Rotorcraft Report: Forecasters See Solid Growth in Helo Markets

HELI-EXPO 2007

Engine makers are forecasting steady growth in civil helicopter markets over the next 5-10 years. The forecasts by Honeywell and Rolls-Royce differ, however, in the intensity of the growth they expect. Honeywell sees the market for new helicopters jumping 40 percent in the next four years and staying strong through 2017. Rolls-Royce’s sees demand as stable.

Honeywell expects more than 3,500 civil helicopters will be delivered between 2007 and 2011. That’s a 40-percent jump over Its previous five-year forecast of 2,500 civil helicopters being delivered through 2010.

Longer term, Honeywell sees deliveries over 10 years jumping 33 percent, to 8,000 new helicopters. Last year, it forecast deliveries of 6,000 over 10 years. It sees Asia as the second largest civil helicopter market after North America, with nearly three-quarters of demand being for multi-engine aircraft. The North American market, which makes up about 40 percent of the world civil market, will be driven by light single-engine helicopters.

Rolls sees demand remaining stable compared to its previous projection, running from a low of 555 units this year to a peak of 689 in 2016. It expects 6,095 civil helicopters to be delivered. Rolls also sees the market being dominated by single-engine helicopters, with them accounting for 41 percent of deliveries, followed by light twins at 40 percent.