Helicopters Market

Helicopters Market Overview

The global Helicopters Market size was valued at USD 33.53 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 46.54 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025-2030. 

The factors such as the expansion of military sector, growth of aviation industry, and rising travel & tourism sector fuels the growth of the market. However, the high maintenance costs associated with helicopters pose a significant restraint for the market growth. On the contrary, the development of helicopter-integrated electric charging stations for eVTOLs creates significant future opportunities for the market.  

Moreover, the top players such as SAS, Leonardo S.p.A., Bell Textron Inc., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are taking various initiates including partnership to strengthen their market position and enhance technological advancements.

These efforts focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding product capabilities, and driving innovation in next-generation rotorcraft solutions. As the market evolves, the increasing adoption of sustainable aviation technologies and advancements in electric propulsion systems accelerate growth and support broader industry transformation.

Expansion of the Military Sector Drives the of the Helicopters Market Growth

The market expansion is driven by the military sector growth as it creates requirements for advanced high-performance air transportation solutions that boost military operational ability and defense planning systems. 

The latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports that military spending worldwide expanded to USD 2443 billion in 2023, reflecting a 6.8% increase from the previous year. Consequently, the growth in military expenditure drives the investment in advanced helicopter that support a wide range of missions, contributing to the expansion of the market.

Growth of Aviation Industry Boosts the Helicopters Market Demand

The growth of the aviation industry drives market expansion as the demand for rotorcraft increases across diverse applications, particularly in air transport. Helicopters deliver efficient fast flexible service specifically for remote areas helping emergency services tourist exploration and offshore operations. 

In the 2024 reports released by the International Civil Aviation Organization abbreviated as ICA states that the demand for air transport expected to grow yearly by 4.3% over the next two decades. Thus, the growth in air transport significantly boosts the market expansion, as the need for efficient, versatile aerial solutions continues to rise across various sectors. 

Rising Travel & Tourism Sector Fuels the Market Growth

The growth of the market is propelled by the travel & tourism sector as the popularity of helicopter tour rises. Rotorcrafts provide fast and exclusive for sightseeing, remote locations, and luxury trips. According to the report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) of 2023, travel and tourism sector made Gross Domestic Product contribution worldwide at rate of 9.1% that increased 23.2% in 2023 as compared to 2022. Thus, the growth tendency of tourism industry increases the requirement of rotorcraft services especially in luxury sightseeing, remote control/ access, and transportation of tourists.

High Maintenance Costs Hinders the Helicopters Market Expansion

The high maintenance costs associated with helicopters pose a significant restraint for the market growth as it creates financial burden for operators, particularly smaller companies limiting their ability to maintain and expand their fleet. 

Development of Electric Charging Stations Creates a Significant Future Opportunity for the Market

The development of helicopter-integrated electric charging stations for eVTOLs creates significant future opportunities for the market. These stations provide quick and easy charging, reduce downtime and boost efficiency.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study

The helicopters market report is segmented on the basis of type, number of engines, maximum take-off weight, application, sales channel, and region. On the basis of type, the market is classified into civil & commercial and military. On the basis of number of engines, the market is distributed into single and twin. On the basis of maximum take-off weight, the market is divided into less than 3,000 kg, 3,000 kg to 9,000 kg, and more than 9,000 kg. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into emergency medical service, corporate service, search & rescue operation, military, maritime helicopters, attack & reconnaissance helicopters, training helicopters, and others. On the basis of sales channel, the market is divided into OEM and aftermarket. The regional breakdown includes regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW).

Geographical Analysis

North America dominates the helicopters market share and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This is due to increased deployment of military industry in the region implying need for superior rotorcraft for their operations such as transportation of troops, reconnaissance and combat purposes. 

According to the latest report published by the USA Facts, the U.S. military spent approximately USD 820.3 billion, or roughly 13.3% of the entire federal budget for that fiscal year 2023. As a result, the growth in military expenditure accelerates the demand for advanced rotorcrafts for defense operations, further fueling the growth of the market. 

Moreover, the growth of the aviation industry in the region propels the need for fast, reliable air transport and emergency services that in turn boots the market growth. With the advancement in both commercial and private operations, helicopters are used for short, quick, convenient transport in both downtown and outback regions. 

In the report of the international Air Transport Association (IATA), the Canadian air transport is probably to reach 51 % by the year 2037. This increase in air transport requirement boosts the growth market, as rotorcrafts are crucial in rapid and dynamic mobility within densely populated metros and other inaccessible regions.

On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is expected to show a steady growth in the as the travel & tourism stakeholders need distinctive premium travel solutions within the region where rotorcrafts offer an efficient travel times. 

The report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council states that the travel & tourism sector in China contributed USD 950 billion for the Chinese economy in 2024. This expansion in travel and tourism Industry increases the rotorcraft’s requirement as the tourists require efficient, comfortable, private transportation. 

Furthermore, the presence of major market players such as Airbus Helicopters SAS, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD fuels the growth of the market through innovative technologies and solutions to enhance operational efficiency in the region. 

For instance, in July 2024, Airbus collaborated with Tata to make in India by 2026 the first H125 helicopter. This partnership promotes local manufacturing in a bid to ease India's desire for self-reliance in aviation. Such innovation strengthens the market through local manufacturing, lowers costs, and develops industry-appropriate designs for varied applications. 

Competitive Landscape

The helicopters industry comprises of various market players such Airbus Helicopters SAS, Leonardo S.p.A., Bell Textron Inc., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Kaman Corporation, The Robinson Helicopter Company, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Safran Helicopter Engines, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., MTU Aero Engines AG, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., MD Helicopters LLC., The Boeing Company, Rostec, and others. These market players continue to adopt various market development strategies including partnership to maintain their dominance in the market.

For example, Airbus announced that in August 2023 it formed a partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to launch the LAH into serial production at KAI's Sacheon facility in South Korea. This partnership addresses the needs of the military and civil aviation in South Korea, with 300 kits already delivered and more future orders projected. 

Also, in June 2023, Safran Helicopter Engines partnered with MTU Aero Engines signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) about creation 50/50 joint ventures for developments a new engine for European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT). The possibility to achieve in the joint venture is to become a lean and flexible organization.

Key Benefits

• The report provides quantitative analysis and estimations of the helicopters industry from 2025 to 2030, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

• The study comprises a deep-dive analysis of the current and future helicopters market trends to depict prevalent investment pockets in the market.

• Information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the helicopters industry is provided in the report. 

• Competitive analysis of the players, along with their market share is provided in the report.

• SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces model is elaborated in the study.

• Value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of roles of stakeholders.

Helicopters Market Key Segments

By Type

• Civil & Commercial

• Military

By Number of Engines

• Single

• Twin

By Maximum Take-off Weight

• Less than 3,000 kg

• 3,000 kg to 9,000 kg

• More Than 9,000 kg

By Application

• Emergency Medical Service

• Corporate Service

• Search & Rescue Operation

• Maritime Helicopters 

• Military

• Attack & Reconnaissance Helicopters 

• Training Helicopters

• Others

By Sales Channel

• OEM

• Aftermarket

By Region

• North America

  • The U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • The UK

  • Germany

  • France    

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Denmark

  • Netherlands

  • Finland

  • Sweden

  • Norway

  • Russia

  • Rest of Europe

• Asia-Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • South Korea

  • Australia

  • Indonesia

  • Singapore

  • Taiwan

  • Thailand

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific

• RoW

  • Latin America

  • Middle East

  • Africa

Key Players

• Airbus Helicopters SAS

• Leonardo S.p.A.

• Bell Textron Inc.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

• Kaman Corporation

• The Robinson Helicopter Company

• Enstrom Helicopter Corporation

• Safran Helicopter Engines

• Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.

• MTU Aero Engines AG

• Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. 

• MD Helicopters LLC.

• The Boeing Company

• Rostec

REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION:

Parameters	Details
Market Size in 2024	USD 33.53 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 46.54 Billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2030
Analysis Period	2024–2030
Base Year Considered	2024
Forecast Period	2025–2030
Market Size Estimation	Billion (USD)
Growth Factors	The expansion of the military sector fuels the growth of the market. The rising aviation industry drives the market growth. The rise in travel & tourism sector boosts the market expansion.
Countries Covered	28
Companies Profiled	15
Market Share	Available for 10 companies
Customization Scope	Free customization (equivalent up to 80 working hours of analysts) after purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional, and segment scope.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.