Helicopter Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Type (Light, Medium, and Heavy), By Application (Offshore, Air Ambulance, Business and Corporate Travel, Disaster and Humanitarian Aid, Transport, Leisure Charter, and Other (Surveying and Aerial Imaging, Media, Entertainment)), By End User (Civil, Commercial, and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The helicopter services market size was valued at USD 27.69 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 31.16 billion in 2024 to USD 48.06 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. North America dominated the helicopter services market with a market share of 36.62% in 2023. Moreover, the helicopter services  market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 7,448.1 million by 2030, driven by an increasing demand for light weight helicopters from various end users in the country.

A helicopter service is a type of transportation service that utilizes helicopters as a means of transport. These services encompass the provision of diverse aerial operations and transportation solutions. They range from passenger transport, including executive travel and tourism flights, to specialized operations, such as aerial work, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement support, and military missions, including medical evacuations, cargo & troop transport, and others. Helicopters are valued for their ability to access remote or congested areas, hover, and maneuver with precision, which makes them indispensable for tasks requiring agility and flexibility.

Private companies, government agencies, or military organizations can offer these services. In addition to transporting people and goods, some helicopter operators also provide sightseeing tours that offer passengers a unique and thrilling aerial view of the surrounding scenery.

The increasing demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which was further driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to drive the helicopter services market growth from 2024 to 2032.

Helicopter Services Market Trends

On-Demand Helicopter Services, Digital Technologies, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are Prominent Market Trends

On-demand helicopter services refer to helicopter transportation services offered by aviation companies or platforms to individuals or organizations as required, without the need for prior reservation or commitment. These services provide flexibility and convenience, allowing customers to request helicopter flights for various purposes, such as executive travel, aerial tours, emergency medical transportation, aerial photography, or transportation to remote locations. Users can often request these services through mobile apps or websites, with options for selecting departure & destination points, preferred departure times, and other customization features.

In June 2023, FlyBlade India, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and BLADE Air Mobility, Inc., launched a same-day round-trip helicopter service connecting Bengaluru with the Tirupati Airport as part of its expansion plans. Flights are available “on demand” and priced at USD ~4,300 + GST. These flights can accommodate 5 people at a time and can be outsourced and/or booked through a charter service. BLADE India has also expanded to Karnataka by connecting Bangalore with Coorg and Kabini. Furthermore, advancements in digital technologies & avionics systems, integration of drones, government intitiatives, strategic partnerships, and collaborations are also key trends in the market.

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Helicopter Services Market Growth Factors

Surge in Demand for Emergency Medical Services to Propel Helicopter Services Market

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) encompass a comprehensive system of medical care designed to provide rapid, on-site treatment, and safe transport of patients experiencing medical emergencies or traumatic injuries. Helicopters are widely used for emergency medical transportation as they can quickly reach remote or hard-to-reach areas and transport patients to hospitals on time. The demand for EMS is driven by the need to quickly transport critically ill or injured patients to hospitals, particularly in rural or remote areas where ground transportation is impractical. Moreover, as populations continue to concentrate in urban areas, the demand for emergency medical services will increase due to higher incidents of accidents, medical emergencies, and trauma cases.

For instance, in May 2023, according to a report by the World Heart Federation (WHF), deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) skyrocketed worldwide from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021 (17.9 million people in 2019). Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death globally in 2021, with four in five deaths from the disease occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). These deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of them occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age. This factor is further anticipated to increase the adoption of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in emerging countries.

Increasing Demand for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) to Boost Market Growth

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) refers to the concept of using advanced aerial vehicles, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft or drones to transport passengers and cargo within urban and suburban environments. UAM envisions a future where on-demand, point-to-point air transportation becomes an integral part of urban transportation networks, offering faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional ground transportation. For instance, in June 2022, global airline and airport leaders partnered with each other to explore the infrastructural needs to bring eVTOL passenger flights to Brazil during this decade. The partnership includes -

• Avolon, the world's second largest aircraft leasing company


• Corporación América Airport, the world's largest private airport operator by number of airports


• GOL, Brazil's largest airline (Grupo Comporte, Brazil's leading transport operator)


• Vertical Aerospace, an aerospace and technology company that develops and manufactures eVTOL aircraft.

This collaboration will explore and determine the design and location of terminals and other infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Brazil. With a well-developed Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market based on helicopter services, an advanced aviation ecosystem, and unique demographics, Brazil is poised to become one of the pioneering markets for eVTOL offerings, including Vertical VX4.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Operating Costs, Stringent Regulatory Framework, and Safety Concerns to Hamper Market Growth

The high operating costs associated with helicopters, such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance pose a significant challenge to the market’s growth. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the median annual wage for helicopter pilots was USD 97,300 in 2020. Additionally, operators must comply with various safety and operational regulations as the regulatory framework varies from country to country. This makes it difficult for service providers to operate in different regions.

Furthermore, the safety record has been a concern for many years, with several accidents reported in the past. The safety concerns associated with rotorcraft services can impact the perception of the industry and reduce the demand for these services. In 2020, according to a report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the helicopter accident rate in the U.S. was 3.38 accidents per 100,000 flight hours, higher than the accident rate of fixed-wing aircraft. These factors are expected to restrain the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Helicopter Services Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Light Weight Helicopters Dominated Market Owing to Increasing Adoption of HEMS

By type, the market is segmented into light, medium, and heavy.

The light helicopter segment dominated the helicopter services market share and is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across the globe. Light helicopters are designed for relatively lighter loads and shorter distances. They are typically used for tasks, such as personal transportation, aerial photography, sightseeing tours, and other applications.

The medium helicopter segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for offshore rotorcraft services. Medium helicopters have a larger payload capacity and longer range compared to light helicopters. They are commonly employed in missions, such as corporate transportation, utility work, power line inspection, search & rescue operations, aerial firefighting, and others.

By Application Analysis

Rising Demand of Faster Transportation and Reach to Remote Areas Boosted Service Demand in Transport Application

Based on application, the market is categorized into offshore, air ambulance, business and corporate travel, disaster and humanitarian aid, transport, leisure charter, and others.

The transport segment dominated the market and is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the increasing demand of faster travel and reach to remote areas. Transport involves rotorcraft services focused on general passenger and cargo transportation. This includes executive transport for corporate clients, tourism & sightseeing flights, transportation of goods to remote areas, and logistical support for various industries.

The service segment is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period owing to the increasing number of accidents and medical emergencies. Some services are dedicated to emergency medical transportation, commonly known as air ambulance or medical evacuations (MEDEVAC). These services are crucial for transporting critically ill or injured patients from accident scenes or remote locations to hospitals for urgent medical care.

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By End User Analysis

Helicopter Services Extensively Used in Civil Operations Owing to Rising Demand for Search and Rescue Services

By end user, the market is classified into civil, commercial, and military.

The civil segment dominated the market in the base year and is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to the rising demand for search and rescue services. Civil refers to non-military organizations and individuals utilizing rotor-wing-related services for civilian activities. This includes government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and individuals requiring transportation, aerial support, or other helicopter-related services.

The commercial segment is predicted to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for helicopters for business and corporate travel. Commercial services include services provided by commercial helicopter operators for a fee. These operators offer services, such as charter flights, aerial tours, and other commercial aviation activities.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

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North America dominated the market and was valued at USD 10.14 billion in 2023. The region's growth is due to the increasing demand for aerial firefighting services as helicopters are used for various purposes in this field. In April 2023, 41 companies won  a potential  USD 1 billion, 10-year contract to provide helicopter support services to the U.S. Forest Service. The contract includes the provision of Category 3 helicopters to support wildfire management and conservation programs, and conserve national resources. These aircraft will support various missions, such as surveillance & firefighting, prescribed aerial burns & ignitions, mountaineering operations, short-range operations, and other resource extraction activities.

Europe held the second-largest market share in the base year. The regional market’s high growth is attributed to the expansion of the offshore wind industry, which requires helicopter transportation services for carrying personnel and equipment. In September 2022, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the offshore wind industry, and governments of the U.S. and Denmark formed an alliance and launched the Global Offshore Wind Alliance. This alliance is aimed at driving the installed global offshore wind capacity up 670% from 57 GW in 2021 to 380 GW by 2030.

Asia Pacific held a significant market share in the base year and is expected to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing applications of helicopters in air ambulance services. For instance, in April 2023, RED.Health introduced air ambulance services called RED Air Guardian in over 550 cities across India. The company has more than 25 air ambulances. These aircraft are equipped with advanced medical technology and skilled critical care professionals. The primary goal of RED.Health is to reduce operational expenses and evacuate patients from various terrains and locations.

Latin America is anticipated to witness significant growth in the global helicopter services market during the forecast period due to the increasing VIP transportation and corporate travel. For instance, in August 2023, Omni Helicopters International (OHI) announced that its new service will utilize twin-engine Airbus helicopters with two pilots onboard. The service aims to offer scheduled luxury passenger flights between São Paulo and the Guarulhos airport, totaling 40 flights per week, along with regular charter services. Operating under the name "Revo," this new venture will cater to high-income clientele in Latin America's largest city, providing helicopter flights through a digital platform.

The market in the Middle East & Africa will witness moderate growth in the future. The increasing offshore oil and gas operations are expected to boost the market’s growth during the forecast period. Additionally, the Middle East has gained immense popularity as a tourist destination, attracting huge investments in the tourism sector from countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which offers new growth opportunities for the market in the region.

List of Key Companies in Helicopter Services Market

Leading Players to Focus On Sustainable Operations and Diversification of Services

The helicopter services market is highly fragmented with the presence of key players, such as Bristow Group Inc., UTair-Helicopter Services JSC, Air Methods Corporation, Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., CHC Helicopter Group, and others. These companies are focusing on technological innovations, sustainable operations, and expansion into emerging markets. For instance, in May 2023, CHC Helicopter introduced ClearSkies, the industry's pioneering flight planning software aimed at minimizing carbon footprint. Developed to optimize and bolster the sustainability of its flight operations, ClearSkies marks a significant advancement in environmental consciousness. Through aircraft trials, ClearSkies has demonstrated an average reduction of at least 5% in CO2 emissions. This groundbreaking software is now accessible to customers worldwide across CHC's AW139, AW189, and S92 fleets.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Bristow Group Inc. (U.S.)


• UTair-Helicopter Services JSC (Russia)


• Air Methods Corporation (U.S.)


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


• CHC Helicopter Group (U.S.)


• Babcock International Group plc (UK)


• Global Medical Response Inc. (U.S.)


• PJSC Gazprom (Russia)


• Gulf International Services QSC (Qatar)


• CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023 - Serica Energy granted Offshore Helicopter Services U.K. (OHSUK) an extension to its existing U.K. North Sea contract. This five-year extension deepened the partnership between the two entities, ensuring their collaboration for a minimum of eight years. OHSUK will utilize its H175 and S92 aircraft to support Serica's North Sea activities, focusing on the Bruce platform, responsible for gas-condensate operations from the Bruce, Keith, and Rhum fields.


• July 2023 - In India, due to frequent accidents on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway, the state government decided to deploy an air ambulance service on this highway to help the injured quickly. For this, the government started discussions with various helicopter suppliers to acquire air vehicles. The Indian government plans to build 16 helipads on the highway to accommodate the landing and take off of these air ambulances.


• May 2023 - NHV A/S declared the acquisition of a fresh contract from TotalEnergies EP Denmark, aimed at bolstering offshore operations within the Danish sector of the North Sea. Under this agreement, NHV will employ a designated H175 aircraft to ferry personnel and equipment to TotalEnergies' installations situated in the Dan and Tyra Field.


• April 2023 - Airbus Helicopters entered an agreement with GDAT, a helicopter lessor and operator headquartered in China, for the procurement of 50 H160 helicopters. Primarily intended for utilization in the energy sector, these aircraft will also be employed for various purposes. These include offshore transport to oil & gas platforms, servicing wind farms, harbor piloting, emergency medical services, and other municipal public service tasks.


• March 2023 - SKYTRAC Systems Ltd., a prominent company in aerospace intelligent connectivity and satellite communications (satcom), teamed up with The Helicopter Company (THC) to introduce a groundbreaking agreement. This collaboration will facilitate access to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, 4G/LTE cellular, and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with advanced mission capabilities for their complete fleet of Airbus and Leonardo helicopters. Through this partnership, THC will enjoy a fully integrated aircraft experience, encompassing connectivity, communications, data-driven operational insights, engineering & client support, and enhanced pilot situational awareness, all within a comprehensive platform.

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REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, the report offers insights into the market analysis, trends, and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it focuses on several factors that have contributed to the market’s growth in recent years.

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