Helicopter Market in APAC 2015-2019

Key trend: Growing demand for helicopters in medical emergencies

The APAC region is witnessing an increasing use of light helicopters in the ambulance services segment. It has been observed that, globally, close to 29% of civil helicopters are in use for law enforcement and emergency medical services.

However, its application for medical purposes is in its nascent stage in China, India, and Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, manufacturers like MD Helicopters, Bell, and Eurocopter are competing for a greater market share in emergency services in these regions. Eurocopter estimated a requirement of around 50 helicopters for medical EMS, from India during the next few years. Many governments in the APAC region are contemplating on a minimal charge or a complete waiver of jet fuel taxes, and landing charges, to make medical EMS affordable. With this, the market is slated to grow significantly to post a CAGR of close to 16% in the next four years.

In February 2015, AgustaWestland, and Australian Helicopters announced the delivery of their first six AW 139 intermediate twin engine helicopters for Ambulance Victoria. Similarly, Turbomeca announced teaming up with Airbus Helicopters, India operator Aviators Air Rescue, and Air Medical Group, to develop a dedicated ambulance service in India.

In another development, the EC 135 T3 helicopter from Airbus was selected for its medical EMS capability, in the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Helicopter market in APAC by civil aviation

The leading vendors in the market have identified the growing demand from that is emerging form the civil aviation sector in APAC. Vendors are therefore looking at increasing their presence in new untapped locations in the region.

There are about 750 civil helicopters operating in Southeast Asia itself, where Malayasia has the strongest offshore operational base. Increased offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities in the APAC region stimulates the market demand for helicopters in civil aviation. This calls for strong offshore operational bases in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and India.

Helicopter market in APAC by the defense sector

Key application area for helicopters in the defense sector are: -

• Communication
• Reconnaissance
• Special heli-borne operations
• Suppression of enemy air defenses
• Logistic support to the army
• Casualty evacuation
• Special operations

Trending news highlights in the APAC region

Maritime operations and coastguard are two key factors contributing to the demand for unmanned helicopters in APAC countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Growing incidents of territorial disputes and internal security threats have brought this segment into prominence. 

• February 2015: Sirosky, Airbus, and Russian Helicopters come together to co-produce military helicopters in the APAC region.
• February 2015: Airbus’s helicopter division in talks with Indian companies like Mahindra, TATA, and reliance to produce military helicopters.
• February 2015: Airbus has offers to build its light utility AS550 Fennec and the medium lift EC725 for the armed forces of the APAC countries.

Rise of unmanned helicopters in the APAC region

Maritime operations and coastguard are two key factors contributing to the demand for unmanned helicopters in APAC countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Territorial disputes and internal security threats have brought this market into prominence.

The report outlines the leading countries in the APAC region that use UAVs into three tiers.

• Tier 1: South Korea
• Tier 2: China, India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore
• Tier 3: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan

Until 2012, only the US, UK, Italy, and Israel were known to have used armed UAVs, and there were strict regulations on its technology transfer. However, the APAC region is expected to benefit largely from technological gains owing to cooperation from western countries in the future. Countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia will lead the market with procurements of western made UAVs.

Other sections of the report include an analysis of the following

• Different classes of helicopters foraying into the helicopter market in APAC
• Strategic helicopter fleet size increase in APAC countries
• Potential functionality failures in the helicopter market in the APAC region
• Study of the helicopter market by civil aviation and defense
• Key drivers, challenges, and trends and their impact on the helicopter market in APAC
• Five forces analysis of the helicopter market in APAC
• SWOT analysis of the leading companies in the helicopter market in APAC

Related reports

• Global Military Helicopter MRO Market 2014-2018
• Global Helicopter Market 2014-2018
• Global Helicopter Simulators Market 2014-2018
• HUD Market for Civil Aviation in France 2015-2019