Commercial Helicopters Market Size, Share & Growth Drivers, 2030

Name: Commercial Helicopters Market Size, Share & Growth Drivers, 2030
Creator: Mordor Intelligence
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Commercial Helicopters Market Size and Share

Market Overview

Study Period	2019 - 2030
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.80 Billion
Market Size (2030)	USD 8.62 Billion
Growth Rate (2025 - 2030)	4.86% CAGR
Fastest Growing Market	Asia Pacific
Largest Market	North America
Market Concentration	Medium
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Commercial Helicopters Market (2025 - 2030) — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Commercial Helicopters Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The commercial helicopters market size stands at USD 6.80 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach USD 8.62 billion by 2030, reflecting a 4.86% CAGR. The expansion shows the sector’s capacity to absorb economic headwinds as operators modernize fleets to meet stricter safety and emissions rules. The strongest revenue drivers are offshore wind-farm build-outs, widening emergency medical contracts, and sustained VIP demand in traffic-congested cities. At the same time, pilot shortages and volatile fuel prices remain cost pressures that could slow discretionary purchases, though manufacturers are countering with fuel-efficient designs and hybrid-electric demonstrators. Overall, technology convergence and rising public-sector outsourcing reinforce long-term demand across every major region the commercial helicopter market serves.

Key Report Takeaways

By maximum take-off weight, light helicopters led the commercial helicopter market with 54.28% share in 2024, while heavy models are projected to expand at a 6.92% CAGR to 2030.
By engine count, single-engine platforms held a 63.87% share in 2024; twin-engine platforms recorded the quickest growth at 6.35% CAGR through 2030.
By rotor system, single main rotor designs accounted for 71.17% of revenue in 2024; tilt-rotor concepts are advancing at a 9.90% CAGR.
By mission, offshore oil and gas captured a 35.12% share of the commercial helicopters market size in 2024, whereas emergency medical services are growing at an 8.79% CAGR to 2030.
By geography, North America commanded 39.47% of 2024 revenue; Asia-Pacific is forecast to rise at a 7.20% CAGR and add the most incremental value.

Global Commercial Helicopters Market Trends and Insights

Drivers Impact Analysis

Driver	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
Rapid offshore wind-farm expansion widens mission scope	+1.2%	North Sea, Asia-Pacific, North America	Medium term (2-4 years)
Outsourced HEMS shifts fleets toward purpose-built twins	+1.5%	Global, chiefly North America and Europe	Medium term (2-4 years)
Modernisation wave tackles ageing fleets	+0.8%	Global	Long term (≥ 4 years)
VIP and charter flying gains traction in congested cities	+0.6%	Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, North America	Medium term (2-4 years)
Climate-driven rise in wildfires supporting aerial firefighting contracts	+0.5%	North America, Europe, Australia	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Commercialisation of hybrid-electric, SAF-ready, and tilt-rotor technologies	+0.7%	Global with early uptake in Europe and North America	Long term (≥ 4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Rapid offshore wind-farm expansion widens mission scope

Offshore wind targets in Europe, North America, and emerging Asian markets are adding flights beyond traditional oil-and-gas corridors. Operators note longer sector lengths and harsher sea states favoring medium and heavy twin-engine helicopters, prompting fresh orders at Verticon 2025 valued at about EUR 370 million (USD 422.5 million).^{[1]Leonardo Press Office, “Verticon 2025: New Orders Confirm Strong Position in Commercial Helicopter Sector,” leonardo.com} Mission planners expect the offshore wind helicopter fleet to quintuple by 2030, driving procurement of IFR-equipped AW139, AW169, and H145 models.

Outsourced HEMS shifts fleets toward purpose-built twins

Public health agencies are increasingly contracting private operators for round-the-clock helicopter emergency medical services, a trend most visible in North America and Western Europe. Average direct operating costs stand near EUR 2,488 (USD 2,843) per flight hour, so airframes with higher fuel efficiency and quick-role interiors are preferred.^{[2]Leonardo Press Office, “Verticon 2025: New Orders Confirm Strong Position in Commercial Helicopter Sector,” leonardo.com} Airbus has already booked 74 commitments for its new H140 light-twin, which is designed with an enlarged cabin for patient stretchers.

Modernization wave tackles ageing fleets

Over one-third of in-service commercial helicopters exceed 25 years of age, raising maintenance costs and regulatory exposure. Replacement demand is strongest in offshore operations, where up to 800 new aircraft may be required this decade to meet stringent IOGP R690 safety guidelines. Operators also value cabin noise reductions and fuel savings promised by the latest variants of AW189 and H160.

VIP and charter flying gains traction in congested cities

Executives in megacities increasingly rely on point-to-point helicopter services to bypass ground traffic. Leonardo delivered 185 VIP helicopters in 2023 and remains the market leader after new AW169 and AW109 bookings in 2025. Charter firms promote door-to-door travel time savings and predictable scheduling to justify premium rates, underpinning stable demand within the commercial helicopters market.

Restraints Impact Analysis

Restraint	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
Operating-cost inflation squeezes margins	-0.9%	Global	Medium term (2-4 years)
Pilot supply constraints limit utilisation	-0.8%	Global, acute in Asia-Pacific and Middle East	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Tightening global noise and emissions certification hurdles	-0.7%	Europe, North America	Medium term (2-4 years)
eVTOL and long-range drone substitution risk in light segments	-0.6%	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific	Long term (≥ 4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Operating-cost inflation squeezes margins

Fuel price swings and rising insurance premiums continue to erode profitability, especially for single-aircraft operators. Manufacturers respond with hybrid-electric demonstrators and advanced vibration diagnostics such as RADS-NG, recently approved for Bell 505, 429, 412, and 407 fleets.^{[3]GE Aerospace, “Bell Approves GE Aerospace Next-Gen Rotor Analysis Diagnostics for Use Across Fleet,” asdnews.com}

Pilot supply constraints limit utilisation

Industry demand for experienced IFR pilots exceeds supply, pushing salaries above USD 200,000 in offshore roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts only 16,800 annual pilot openings across airlines and rotor-wing operators, leaving gaps for rapidly growing Asia-Pacific fleets.

Segment Analysis

By Maximum Take-off Weight: Heavy helicopters extend range and lift

Light helicopter models remain the workhorse of the commercial helicopter market, retaining a 54.28% revenue share in 2024 through versatility in tourism, utility, and private transport. The segment’s appeal stems from lower acquisition costs and straightforward maintenance requirements, which keep utilisation high across diverse missions. Although numerically fewer, heavy units above 9 tons are on track for the fastest 6.92% CAGR through 2030 as wind-farm construction pushes mission distances well beyond 150 nm.

Operators cite payload capacity, hoist performance, and over-water redundancy as decisive factors when selecting heavy types such as AW189K and Sikorsky S-92. At the commercial helicopters market size level, heavy platforms are projected to add USD 730 million in incremental revenue by 2030, capturing operators migrating from older medium twins. Manufacturers invest in uprated engines and advanced avionics to comply with night-time IFR and SAR standards, positioning heavy helicopters for continued momentum.

Commercial Helicopters Market_By Maximum Take-off Weight — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Number of Engines: Twin-engine reliability supports regulation-led growth

Single-engine helicopters dominated 63.87% of 2024 turnover, largely due to training, agriculture, and private ownership segments. Their cost efficiency keeps them attractive wherever regulations permit VFR day missions. Nonetheless, twin-engine variants are expanding at a 6.35% CAGR because regulators and insurers favour redundancy for flights over urban zones and water. This pattern is evident in the Gulf of Mexico and the South China Sea, where twin-engine requirements are already standard.

Twin-engine platforms also underpin HEMS growth, as night and IFR operations demand two powerplants and full glass cockpits. The AW169, H145, and Bell 429 families secured triple-digit orders in 2024-2025, strengthening the twin-engine presence within the commercial helicopter market. As a result, the commercial helicopters market size attributable to twin-engine categories could top USD 4.2 billion by 2030.

By Rotor System Type: Tilt-rotor designs target speed and range

Conventional single-main-rotor aircraft commanded 71.17% revenue in 2024 owing to mature maintenance networks and favorable operating economics. Yet, tilt-rotor aircraft show the strongest 9.90% CAGR outlook as operators weigh time-sensitive missions that benefit from higher cruise speeds. Bell’s next-generation concept in the DARPA X-plane program highlights industrial confidence in combining fixed-wing cruise with VTOL flexibility.

Co-axial rotor systems are also advancing, offering up to 9% efficiency improvements by eliminating tail rotors. As these layouts progress toward certification, they could capture utility, firefighting, and urban-air-mobility niches now served by single-rotor light helicopters

Commercial Helicopters Market_By Rotor System Type — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By End-Use: HEMS outpaces all other mission profiles

Offshore oil and gas still delivers 35.12% of 2024 revenue and anchors demand for medium and heavy twins. Even so, emergency medical services achieve the highest 8.79% CAGR forecast through 2030, reflecting government contracts prioritizing fast patient transport. HEMS operators typically specify twin-engine IFR machines with large cabin doors, attributes embodied in the new H140 and upgraded AW169.

VIP and corporate charter flights continue flourishing as urban congestion worsens travel times. This niche already claims more than 1,200 Leonardo VIP helicopters in service worldwide, a fleet segment expected to expand further after the latest EUR-denominated bookings. Search-and-rescue, firefighting, and aerial-work contracts supply counter-cyclical revenue that steadies commercial helicopter markets during commodity downturns.

Geography Analysis

North America retained a 39.47% revenue share in 2024, supported by mature HEMS networks, extensive offshore platforms, and a sizeable corporate charter community. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Commercial Air Tour ARC, established in 2024, is tightening operational oversight, encouraging operators to refresh cockpits with advanced situational-awareness tools. Fleet renewal is accelerating, especially among legacy AS350 and Bell 206 assets.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest expanding region, with a projected 7.20% CAGR for 2025-2030. China’s civil fleet exceeded 330 aircraft by early 2025 and continues to grow, prioritizing search-and-rescue, disaster relief, and police surveillance. Australia and India likewise add medium twins to support remote-area medical cover and offshore exploration, reinforcing the long-term pull of the commercial helicopters market.

Europe sustains steady demand, anchored by North Sea operations covering oil rigs and far-shore wind turbines. Heightened environmental standards push operators toward quieter and lower-emission models, spurring interest in SAF-compatible engines and hybrid demonstrators. Latin America leverages fleet leasing to modernise ageing workhorses, with new AW169s leased into Canadian HEMS suggesting similar structures could serve Petrobras and other operators in Brazil. The Middle East and Africa favour VIP and offshore support, and recent deliveries into Saudi Arabia underline fresh capacity for luxury transport and utility missions.

Commercial Helicopters Market_Growth Rate by Region — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Competitive Landscape

The commercial helicopters market is moderately concentrated. Airbus SE, Bell Textron Inc., Leonardo S.p.A, and Lockheed Martin Corporation account for roughly 90% of annual civil and parapublic deliveries. Airbus secured 455 gross orders in 2024 and delivered 361 units, which is equal to a 57% lead in civil share. Leonardo follows with particular strength in VIP and offshore segments, exemplified by EUR 370 million (USD 423.39 million) in fresh orders announced at Verticon 2025.

Innovation, not price, defines competitive advantage because certification costs and global support networks create high entry barriers. Manufacturers invest in hybrid-electric flight labs, advanced HUMS packages, health monitoring, and full-glass avionics. Bell’s adoption of GE’s RADS-NG across its fleet reduces vibration-related wear, extending component life and lowering maintenance expense. Airbus opened a 21,000 sq ft distribution centre in Canada in 2025 to shorten spares lead times and support the expanding H135 law-enforcement fleet.

White-space opportunities exist in autonomous systems and urban-air-mobility crossovers where traditional helicopter builders face competition from eVTOL start-ups. By integrating fly-by-wire controls and predictive maintenance analytics, incumbents aim to retain high-margin service contracts even as new propulsion architectures appear.

Commercial Helicopters Industry Leaders

Bell Textron Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Leonardo S.p.A.
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation “Rostec”)
Airbus SE
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Commercial Helicopters Market Concentration — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

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Recent Industry Developments

May 2025: Airbus Helicopters Canada (Airbus SE) inaugurated its new integrated distribution center in the Niagara region. The 21,000-square-foot facility expands the spare parts storage capacity and strengthens industrial operations.
March 2025: Leonardo S.p.A booked nearly 30 helicopters worth EUR 370 million (USD 423.39 million) for energy, public service, and VIP roles.
February 2024: Lockheed Martin Corporation Sikorsky introduced the hybrid-electric HEX 2-Rotor Tiltwing demonstrator with a 575-mile range.

Table of Contents for Commercial Helicopters Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Rapid offshore wind-farm expansion widens mission scope
- 4.2.2 Outsourced HEMS shifts fleets toward purpose-built twins
- 4.2.3 Modernisation wave tackles ageing fleets
- 4.2.4 VIP and charter flying gains traction in congested cities
- 4.2.5 Climate-driven rise in wildfires supporting aerial firefighting contracts
- 4.2.6 Commercialisation of hybrid-electric, SAF-ready, and tilt-rotor technologies
4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 Operating-cost inflation squeezes margins
- 4.3.2 Pilot supply constraints limit utilisation
- 4.3.3 Tightening global noise and emissions certification hurdles
- 4.3.4 eVTOL and long-range drone substitution risk in light segments
4.4 Value Chain Analysis
4.5 Regulatory and Technological Outlook
4.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
- 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

5.1 By Maximum Take-off Weight
- 5.1.1 Light Helicopters
- 5.1.2 Medium Helicopters
- 5.1.3 Heavy Helicopters
5.2 By Number of Engines
- 5.2.1 Single-engine
- 5.2.2 Twin-engine
5.3 By Rotor System Type
- 5.3.1 Single Main Rotor
- 5.3.2 Tandem Rotor
- 5.3.3 Co-Axial Rotor
- 5.3.4 Tilt-Rotor
5.4 By End-Use
- 5.4.1 Offshore Oil and Gas
- 5.4.2 Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
- 5.4.3 Corporate and VIP Charter
- 5.4.4 Search and Rescue/Firefighting
- 5.4.5 Aerial Work (Utility, Survey, Cargo)
- 5.4.6 Tourism
5.5 By Geography
- 5.5.1 North America
- 5.5.1.1 United States
- 5.5.1.2 Canada
- 5.5.1.3 Mexico
- 5.5.2 Europe
- 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.5.2.2 France
- 5.5.2.3 Germany
- 5.5.2.4 Russia
- 5.5.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.3.1 China
- 5.5.3.2 India
- 5.5.3.3 Japan
- 5.5.3.4 South Korea
- 5.5.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.4 South America
- 5.5.4.1 Brazil
- 5.5.4.2 Rest of South America
- 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.5.5.1 Middle East
- 5.5.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.5.5.1.2 United Arab Emirates
- 5.5.5.1.3 Rest of Middle East
- 5.5.5.2 Africa
- 5.5.5.2.1 South Africa
- 5.5.5.2.2 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Market Concentration
6.2 Strategic Moves
6.3 Market Share Analysis
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 Airbus SE
- 6.4.2 Bell Textron Inc.
- 6.4.3 Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 6.4.4 Leonardo S.p.A.
- 6.4.5 Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec)
- 6.4.6 Robinson Helicopter Company
- 6.4.7 MD Helicopters, LLC
- 6.4.8 Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
- 6.4.9 Schweizer
- 6.4.10 Kaman Corporation
- 6.4.11 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- 6.4.12 Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC)
- 6.4.13 Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
- 6.4.14 Erickson Incorporated
- 6.4.15 Helicopteres Guimbal S.A.S

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

7.1 White-space and Unmet-Need Assessment

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Global Commercial Helicopters Market Report Scope

Commercial helicopters are rotorcraft designed and used for various business and non-military purposes. They are employed in multiple industries and applications, offering versatility and flexibility in transportation, logistics, and other operations.

The commercial helicopter market is segmented by maximum take-off weight, number of engines, end-user, and geography. By maximum take-off weight, the market is segmented into light, medium, and heavy. By number of engines, the market is segmented into single-engine and multi-engine. By end-user, the market is classified into commercial, private, and other end-users. The others segment includes government agencies and departments and law enforcement agencies. The report offers the market size and forecasts for major countries across the regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts were made based on value (USD).

By Maximum Take-off Weight	Light Helicopters
	Medium Helicopters
	Heavy Helicopters
By Number of Engines	Single-engine
	Twin-engine
By Rotor System Type	Single Main Rotor
	Tandem Rotor
	Co-Axial Rotor
	Tilt-Rotor
By End-Use	Offshore Oil and Gas
	Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
	Corporate and VIP Charter
	Search and Rescue/Firefighting
	Aerial Work (Utility, Survey, Cargo)
	Tourism

By Geography	North America	United States
		Canada
		Mexico

	Europe	United Kingdom
		France
		Germany
		Russia
		Rest of Europe

	Asia-Pacific	China
		India
		Japan
		South Korea
		Rest of Asia-Pacific

	South America	Brazil
		Rest of South America

	Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
			United Arab Emirates
			Rest of Middle East

		Africa	South Africa
			Rest of Africa

By Maximum Take-off Weight

Light Helicopters

Medium Helicopters

Heavy Helicopters

By Number of Engines

Single-engine

Twin-engine

By Rotor System Type

Single Main Rotor

Tandem Rotor

Co-Axial Rotor

Tilt-Rotor

By End-Use

Offshore Oil and Gas

Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)

Corporate and VIP Charter

Search and Rescue/Firefighting

Aerial Work (Utility, Survey, Cargo)

Tourism

By Geography

North America	United States
	Canada
	Mexico
Europe	United Kingdom
	France
	Germany
	Russia
	Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific	China
	India
	Japan
	South Korea
	Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America	Brazil
	Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
		United Arab Emirates
		Rest of Middle East

	Africa	South Africa
		Rest of Africa

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Key Questions Answered in the Report

How large is the commercial helicopters market in 2025?

The commercial helicopters market size is USD 6.80 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 8.62 billion by 2030.

Which end-use segment is growing fastest?

Helicopter emergency medical services show the highest growth, with an expected 8.79% CAGR through 2030, outpacing offshore energy, VIP charter and other missions.

Why are twin-engine helicopters gaining popularity?

Stricter safety rules for over-water and urban flights, combined with insurer preferences for redundancy, are lifting demand for twin-engine models that also offer greater payload flexibility.

What technologies will shape future helicopter fleets?

Hybrid-electric propulsion, sustainable aviation fuel compatibility, advanced health-monitoring systems and tilt-rotor configurations are the key innovations under active development and early adoption.

Which region will see the fastest fleet expansion?

Asia-Pacific leads with a projected 7.20% CAGR through 2030, driven by infrastructure growth, rising healthcare investment and offshore exploration across China, India and Australia.