5 May 2025, 03:31 PM
The global helicopter leasing market size was valued at USD 4.55 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.99 billion in 2024 to USD 10.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period.
• 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)
As per helicopter, the market is classified into light helicopter, medium helicopter, and heavy helicopter. The introduction of advanced light helicopters, such as the AC332 with improved design features and high-temperature operational capability, enhances their appeal, supporting the dominance of light helicopters.
H125/AS350 Segment Dominated Due to Proven Reliability and Experience
In terms of lease type, the market is bifurcated into dry lease and wet lease. The dry lease segment captures the highest helicopter leasing market share in 2023, offering cost savings by allowing operators with the necessary resources to handle maintenance, insurance, and crew, fostering continued growth in the segment.
Others Segment Led due to Expansion of Operators Into Diverse fields
In terms of region, the market is categorized into Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
Helicopter leasing is an agreement between the owner and lessor, where the owner permits the lessor to use the helicopter. There are two primary types: a dry lease (helicopter rental without crew, maintenance, or insurance, with the lessee responsible for operations) and a wet lease (helicopter rental with crew, maintenance, and insurance included, but the lessee still retains control). As older helicopters reach the end of their operational life, demand for newer, more efficient models is driving this leasing market. Advanced helicopters with improved fuel efficiency, avionics, and safety systems are becoming increasingly attractive for lease, supporting market growth.
EU and U.S. sanctions on Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine, have severely disrupted Russia’s aviation sector, particularly targeting aircraft leases. Western lessors were mandated to terminate contracts, while the aviation insurance industry faces significant losses, with total insured damages expected to exceed USD 20 billion. Regulatory challenges, such as asset recovery and insurance complexities, further complicate the market.
Fortune Business Insights™ provides this information in its research report, titled “Helicopter Leasing Market, 2024-2032”.
Information Source:
List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report:
• 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)
Segmentation:
Technological Advancements and Innovation Led to the Dominance of Light Helicopter Segment As per helicopter, the market is classified into light helicopter, medium helicopter, and heavy helicopter. The introduction of advanced light helicopters, such as the AC332 with improved design features and high-temperature operational capability, enhances their appeal, supporting the dominance of light helicopters.
H125/AS350 Segment Dominated Due to Proven Reliability and Experience
By light helicopter, the market is classified into H125/AS350, Bell 407, R66, AW109/A109, H130T2, H135P2, BK 117, MD 500, and others. The H125/AS350 segment captured the highest market share and is slated to be the fastest-growing during the study period. The H125/AS350 series, with over 36 million flight hours and more than 40 years of service, is favored for its established reliability, supporting strong segment growth.
AW139 Segment Dominated, Driven by Strong Market Presence of Key Companies and Fleet Usage
Based on medium helicopter, the market is fragmented into AW139, Bell 412, UH-1, S-76, AS365, H155, and others. With over 1,100 units sold and widespread use by major corporations such as CHC Helicopter and Gulf Helicopters, the AW139 maintains an apex market position, driving continued segment growth.
Mil Mi-8 Segment to Dominate On Account of Continuous Technical Upgrades
As per heavy helicopter, the market is fragmented into Mil Mi-8, Mil Mi-172, and others. The Mil Mi-8 segment is poised to capture the largest market share during the forecast period. Ongoing technical enhancements to the Mil Mi-8, including newer versions such as the Mi-8AMTSH-VN, increase its versatility and sustainability for a wide range of operations, driving segment growth.
Cost Saving Benefits of Dry Lease Led to its Dominance In terms of lease type, the market is bifurcated into dry lease and wet lease. The dry lease segment captures the highest helicopter leasing market share in 2023, offering cost savings by allowing operators with the necessary resources to handle maintenance, insurance, and crew, fostering continued growth in the segment.
Others Segment Led due to Expansion of Operators Into Diverse fields
In terms of application, the market is fragmented into offshore commercial operations, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), firefighting, Search and Rescue (SAR), and others. The others segment, encompassing various industries such as media, tourism, and utility operations, is poised for the largest market share due to increasing demand and operator expansion into their diverse fields.