With the helicopter services market projected to grow from $31.1bn in 2024 to $48bn by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights, Investec said the global helicopter market is entering a “new growth phase”.
“The rebound is underpinned by strong fundamentals: rising orderbooks, increased financing activity, and a tightening market for pre-owned inventory — especially in light and super medium categories,” said John Shaw, aviation finance at Investec. “The question is: will this renewed confidence continue to gain altitude, or is history destined to repeat itself?”
Supply chain delays have limited deliveries for new helicopters, which has pushed demand for the pre-owned market. Investec said demand for light twins used in emergency medical services (EMS) has seen a particular increase in market value.
Shaw said the market for high-spec, sector-specific aircraft “remains tight”. He added: “Well-maintained helicopters entering the market are being absorbed quickly, with demand consistently outpacing supply.”
He added that demand is strongest in mission-critical sectors such as EMS, search and rescue. The company said medium, super medium, and heavy helicopters remain the “backbone of offshore transport”.
“However, shifting political dynamics, especially in the US, have introduced uncertainty into long-term renewable energy transition projects,” Investec said. “Europe, by contrast, is maintaining investment momentum, reaffirming the central role helicopters play in renewable offshore infrastructure.”