PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1664369
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1664369
Helicopter-based transportation involves the movement of passengers, freight, or mail utilizing helicopters as a means of fast and efficient transportation from one point to another.
The main types of helicopter-based transportation include passenger transportation and cargo transportation. Passenger transportation encompasses the movement of individuals using helicopters on a designated network, covering services such as medical transport, passenger tours, and other commercial transportation services. Helicopter-based transportation is employed for carrying people from one location to another. The use of light, small, medium, and heavy-lift helicopters is common for surveillance, search and rescue operations, passenger transportation, and cargo transportation. This mode of transportation finds applications across various industries, including mining, oil and gas, hydropower construction, agriculture, energy, and other end-user sectors.
The helicopter-based transportation market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides helicopter-based transportation market statistics, including helicopter-based transportation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a helicopter-based transportation market share, detailed helicopter-based transportation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the helicopter-based transportation industry. This helicopter-based transportation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The helicopter-based transportation market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $1.22 billion in 2024 to $1.26 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to urban air mobility (UAM) growth, medical and emergency services, tourism and leisure activities, offshore oil and gas operations, military and defense applications.
The helicopter-based transportation market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.53 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to market demand for on-demand services, environmental considerations, infrastructure development initiatives, military and defense procurement, offshore oil and gas operation. Major trends in the forecast period include sustainability and green initiatives, autonomous and unmanned helicopters, tourism and VIP transport, military and defense upgrades, usage in emergency services.
The increasing use of helicopters across various applications is anticipated to drive the growth of the helicopter-based transportation market. Helicopters are unique aircraft with one or two sets of large blades that rotate rapidly on top, enabling them to take off and land vertically and hover in place. They are employed in a range of applications, including support for the energy and electricity sectors, transportation and cargo logistics, search-and-rescue missions, firefighting operations, and military and government contracts. Furthermore, the capability for quick take-offs and landings has further boosted their demand for transportation. For example, in January 2023, Airbus SE, a Netherlands-based aircraft manufacturing company, reported that in 2022, Airbus Helicopters received 374 gross orders (net 362), indicating a robust market recovery, with 216 light single-engine helicopters sold and deliveries rising from 338 in 2021 to 344. Thus, the growing adoption of helicopters across various applications will enhance the helicopter-based transportation market.
The expansion of the offshore wind industry is expected to further accelerate the growth of the helicopter-based transportation market. The offshore wind industry encompasses the renewable energy sector focused on the development, installation, and operation of wind turbines in bodies of water, typically oceans and seas. Helicopters are vital in this industry, providing essential transportation and support services throughout the different stages of wind farm development and operations. For instance, according to McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, the worldwide installed offshore wind capacity is projected to reach 630 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, up from 40 GW in 2020. Therefore, the growth of the offshore wind sector is a significant driver of the helicopter-based transportation market.
Leading companies in the helicopter-based transportation market are focusing on creating innovative solutions, such as same-day return helicopter services, to improve customer convenience and efficiency. Same-day return helicopter services allow passengers to travel to a destination and return to their original departure point within the same day. For example, in June 2023, BLADE India, an urban mobility company based in India, launched same-day return helicopter services for pilgrims traveling from Bengaluru to Tirumala Tirupati. This service enables devotees to fly out in the morning and return in the evening, featuring scheduled departures from HAL Airport and a flight duration of about 45 minutes, accommodating up to five passengers per helicopter. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for elderly pilgrims and streamline their pilgrimage experience, with plans for future route expansions and an increased fleet.
Major players in the helicopter-based transportation market are establishing strategic partnerships to help helicopter operators broaden their global reach and coverage. A strategic partnership refers to a formal alliance between two or more entities (such as companies or organizations) that collaborate to achieve common goals, often with a long-term focus. For instance, in October 2023, NHV Group, a Belgium-based company specializing in business-to-business (B2B) helicopter services, announced its collaboration with Apex Aviation, a China-based company that offers aircraft service and maintenance, in Taiwan. This partnership aims to deliver innovative helicopter transportation services to support the burgeoning offshore wind industry in Taiwan.
In August 2022, Bristow Group Inc., a US-based vertical flight solutions provider, made a significant acquisition by purchasing British International Helicopter Services Limited. This undisclosed transaction strengthened Bristow's government services business while reinforcing British International Helicopters' established relationships with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. British International Helicopters, a UK-based provider of aviation services, particularly in oil and gas, naval operations, and cargo lifting, contributes to Bristow's expanded presence and capabilities in the helicopter-based transportation market.
Major companies operating in the helicopter-based transportation market include Bristow Group Inc., CHC Group LLC, Leonardo S.p.A., PHI Inc., Air Charter Service India Pvt. Ltd., Falcon Aviation Services Inc., British International Helicopters Services Limited, Petroleum Helicopters International Inc., Helijet International Inc., Air Methods Corporation, Columbia Helicopters Inc., Maverick Aviation Group, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Helitrans AS, London's Air Ambulance Limited, LifeFlight Australia, Air Zermatt AG, Starspeed Limited, Russian Helicopters JSC, Canadian Helicopters Limited., Summit Helicopters Inc., ERA Helicopters LLC, Heli-Union SA, Alpine Helicopters Inc.
North America was the largest region in the helicopter-based transportation market share in 2024. The regions covered in the helicopter-based transportation market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the helicopter-based transportation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The helicopter-based transportation market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing transport services such as air ambulance, freight transport, aerial photography, patrolling, forestry, touring, and crop harvesting. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Helicopter-Based Transportation Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on helicopter-based transportation market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for helicopter-based transportation ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The helicopter-based transportation market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.