Honeywell report: helicopter demand up worldwide over next five years

LAS VEGAS, 6 March 2013. Global deliveries of new civilian-use helicopters will increase to between 4,900 and 5,600 over the five-year period (2013–2017), reveals Honeywell’s (NYSE:HON) 15th Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook report.

“The buyer confidence reflected in this year’s survey is a much needed shot in the arm for the industry,” explains Brian Sill, vice president, Honeywell Aftermarket Helicopter Sales. “Supporting the growth numbers is the fact that helicopter usage for corporate, oil and gas, utility, and training missions is improving, which shows that helicopters are value-add aircraft in today’s business environment.”

Based on survey results, delivery rates of new helicopters over the next three years are expected to reach 1,000 new units each year. Purchase plans for new helicopters for this three-year time frame are 35 percent higher than last year’s survey. The latter part of the five-year outlook is also expected to fill in and achieve similar delivery rates, if economic recovery trends are sustained.

Drivers for new purchase expectations include: aircraft age and condition, contractual requirements, change in operational requirements, expiring warranties, and regulations requiring twin engines.

The forecast shows improved purchase plans for new helicopters in every region of the world. North American buying plans increased for the first time in half a decade, and Latin America posted the highest regional level of five-year fleet replacement and expansion at 34 percent.

The five-year share of demand from the United States and Canada is 27 percent; combined, the Western Hemisphere represents 47 percent of total global demand. Europe’s share of five-year demand closely matches that of North America with 28 percent. Demand in Asia/Oceania accounts for 19 percent over the next five years, and the Africa/Middle East share should tally a little over 6 percent.

Higher purchase plans were found across the board in all regions this year. Purchase plans in major U.S and European centers of demand rose this year by 3 and 7 points, respectively. All other regions also improved moderately compared with 2012, and their purchase plans remain above the world average rate. Specific purchase plans just for 2013 remain strong and improved over levels reported in the 2012 survey.

The expectation for new aircraft orders in 2013 is up over 30 percent compared with 2012 levels, suggesting the recovery will maintain momentum this year.

Global five-year demand for new turbine-powered helicopters is split almost 50-50 between the Americas and the rest of the world. Latin America and Asia continue to have the highest fleet replacement and expansion expectations among the regions. In terms of projected regional demand for new helicopters, Latin America and Asia remain in close competition to claim the world’s third largest regional market, following North America and Europe.

“Honeywell’s propulsion, safety, mapping, and communications technologies and services help helicopter operators control their costs and enhance efficiency and safety. Our turboshaft engines for light- and medium-lift commercial helicopters provide high power, reliability, fuel efficiency and safety for operators at a competitive price,” Sill says. “Our safety products, designed to provide a three-dimensional sphere of detection ranging from the working components of the helicopter out to more than 40 nautical miles, enable operators to expand the flight operation of their aircraft to meet the growing demands of their businesses.”

Helicopter image courtesy Shutterstock.