Middle East and Africa 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 Middle East and Africa is a significant market for helicopter services. The Middle East and Africa helicopter services market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The global helicopter services market is projected to grow from USD 14.15 billion in 2022 to USD 23.80 billion by 2030.

The market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years due to various drivers such as increasing offshore oil and gas operations, growing tourism, and expanding military and defense applications. The region is home to several leading helicopter service providers, including Abu Dhabi Aviation, Gulf Helicopters, and Saudi Arabian Airlines. However, political instability is expected to hamper the market growth.

Our report on the Middle East and Africa helicopter services market covers the following countries – the UAE, Israel, South Africa, and the rest of the Middle East & Africa.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Tourism Industry to Offer New Opportunities for the Middle East and Africa Helicopter Services Market Growth

The Middle East and Africa region has gained popularity as tourist destinations are attracting huge investments in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Owing to rising investments, there is an increasing demand for luxurious and unique travel experiences, including helicopter tours, to provide a breathtaking aerial view of the region's iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes.

• For instance, Dubai is one of the leading hubs for helicopter tourism in the Middle East and Africa, with operators such as HeliDubai and Alpha Tours offering a variety of sightseeing tours that showcase the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina. Similarly, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has also witnessed a growing demand for helicopter tours, with companies such as Falcon Aviation Services and Abu Dhabi Aviation offering unique experiences that allow tourists to explore the city's beautiful coastline, deserts, and skyscrapers.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Offshore Oil & Gas Operations to Accelerate Market Growth

Helicopters are required to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to offshore oil & gas platforms, often located in remote and challenging environments. In the Middle East and Africa, the demand for helicopter services for oil & gas operations is growing owing to the expansion of oil & gas exploration and production activities.

• For instance, in 2020, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a USD 1.2 billion contract with Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tawazun Holding, and other companies for helicopter services. The deal includes providing onshore and offshore transportation services to ADNOC's oil and gas assets in Abu Dhabi. The contract is for five years and also includes options for extensions.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Geopolitical Tensions to Limit the Market Growth

Geopolitical tension is a major restraint on the Middle East and Africa helicopter services market growth. The region is one of the most geopolitically unstable regions in the world and the ongoing conflicts and tensions have affected the growth of various industries.

• For instance, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and Syria disrupted the aviation industry, including helicopter services. This has reduced the demand for new helicopters and a decline in the maintenance and repair of existing helicopters, thereby limiting the market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, Bristow Group Inc., Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., CHC Helicopter Group, Abu Dhabi Aviation Co., Gulf International Services QPSC, Falcon Aviation Services have active involvement in R&D investments to accelerate product launches and approvals in the forecast period.

Other prominent players include The Helicopter Company (THC), HeliDubai, Aerogulf Services, and Savannah Helicopter. These companies are focused on strengthening their product portfolio and distribution network through strategic collaboration and partnerships to increase the Middle East and Africa helicopter services market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Bristow Group Inc. (U.S.)


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


• CHC Helicopter Group (U.S.)


• Abu Dhabi Aviation Co. (UAE)


• Gulf International Services QPSC (UAE)


• Falcon Aviation Services (UAE)


• The Helicopter Company (THC) (Saudi Arabia)


• HeliDubai (UAE)


• Aerogulf Services (UAE)


• Savannah Helicopters (Africa)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2022 – The Helicopter Company (THC), a Saudi Arabia-based helicopter operator, announced that it signed an HCare maintenance contract with Airbus Helicopters for covering its H160 intermediate twin engine helicopter fleet.


• February 2021 - Leonardo, an Italy-based aerospace company, and Falcon Aviation Services, a leading aviation solutions provider in the Middle East, announced a joint venture to build an innovative rotorcraft terminal for Expo 2020 Dubai. The terminal will serve as the central hub for helicopter operations for both urban transfers and connections between cities, connecting visitors and VIPs with various locations across the city.

REPORT COVERAGE

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

Report Scope & Segmentation