The global helicopter leasing market has been witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various industries such as offshore operations, emergency medical services, firefighting, and search and rescue (SAR). In 2023, the market was valued at USD 4.55 billion and is projected to grow from USD 4.99 billion in 2024 to USD 10.13 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during the forecast period. North America led the market with a dominant share of 36.04% in 2023.

Top Helicopter Leasing Companies

  • Waypoint Leasing (Ireland)
  • Lobo Leasing (Ireland)
  • Lease Corporation International (LCI) (Ireland)
  • Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing (Australia)
  • Milestone Aviation (Ireland)
  • Nova Capital (U.K.)
  • AerCap Holdings N.V. (Ireland)
  • Air Lease Corporation (U.S.)
  • BBAM US LP (U.S.)
  • Savback Helicopters (Sweden)

Information Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/helicopter-leasing-market-111129

Regional Insights

North America: Leading helicopter leasing market, driven by established oil and gas industries, advanced medical services, and robust emergency response systems.

Europe: Increasing adoption of leased helicopters for offshore operations and defense applications.

Asia-Pacific: Rapid expansion in infrastructure development and emergency response services contributing to helicopter leasing market growth.

Middle East & Africa: Growth in oil and gas exploration projects fueling demand.

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Demand in Offshore Operations: The oil and gas industry continues to rely on helicopters for crew transportation and logistics, boosting leasing demand.
  • Rising Need for Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Helicopters play a crucial role in medical evacuations, further driving market growth.
  • Advancements in Helicopter Technology: Improved fuel efficiency, safety measures, and operational capabilities are making leasing a cost-effective option for businesses.
  • Cost-Effective Leasing Solutions: Leasing provides a flexible alternative to direct ownership, allowing companies to optimize their fleet based on operational requirements.

Challenges

  • High maintenance costs and operational expenses.
  • Regulatory hurdles and safety concerns.
  • Volatility in fuel prices impacting operational costs.

Key Industry Developments

November 2024: GDHF, a leading helicopter leasing firm, announced a framework agreement for 10 Leonardo AW189 super medium helicopters to support offshore oil and gas operations. The deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

July 2024: AerCap, a leading aviation leasing specialist, signed 21 helicopter lease agreements with Milestone Aviation in Q2 2024. AerCap secured a total of 162 leases, including aircraft, fuselages, and engines.

Helicopter Leasing Market Segmentation

By Helicopter Type

  • Light Helicopter: H125/AS350, Bell 407, R66, AW109/A109, H130T2, H135P2, BK 117, MD 500, Others.
  • Medium Helicopter: AW139, Bell 412, UH-1, S-76, AS365, H155, Others.
  • Heavy Helicopter: Mil Mi-8, Mil Mi-172, Others.

By Lease Type

  • Dry Lease
  • Wet Lease

By Application

  • Offshore Commercial Operations
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Firefighting
  • Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Others

Future Outlook

The helicopter leasing market is poised for significant expansion, supported by increasing investments in advanced helicopter models, growing demand for emergency services, and cost-effective leasing options. As technology advances, efficiency improvements, and strategic partnerships within the industry, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, making leasing an attractive alternative to ownership for businesses worldwide.