Global Uncertainties Holding Back Rotorcraft Industry Rebound

Airbus helicopter

Single-engine light helicopters remain the bestsellers in the commercial rotary-wing market, with Airbus’ H125 continuing to hold its market share 50 years after first flight. The OEM will mark the anniversary along with the milestone of 40 million flight hours at Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California, in late February.

Credit: Ned Dawson/Airbus Helicopters
Chief executives of the major helicopter manufacturers are satisfied that the market turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic is finally behind them. While other aerospace sectors have seen demand surge, rotary-wing sales and deliveries remain somewhat stagnant and have yet to return to pre-pandemic...
Tony Osborne

Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines.

Global Uncertainties Holding Back Rotorcraft Industry Rebound is available to both Aviation Week & Space Technology and AWIN subscribers.

Subscribe now to read this content, plus receive critical analysis into emerging trends, technological advancements, operational best practices and continuous updates to policy, requirements and budgets.

Already a subscriber to AW&ST or AWIN? Log in with your existing email and password.