The Europe helicopters market is expected to grow from US$ 10,443.48 million in 2021 to US$ 16,383.49 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2021 to 2028.
Europe Helicopters Market Overview
The growing development of unmanned helicopters, combined with the adoption of advanced materials and technologies, is poised to accelerate Europe Helicopters Market growth. Unmanned helicopters are increasingly being utilized for both civilian applications and defense missions. These aircraft are particularly useful for delivering cargo to remote or inaccessible regions where conventional airfields are unavailable.
One such example is the ILX-27, an unmanned helicopter developed through a collaboration between the Institute of Aviation in Warsaw and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), a prominent Polish research organization. The ILX-27 was first unveiled in 2012. Another notable project is the Alpin, a long-range unmanned helicopter being jointly developed by UAVOS and TITRA, a Turkish engineering firm.
Beyond unmanned systems, another significant trend shaping the Europe Helicopters Market is the growing use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). CFRP materials offer consistent structural strength, enhanced corrosion resistance, and reduced weight, making them ideal for helicopter components. Leading OEMs such as Airbus S.A.S and Boeing Corporation are increasingly incorporating CFRP into their production processes.
Moreover, OEMs are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline aircraft production and enhance safety features. For instance, Boeing has developed machine-learning algorithms that contribute to aircraft design and automate factory operations.
Europe Helicopters Market Introduction
Governments across Europe are allocating substantial budgets for the modernization and acquisition of military equipment. A notable example is the procurement of the H215 Super Puma helicopter by the Spanish Air Force in December 2018 under the NSPA Aviation Programme. This helicopter, equipped with mission-specific configurations such as extended fuel tanks, emergency flotation systems, and advanced cockpit technologies, is well-suited for search and rescue (SAR) missions—including operations requiring night vision capabilities.
Similarly, the UK and Germany have invested significantly in upgrading their SAR helicopter fleets, boosting demand for commercial helicopters. In 2019, the Italian government opted to acquire the AW169M, a twin-engine, 10-seat, 4.8-ton helicopter produced by Leonardo’s helicopter division. This decision was part of the broader Armed Forces Procurement Program. The helicopter’s configuration includes essential safety and navigation systems such as an emergency flotation system, a traffic collision avoidance system, and a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system.
Overall, increasing military spending on lightweight, advanced helicopters and the rising demand for SAR missions are key drivers fueling the growth of the Europe Helicopters Market.
Impact of COVID-19: Europe Helicopters Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Europe, particularly in countries like Russia and the UK. The European aviation sector—which comprises aircraft OEMs, component manufacturers, airlines, and MRO service providers—faced major disruptions due to the pandemic.
During the crisis, many government contracts for helicopter and aircraft acquisitions were delayed or suspended to mitigate operational costs. This had a ripple effect on OEMs and suppliers, leading to substantial financial losses. Component manufacturers were especially affected by the sharp decline in production volumes during the early months of 2020. Consequently, the pandemic severely disrupted the business operations of helicopter manufacturers and suppliers across the European region.
FY2020 was particularly challenging for the aviation industry, as manufacturers of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters reduced or halted procurement activities, compounding the financial strain on the supply chain and slowing market momentum.
Europe Helicopters Market Segmentation
Europe Helicopters Market – By Type
- Single Rotor
- Multi Rotor
- Tilt Rotor
Europe Helicopters Market -By Weight
- Light Weight
- Medium Weight
- Heavy Weight
Europe Helicopters Market -By Application
- Commercial & Civil
- Transport
- Emergency Rescue
- Utility
- Training
- Military
- Attack and Reconnaissance
- Maritime
- Transport Search and Rescue
- Training
Europe Helicopters Market – By Country
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- UK
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
Europe Helicopters Market – Company Profiles
- Airbus S.A.S.
- Bell Textron Inc.
- Boeing
- Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
- Kaman Corporation
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- MD Helicopters, Inc.
- Russian Helicopters
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Author’s Bio:
Suryakant Gadekar
Senior Market Research Expert at Business Market Insights
