Helicopter Services Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Light Weight Helicopter, Medium Weight Helicopter, Heavy Weight Helicopter), By Application {Offshore Helicopter, Air Ambulance, Business/Corporate Travel, Disaster and Humanitarian Aid, Leisure Charter, Transport (Air Crane, Cargo), Media and Entertainment (Film Shooting and Special Occasions), Surveying and Aerial Imaging (Photography and 3D Scanning Mapping)}, and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global helicopter services market size was valued at USD 31.89 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 33.34 billion in 2022 to USD 42.64 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 12.4% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Helicopter services providers are focusing on establishing service facilities across Asia Pacific, including China, India, and Japan. Helicopter models, such as H125, H135, H145, H130, AS365, and H155 range, are widely used for emergency medical services. The rising demand for helicopter services for air medical applications is estimated to be the prominent segment in the coming years.

COVID-19 IMPACT

The Market Witnessed Unprecedented Uncertainty Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the scenario of various industries, such as aviation, healthcare, chemical, ICT, and automotive, among others. Most of the sectors have witnessed the negative impact of COVID-19 on their businesses post 2020.

Post-July 2020, the helicopter services operators experienced an increase in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) from hospitals, health insurance and assistance companies, and independent end users.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic could bring a paradigm shift in the market for the forthcoming years. To overcome the challenges from the pandemic, companies are focusing on factors, such as:

• Companies are looking to streamline the operational process and focus on inventory management to overcome the impact on the businesses.


• Companies would have to design the safety norms considering COVID-19 spread.

Companies have shown traction for the Just-In-Time concept to procure and deliver the services to the end-users.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Adoption and Implementation of Software as a Service (SaaS) to Accelerate the Usage of Software in Helicopters

The helicopter services market share is witnessing strong growth in the past few years due to demand from numerous military and commercial applications. The rise in SaaS solutions offers higher productivity for helicopter maintenance services as well as improved safety and cost reductions. Furthermore, advancement programs in helicopter services from key players boost the adoption and implementation of cloud computing and software as a service.

Many companies are gearing to invest in SaaS development due to real-time data, immediate access to up-to-date information, and regulatory updates. The companies are entering into competition with leading service providers with a concept, such as flight management software equipped helicopters. Helicopter service providers could focus more on the implementation of cloud computing services as a cutting edge advantage amongst the competitors.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Advanced Autonomous Technology and Flight Management Software to Foster Growth Potential

The necessity for reliable real-time data and safety procedures has fueled the penetration of helicopter software companies, particularly meteorological software companies. The introduction of real-time data management software is also a result of the rise in accidents and safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The real-time data tracking aids the pilot in making necessary judgments while in flight. Furthermore, the flight management software installed in the helicopter provides information on the helicopter system and software.

Increase in Demand for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to Drive the Market Growth

Air ambulance services are preferred by urban hospitals over automobile transportation due to features such as quick and safe transport of patients to the hospital. Furthermore, the growth of the HEMS is being aided by the increase in human organ shipment through air ambulances.

The rising number of projects in developed and emerging economies, such as the United States, Singapore, China, and India, respectively, and increasing government measures to improve medical services and facilities are surging the demand for HEMS.

In November 2021, Global Medical Response (GMR) signed a contract with Bell Textron Inc. for a purchase agreement of six Bell 407GXi helicopter emergency services aircraft with delivery expected by 2023. Similarly, in October 2020, the Helicopter Company (THC) was awarded a contract by Saudi Arabia’s The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) to provide a 14 seater AW139 helicopter for emergency medical services.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Strict Regulation by Government Agencies Hinder the Growth of the Market

In a report by the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST), between 2013 to 2018, there were more than 59 helicopter accidents and 147 fatality cases. Major helicopter accidents were reported in North America and Europe during these years. Due to this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established rules and regulations for service providers which will result in the reduction of risk of accidents and other fatalities.

The company certification process is carried out by considering the described regulatory norms. The helicopter services operators need to follow stringent rules and regulations described by FAA and National Transportation Safety Board safety and other safety agencies. The rules are related to passenger and pilot safety, various systems and component certifications, safety equipment, air ambulance-related norms, and others.

Owing to these stringent rules, the entry of new service providers in the market becomes limited, and thus hampers the helicopter services market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Light Weight Helicopter Type to Grow at Faster Pace during 2020-2027

On the basis of type, the light weight helicopter segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period due to rise in demand from commercial applications in the U.S. The segment also held a dominant share of the market in 2019. The dominance is due to a comparatively lower cost and high demand from the on-demand service providers.

By Application Analysis

Rising Demand for Treatment of Coronavirus May Propel the Air Ambulance Segment

Based on application, the market is segmented into offshore helicopter, air ambulance, business/corporate travel, disaster and humanitarian aid, leisure charter, transport, media and entertainment, and surveying & aerial imaging. The business/corporate travel segment comprised the largest market share in 2019 due to a large number of infrastructure in urban areas in developed countries. The air ambulance segment is expected to display a significant growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the increase in number of investments by the healthcare industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America stood at a market size of USD 15.23 billion in 2021. The supremacy of the region can be attributed to the presence of key competitors in the market as well as an increase in demand for helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) and on-demand helicopter services in the U.S. North America's prominence in the industry is due to the expansion of HEMS services, as well as the presence of favorable government regulations and essential infrastructure facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness remarkable growth in the market during the forecast period. The market growth is attributed to the growing aviation industry in Asia Pacific. An increasing number of helicopter operators and rising demand for helicopters and an increase in demand for search and rescue operations.

Europe will showcase substantial growth from 2022 to 2029. This is owing to the increased availability of innovative technology-based helicopters and leasing facilities. The market in the region is growing due to increased investments and adoption of innovative cloud computing technologies that would improve helicopter service operations.

In the rest of the world, the market will show moderate growth. The arrival of modern medical facilities and improving financial condition of the region, growing population, and increasing economic growth are expected to support the development of the market throughout the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Air Method Corporation, Bristow Helicopter Limited and Gulf Helicopter to Lead the Global Market

The key players are working together to build and produce innovative, cost-effective, and user-friendly helicopter services that use cutting-edge technology solutions. Enterprises are eager to build cutting-edge helicopter meteorology software and form strong partnerships with companies from both developed and developing countries.

To develop a strong position in the industry, these companies are pursuing methods such as next-generation all-electric helicopters and worldwide expansion.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Air Methods Corporation (U.S.)


• Alpine Helicopters Inc. (Canada)


• Bristow Helicopters Limited (U.K.)


• Carson Helicopters Inc. (U.S.)


• Ericson Incorporated (U.S.)


• Gulf Helicopters (Qatar)


• Heli Air Limited (U.K.)


• PHI Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2021 – Global Helicopter Service GmbH (GHS) signed a Support-by-Hour (SBH) contract with Safran Helicopter Engines for an H225. This contract establishes a long-term Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and service agreement for two Makila 2A1 engines. In Africa, GHS uses an H225 for utility and humanitarian support missions.


• October 2020– State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC) inked a strategic cooperation agreement and an HCare Smart Parts by Hour (PBH) contract with Airbus Helicopters, strengthening its support and services capability with more localized solutions.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Helicopter Services Market

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The market scope provides a detailed analysis of this market and focuses on key aspects such as top companies and leading applications. Moreover, the report includes helicopter services market trends, market segmentation, global market size, business strategy, growth opportunities, and regional development status. In addition, the report comprises several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation