FlightGlobal takes a look at the latest product developments across the various segments of the helicopter market.
- Arguably the most competitive part of the helicopter market, the light-single segment is, however, not necessarily blessed with the most modern designs. Nonetheless, new models are in development which will bring innovation to the sector.
- While not selling in the same quantities as their lighter siblings, light-twin helicopters play a significant role in society, notably in law enforcement and emergency medical services missions.
- Heading up the weight range means these medium-class helicopters are more capable but more complex – and come with a bigger price ticket. Despite this, there are big sellers in this category, alongside new entrants.
- A few years ago there were many forecasts that the new super-medium-class helicopters would sell by the bucket-load. This has not quite come to pass, although those operating the rotorcraft in this weight class have used their performance benefits to push into new markets.
- Heavy-twins sit at the top of each manufacturer’s range and while a downturn in oil and gas services has hurt sales in some cases, interest from the search and rescue operators has remained strong.
New models set to bring fresh competition to light-single helicopter segment
Arguably the most competitive part of the helicopter market, the light-single segment is, however, not necessarily blessed with the most modern designs. Nonetheless, new models are in development which will bring innovation to the sector.
Helicopters: the crack troops of the war on wildfires
Rotorcraft are able to tackle forest blazes in a way fixed-wing aircraft can not. We look at what the various assets on the market can offer
The global helicopter market in numbers
A breakdown of the global in-service fleets across the civil and military helicopter markets, together with historic fleet and delivery trends.
Slow-selling super-medium-class helicopters make modest headway
A few years ago there were many forecasts that the new super-medium-class helicopters would sell by the bucket-load. This has not quite come to pass, although those operating the rotorcraft in this weight class have used their performance benefits to push into new markets.
New arrivals in medium helicopter sector threaten the old order
Heading up the weight range means these medium-class helicopters are more capable but more complex – and come with a bigger price ticket. Despite this, there are big sellers in this category, alongside new entrants.
Airbus dominates light-twin helicopter market with German-built duo
While not selling in the same quantities as their lighter siblings, light-twin helicopters play a significant role in society, notably in law enforcment and emergency medical services missions.
Heavy-twin helicopters are dragged down by offshore slump
Heavy-twins sit at the top of each manufacturer’s range and while a downturn in oil and gas services has hurt sales in some cases, interest from the search and rescue operators has remained strong.
More helicopter news
P&WC gains EASA nod for Ansat engine, but Russia sanctions render approval academic
European regulators have certificated a new variant of a Pratt & Whitney Canada helicopter engine, but thanks to continued sanctions against Russia, the approval is almost meaningless.
Why helicopter specialist Bristow is betting big on eVTOL
Rotorcraft may be its bread and butter, but operator sees a big future for a new generation of aircraft and has backed this belief with a near 400-unit order spree.
Beta ALIA becomes latest eVTOL to secure Bristow custom
Helicopter operator Bristow Group is ordering up to 55 eVTOL aircraft, further cementing its venture into the emerging electric aviation sector.
Bangladesh’s Meghna Aviation orders one Bell 505, Bell 407GXi
Bangladeshi operator Meghna Aviation has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell helicopters, a Bell 505 and a Bell 407GXi, doubling their current rotorcraft fleet.
Chinese version of H175 wins CAAC type certification
The Chinese version of the Airbus Helicopters 7t H175 super-medium helicopter, the Avicopter AC352, has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC).
NYPD orders two Bell 412EPX helicopters for SAR mission
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has ordered two Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters configured for the search and rescue (SAR) mission.
ATR picks NHIndustries helicopters executive as new chief
Turboprop manufacturer ATR has named Airbus Helicopters executive Nathalie Tarnaud Laude as its new chief executive, succeeding Stefano Bortoli.
Bristow wins £1.6bn UKSAR2G contract and shakes up fleet
Incumbents Bristow Helicopters and 2Excel Aviation are to continue providing helicopter search and rescue and aerial surveillance services to the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency following the award of a 10-year contract.
London’s Air Ambulance picks H135 as MD 902 replacement
Airbus Helicopters has secured an order for two H135 light-twins from London’s Air Ambulance Charity (LAAC) as the capital’s emergency medical services provider updates its fleet.
Morocco picks H135 for air force training misison
Morocco has selected the Airbus Helicopters H135 for military primary training missions.