safety.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 32.3 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 55.04 billion |
| Growth Rate | 6.1% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
|
| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Helicopter Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on Helicopter Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the Helicopter Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Helicopter Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Helicopter Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Helicopter Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Helicopter Market Report Snapshots
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