Date: 22 Apr 2004
Time: 23:40
Civil helicopter deliveries fell again in 2002, but have rebounded in 2003 and are expected to register modest gains until peaking at mid-decade. As order backlogs for many of the new models are worked off, subsequent deliveries are projected to fall off gradually to near current levels by 2012.
For the 2003-2012 period reviewed in its World Commercial Rotorcraft Market analysis, Forecast International is projecting shipments of nearly 9,500 commercial rotary-wing aircraft (including 3,600 piston-powered models), valued at just under US$ 19 billion. In terms of sales revenues, it says, Eurocopter continues its strong market dominance, a trend expected to continue into the early years of the next decade.
The EMS sector continues to grow, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, it confirmed.
“Many EMS operators initiated operations with the Eurocopter BK.117 and will soon begin replacing some of these with newer equipment,” said Forecast International. “New helicopters are also required as services spread to the more rural areas.
“International teaming and collaboration is on the rise, and many of the Western manufacturers are establishing or expanding joint ventures with China’s industry. Enstrom and Schweizer, the latter through the new Shanghai Sikorsky organisation, plan to set up licensed lines in China, while Eurocopter is already working with both China and Singapore on the EC 120. MD Helicopters has also concluded a joint venture agreement with Hongdu of China, and plans to establish a licensed line to produce its MD500/600 series in that country.
“MD Helicopters appears to have resolved problems with delayed shipments from its suppliers and is projected to double the number of its 2003 deliveries by 2006. Orders from law enforcement agencies and police departments have risen somewhat following the events of September 11, 2001 and this trend could gain momentum as the U.S. Border Patrol, the new Homeland Security Office, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) define their equipment requirements in the years ahead.”