Asia Pacific Helicopter Services Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Light, Medium, Heavy), By Application (Offshore, Air Ambulance, Business and Corporate Travel, Disaster and Humanitarian Aid, Transport, Surveying and Aerial Imaging, Others), By End User (Civil, Commercial, Military), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing market in the global helicopter services market. The Asia Pacific helicopter services market size projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. The global helicopter services market is expected to grow from USD 14.15 billion in 2022 to USD 23.80 billion by 2030.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness significant growth, primarily due to the increasing demand for aerial surveying and mapping services for infrastructure development projects, as there is a large presence in emerging markets in the region. Additionally, increasing applications of helicopters in various end-user industries, including rising demand for Search and Rescue (SAR) activities and emergency medical services are expected to propel growth during the forecast period. Major players in this region are investing in R&D and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to introduce advanced helicopters and expand the helicopter fleet to cater to the region's evolving needs.

• For instance, in November 2021, PHI International announced that it had completed the first commercial flight in the Asia Pacific using the H175 utility helicopter equipped with the Rig’N Fly system. This tool allowed for the precision placement of loads.

The Asia Pacific helicopter services market research report covers the following countries/regions – China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the rest of Asia Pacific.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Demand for Aerial Surveying and Mapping Services for Infrastructure Development Projects to Offer New Growth Opportunities

Emerging countries from the Asia Pacific region are witnessing a surge in infrastructure development projects such as construction of highways, railways, bridges, airports, and dams. These projects require accurate site planning, design, and construction data, which can be efficiently collected through aerial surveys and mapping. Helicopters are essential for conducting aerial surveys and mapping as they can fly at low altitudes and hover over specific areas to collect data. Additionally, helicopters can be equipped with specialized cameras, sensors, and surveying equipment for data collection.

• For instance, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank, the demand for infrastructure development in the Asia Pacific region is expected to exceed USD 22 trillion by 2030, which presents significant growth opportunities for the helicopter services industry.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Military and Defense Applications in the Region to Accelerate Asia Pacific Helicopter Services Market Growth

The market in the Asia Pacific is propelled by the rising military and defense applications. The increasing military spending, the need for transport and logistics, surveillance and reconnaissance, and combat operations are leading to a growing demand for helicopter services in the region.

• For instance, helicopters are widely utilized by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for transportation and logistics, particularly in the mountainous regions of India. As per the Indian Ministry of Defense, in 2021, the IAF airlifted a record 2,406 tons of relief material and equipment to aid flood-affected regions in Maharashtra. Additionally, the IAF employs helicopters in disaster relief operations, such as the recent rescue operations conducted in the flood-ravaged state of Uttarakhand.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Shortage of Skilled Pilots and Maintenance Personnel to Limit the Market Growth

Due to various factors such as high training costs, lack of funding, and limited access to training facilities, there is a shortage of trained pilots in the Asia Pacific region. This leads to a mismatch between the demand and supply of qualified pilots, resulting in higher wages and increased competition among service providers for skilled pilots. The market also faces a shortage of skilled maintenance personnel in the Asia Pacific region. The maintenance of helicopters is a complex process that requires specialized training and experience. However, maintenance activities are delayed due to shortage of skilled personnel, resulting in longer downtime for the helicopter.

• For instance, according to a report by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the shortage of qualified pilots and maintenance personnel is a global challenge, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, where many countries have limited training infrastructure.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The helicopter services market in the Asia Pacific region is competitive, with major players such as Bristow Group Inc., Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., CHC Helicopter Group, Babcock International Group Plc, and CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. leading the market. These companies have established a strong presence in the region, with a diverse product portfolio ranging from air ambulance services to transportation services.

Other prominent players in the market include Aero Asahi Corporation (AAC), Nakanikon Air Co. Ltd, Mcdermott Aviation, Pawan Hans, and Shaanxi Helicopter Co Ltd (SHC). These companies focus on expanding their regional product portfolio and distribution network to increase the Asia Pacific helicopter services market share by expanding their fleet.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIESPROFILED:

• Bristow Group Inc. (U.S.)


• Petroleum Helicopters International Inc. (U.S.)


• CHC Helicopter Group (U.S.)


• Babcock International Group plc (U.K.)


• CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (China)


• Aero Asahi Corporation (AAC) (Japan)


• Nakanikon Air Co. Ltd (Japan)


• Mcdermott Aviation (Australia)


• Pawan Hans (India)


• Shaanxi Helicopter Co Ltd (SHC) (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2022 - CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company (COHC), a China-based helicopter services provider, inked a contract with Leonardo S.p.A for four A139 medium twin-engine helicopters. These will be deployed for offshore Oil & Gas Production (OGP) operations in the country.


• May 2022 – CHC Helicopter, a U.S.-based helicopter operator, announced that it signed a new contract with the Department Fire and Emergency Services, Western Australia, for a tenure of 12 years, to provide 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter operations.

REPORT COVERAGE

The Asia Pacific helicopter services market analysis provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market and a detailed analysis of the market size & growth rate for all possible segments. Along with the market forecast, the research report elaborates on the market dynamics and the competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of the number of procedures, an account of price analysis of types of products, an overview of the regulatory scenario by key countries, pipeline analysis, new product launches by original equipment manufacturers OEMs, key industry developments (mergers, acquisitions & partnerships), and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation