Europe 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

Europe is the second largest market in the global helicopter services market. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% 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 Europe helicopter market is highly competitive and dynamic, driven by the demand for various services such as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and the expansion of offshore wind and oil & gas industries. The offshore wind industry is expanding rapidly and a significant growth opportunity in Europe, which is expected to surge the demand for offshore helicopters utilized for transportation and maintenance operations.

• 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 helicopter companies, including Bristow Group, Babcock International Group, and CHC are providing helicopter services for the offshore industry in Europe.

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

LATEST TRENDS

Adoption of Electric and Hybrid Helicopters Promotes New Growth Opportunities

The adoption of electric and hybrid helicopters is driving the Europe helicopter services market growth. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has initiated the development of standards for electric and hybrid aircraft operations to ensure these aircraft’s safe and efficient integration into the European aviation system. These standards are expected to pave the way for the region's commercial deployment of electric and hybrid helicopters. Furthermore, the growing concern for environmental sustainability and the need for energy-efficient transport are major factors driving the adoption of electric and hybrid helicopters in the region.

• For instance, Airbus Helicopters has developed a hybrid electric helicopter, the CityAirbus, that can carry up to four passengers and fly autonomously for up to 15 minutes. The helicopter is specifically designed for urban air mobility applications and is expected to be used for short-range transportation in congested urban areas.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations to Boost the Market Growth

The increasing frequency of natural disasters, accidents, and emergency situations has increased the need for SAR operations in the region. Several European countries have invested heavily in SAR operations to improve their response capabilities. Furthermore, the U.K. has a dedicated helicopter rescue service, the Coastguard Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Service, which operates a fleet of helicopters for SAR operations nationwide.

• For instance, in July 2022, Bristow Helicopters Ltd., a U.K.-based leading aviation services provider, announced that Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the Department for Transport awarded an USD 1.9 billion contract for the second-generation search and rescue (UKSAR2G) program for 10 years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Environmental Concerns May Hamper the Market Growth

The aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and helicopters produce high noise pollution and carbon emissions. Several European countries have implemented strict regulations to reduce the impact of helicopter operations on the environment.

• For instance, in July 2021, the U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority imposed noise and emissions restrictions on helicopters operating in certain areas such as national parks and urban areas. Similarly, France has established several protected areas where helicopter flights are prohibited or restricted to reduce the impact on wildlife and natural habitats.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading operator in the Europe helicopter services market, followed by Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., CHC Helicopter Group, Babcock International Group Plc, and Abu Dhabi Aviation Co. These companies comprise major revenue share and continuously develop new products and offer a wide range of services in various sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the need for helicopters for medical transport and essential services. The key players in the market are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands and continue to drive the growth of the market.

Other players such as the NHV Group, Omni Helicopters International, Heli-Union, Luxembourg Air Rescue, and HeliService International GmbH are also dominating the market. These companies are focused on strengthening their product portfolio and distribution network through strategic collaboration and partnerships to increase the Europe helicopter services market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Bristow Group Inc. (U.S.)


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


• CHC Helicopter Group (U.S.)


• Babcock International Group plc (U.K.)


• Abu Dhabi Aviation Co. (UAE)


• The NHV Group (Belgium)


• Omni Helicopters International (Portugal)


• Heli-Union (France)


• Luxembourg Air Rescue (Luxembourg)


• HeliService International GmbH (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2022 - Airbus S.A.S launched DisruptiveLab for the enhancement of helicopter performance. DisruptiveLab is a flying laboratory designed for testing technologies to enhance aircraft performance and help the reduction of CO2 emissions from helicopters.


• October 2022 - The NHV Group, a Belgium-based helicopter operator partnered with TotalEnergies and completed the first flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the offshore wind industry. TotalEnergies is a French-based integrated energy and petroleum company.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The Europe helicopter services market research report 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 the competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are overview of the number of procedures, an account of the price analysis of types of products, an overview of the regulatory scenario by key countries, pipeline analysis, technological advancements, key industry developments (mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships), and, COVID-19 impact on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation