Europe Helicopter Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Civil & Commercial and Military), By Weight (Light, Medium, and Heavy), By Application (Emergency Medical Service, Corporate Service, Search and Rescue Operation, Oil & Gas, Defense, and Homeland Security, and Others), By Point of Sale (New and Pre Owned), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

Europe is the second largest market in the global helicopter market. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The global helicopter market size is projected to grow from USD 56.87 billion in 2022 to USD 76.16 billion by 2030.

The Europe helicopter market size is highly competitive and dynamic, driven by the demand for various services, such as the expansion of offshore wind farms and increasing Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters. Key players in the industry, including Airbus S.A.S, Leonardo, and Bell, continue to dominate the market through innovation and strategic partnerships.

• For instance, in February 2023, Airbus initiated several research and development programs aimed at improving the defense capabilities of Europe. These efforts are part of the 2021 European Defense Fund (EDF), which includes over 60 investments totaling USD 1.3 billion (1.2 billion euros) in R&D projects. The primary objective of these initiatives is to create innovative technologies that enhance the resiliency, interoperability, and effectiveness of the European Union's multi-domain forces during combat.

The report on the Europe helicopter market covers the following countries/regions – the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the Rest of Europe.

LATEST TRENDS

Development of Advanced Rotor Technology Offers New Growth Opportunities

The development of advanced helicopters presents a significant opportunity for the Europe helicopter market growth. Rotor technology plays a critical role in the performance and efficiency of rotrcraft, and advancements in this region can significantly impact their capabilities. The development of new composite rotor blades are lighter and more durable than traditional metal blades. These blades can improve the performance and fuel efficiency of rotor-wing aircrafts while reducing maintenance costs. For instance, Airbus S.A.S has been developing new composite rotor blades for its H135 and H145 rotorcrafts, while Leonardo SpA is working on new active rotor control technology for its AW169 and AW189 rotorcraft.

DRIVING FACTORS

Expansion of the Offshore Energy Sector is Propelling the Market Growth

The offshore wind industry is expanding rapidly in Europe, expected to drive demand for rotor-wing aircraft for transportation and maintenance operations. Offshore wind farms require regular maintenance, repair, and inspection services, which can be time-consuming and expensive to perform by traditional means. Rotor-wing aircraft can transport technicians and equipment to and from offshore wind turbines quickly and safely, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

• The European Union has set a target to produce 60 GW of offshore wind power by 2030, which will require significant investments in infrastructure, including helicopter transportation services. Several companies, including Bristow Group, Babcock International Group, and CHC.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Inflation in Fuel and Raw Materials Prices May Hamper the Market Growth

Inflation in fuel and raw materials hampered the growth of the European helicopter industry. Fuel prices have been volatile in recent years, leading to an increase in the operating costs of rotorcraft. Inflation in raw materials such as aluminum, steel, and titanium has also affected their production costs, resulting in an increase in selling prices. For instance, during the COVID-19 OEMs and aftermarket are facing supply chain disruptions and inflation, affecting the MROs as well as prices jumped from 13%-15% at the end of 2020 to 20%-25% in 2021 and are expected to increase 10% above the baseline.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Airbus S.A.S is dominated the Europe helicopter market share, followed by Leonardo S.p.A, Textron Inc., Russian Helicopters JSC, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. These companies continuously develop new products and offer a wide range of military and civil helicopters. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the need for rotorcraft for medical transport and essential services. The key players in the market are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market and continue to drive growth.

Other players such as the Boeing Company and Kaman Corporation are also dominating the market. These companies are focused on strengthening their product portfolio and distribution network through strategic collaboration and partnerships to increase their market share in Europe.

LIST OF KEY COMAPNIES PROFILED:

• Airbus S.A.S (Netherlands)


• Textron Inc. (U.S.)


• Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• The Boeing Company (U.S.)


• Russian Helicopters JSC (Russia)


• The Robinson Helicopter Company (U.S.)


• The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (U.S.)


• Hélicoptères Guimbal (France)


• Kaman Corporation (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2022: Airbus S.A.S, launched DisruptiveLab to improve rotorcraft performance. DisruptiveLab is a flying laboratory designed to test technologies to enhance aircraft performance and reduce CO2 emissions from rotorcraft.


• July 2022 - Airbus and VRM Switzerland collaborated to create a Virtual Reality (VR) training device for the twin-engine H145 rotorcraft. The new training tool aims to provide H145 operators with an immersive, realistic flight experience with 3D vision, high-resolution scenery, and full-body engagement. This innovative solution is designed to be compact and cost-effective, making it an accessible option for H145 operators seeking top-notch training.


• April 2020: Leonardo S.p.A., an Italy-based aerospace, defense, and security company, acquired Kopter Group AG for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Leonardo aims to reinforce its position as a global leader in the rotorcraft sector and achieve its objective of strengthening its core business.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The Europe helicopters market analysis provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the market and a detailed analysis of the Europe 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 competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are 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, technological advancements, key industry developments – mergers, acquisitions & partnerships and, COVID-19 Impact on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation