IBA, the aviation market intelligence and advisory company, has reported that the leased helicopter fleet has exceeded ten percent in 2023 and is projected to reach a record 15% by the end of the decade.
With over 300 recorded lease transactions in both 2022 and 2023, the leasing market’s growth has outpaced that of previous years. This surge is driven by a shift towards multi-role helicopters, which broadens their appeal and expands leasing options.
Experts from IBA, Kane Ray and Rami Abdel Aziz, provided insights on market trends for each helicopter weight category, the progress of deliveries, and the outlook for the emergency medical services (EMS) and offshore markets.
According to IBA’s analysis, the Airbus H125, H135 and H145, along with Leonardo’s AW139, are currently the most popular for lease placements. Growth is expected across all helicopter weight segments, though the heavy-class segment—dominated by Airbus and Sikorsky—is lagging. However, there is optimism for renewed interest as the demand for heavy offshore helicopters rebounds.
Helicopter deliveries in 2023 aligned with IBA’s forecasts, around the 500-unit mark. With stable delivery numbers, IBA predicts steady market values and lease rates through 2025, as supply chain issues are gradually resolved.
IBA also revealed that the projected growth in global helicopter fleets by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is likely to surpass the number of retiring helicopters, driven by rising demand for new equipment. However, an increase in helicopter retirements, particularly in the U.S., is expected to drive higher levels of fleet replenishment in the coming years.
In the EMS helicopter market, IBA has observed growing demand from Asia, fuelled by the region’s specific requirements. The availability of finance in Asia has also spurred new investment in the EMS sector.
While offshore helicopter demand is closely tied to oil and gas prices, new safety requirements for offshore operations and technological advancements in offshore helicopters have encouraged fleet renewal orders.
IBA also identified new market opportunities for helicopters, especially models suited for firefighting operations or supporting offshore wind farms.
