Helicopters Market

Industry Overview

Helicopter demands are increasing due to its special characteristics such as landing and take-off. The global helicopters market is growing at a significant rate, due to mounting need for lightweight helicopters and augmented requirement for emergency medical services helicopters. Different applications contributed to the helicopters market size. The market has witnessed high demand for military helicopters in the coming years due to its exclusive maneuverability characteristics, and enhanced technologies that the helicopters are armed with.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Point of Sale

On the basis of point of sale the helicopters market is subdivided into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket.

Helicopter OEM Insight by Type

On the basis of type the market is subdivided into military and civil & commercial. Among the both types, the military segment accounted the largest share in the market, due to increase demand in developing countries, and augmented need for advanced defense equipment. In addition, civil & commercial segment is expected to have higher growth in the market due to mounting demand in medical service, firefighting, tourism, general utility and law enforcement.

The military helicopters segment is subdivided into heavy helicopters (>8.5 tons), medium helicopters (4.5–8.5 tons) and light helicopters (9.0 tons)

Helicopter OEM Insight by Application

On the basis of application the market is subdivided into military application and civil & commercial application. Among the both applications, the military application accounted the largest share in the helicopters market due to its exclusive maneuverability characteristics, and enhanced technologies that the helicopters are armed with. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of military helicopters is more as compare to commercial helicopters.

The military helicopter segment is subdivided into transport helicopters, search & rescue helicopters, attack & reconnaissance helicopters, training helicopters, maritime helicopters and others. In addition, the civil and commercial helicopter segment is subdivided into transport helicopters, civil utility helicopters, emergency rescue & medical support helicopters, offshore helicopters and others          

Helicopter OEM Insight by Component and Systems

On the basis of component and systems the market is subdivided into airframe, and engine. Among the all component and systems, the airframe accounted the largest share in the helicopters market.

The airframe segment is subdivided into aerostructures, avionics, transmission system, emergency system, main rotor system, environmental control system, undercarriage, anti-torque system, cabin interiors, electrical system, hydraulic system, stability augmentation system, flight control system and special purpose system.

Helicopter Aftermarket Insight by Component and Systems

On the basis of component and system the market is subdivided into main rotor system, emergency floatation systems, ADS-B, window & windshields, ACAS-II, doors, HGPWS, seats, skids & bear paws, and tires. The main rotor system is further subdivided into avionics, emergency system, main rotor blades, cabin interiors, turbine filters, landing gear system, actuators, aerostructure and others.

Industry Dynamics

Industry Trends

Technological advancements such as electro-optical and infrared systems (EOIR), electronic flight instruments (EFI), improved flight vision systems (EFVS) for heliport, ultra-light multi-mode radar, multirole combat helicopters with incorporated avionics and weapons and improved innovative cockpits and mounting digital helicopter condition-monitoring are the trends in the helicopters market.

Growth Drivers

Augmented requirement for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) helicopters, mounting need for military helicopters, mounting use of helicopters in disaster relief, and mounting need for lightweight helicopters are the primary growth drivers for helicopters market. Mounting need for fuel-efficient turboshaft engines and advancement in avionics to enhance safety features are also facilitating the growth for the helicopters market.

Challenges

Reduction in defense budget in developed nations, high price related with novel technology, cancellation of rotocraft orders and strict regulatory standards for helicopter manufacturing and improvement are the major challenges for the growth of helicopters market.

Industry Ecosystem

Globally, the manufacturing companies trying to enter the helicopter market are required to maintain stringent regulatory standards. Moreover, the high level of capital requirement also poses a major barrier for the entry of new players. This offers an edge to the established players in the industry competition.

Geographic Overview

Geographically, North America accounted the largest share in the market due to retirement of the old generation helicopters and augmented usage of helicopter.

Asia-Pacific is observed to witness fastest growth in the market due to expending an enormous amount on the progress of civil and military helicopter fleet. Mounting need for helicopters, and upsurge in defense spending are also up surging growth of the Asia-Pacific helicopters market.

Competitive Insight

Key players in the helicopters market are catering the demand by development of medium helicopters and investing on technologically advanced products across the globe. In August 2018, Hiratagakuen strengthens Japan’s aeromedical operations with Airbus fleet. Airbus Helicopters SAS, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Robinson Helicopter Company, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc., Leonardo S.P.A., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Boeing, Md Helicopters, Inc. and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are the key players offering helicopters.