Market Trends of Medium And Heavy-lift Helicopters Industry
Medium-lift Helicopters Segment to Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The demand for medium-lift helicopters is increasing in the civil, commercial, and military sectors. They are generally incorporated with multi-mission capabilities that make them suitable for lifting operations in rigid environments, including helicopter logging, ski-lift installations, power line construction, and logistical support for remote construction sites where heavy-lift helicopters struggle to operate.
Manufacturers of helicopters are experiencing a massive demand for their medium-lift models for various purposes like tourism, medical, emergency rescue services, law enforcement, transportation, and offshore helicopter services. In September 2023, Airbus Helicopters and PHI Group (PHI) signed an agreement that includes 20 super-medium H175 helicopter deliveries. These helicopters will be used to serve the energy market worldwide.
Similarly, in July 2022, Poland signed a contract worth USD 1.83 billion to buy 32 AW149 helicopters from the Italian defense group Leonardo S.p.A. The contract includes logistics, training, and simulator packages. Helicopters will be delivered between 2023 and 2029. Such developments will drive the demand for medium-lift helicopters during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific Region is Projected to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
The advancement in the civil and commercial sectors is a big boost, especially in the sales of medium-lift helicopters in the Asia-Pacific. The number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is increasing the number of charter services. Nations in the region are also using these helicopters to upgrade their services and forces.
China has the most significant military helicopter fleet in Asia-Pacific. In April 2022, the Chinese Navy announced the service entry of its new anti-submarine helicopter, the Z-20. The naval version of the Z-20 would replace the domestically made Harbin Z-9C and Russian-built Ka-28 helicopters, and it will be used as a utility helicopter for anti-submarine warfare and assault.
In addition, the territorial commercial segment of the market is witnessing a massive demand from Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. For instance, in March 2023, two AW139s were ordered by SFS Aviation, a leading provider of offshore helicopter services for oil and gas companies in Thailand. Due to this, the region's medium and heavy-lift helicopter market is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period.
