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Summary
Since 2020, the global helicopter market has been showing signs of recovery after a challenging period between 2017 and 2019, marked by a 20% drop in deliveries of civil helicopters. The death of Kobe Bryant and the coronavirus crisis in early 2020 had a significant, yet temporary impact, with expectations for a market rebound in 2021 or 2022. France, with key industry players such as Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines, is competitively positioned in the global market. Despite a decrease in Airbus Helicopters' revenues to 6.007 billion euros due to lower orders and deliveries compared to the previous year, the French helicopter market remains robust, thanks largely to exports. Additionally, the public orders boost by 832 million euros from French institutions has provided much-needed cash flow in advance. The market also diversifies with services like "taxicopters" offered by companies such as Ubercopter and BookMyHelo.
However, obstacles such as public perception due to noise nuisance, helicopter accidents, and controversies over military sales (e.g., allegations surrounding the France-Kuwait contract) hinder market growth. Demand dynamics vary: personal use remains limited to the affluent, emergency medical services see frequent use, and military demand is closely tied to national military budgets and foreign sales negotiations. The number of pilot licenses issued doesn't necessarily correlate with market activity. As the market moves forward, the French helicopter industry will likely see changes in both domestic and international spheres.
Resurgence and Evolution of the French Helicopter Market
Airbus Helicopters, a French company, stands at the forefront of the global market and demonstrates the competitive edge of France in the industry. Their extensive range of helicopters contributes to a significant market share in civil and parapublic helicopter services worldwide. In fact, in 2019, the company had an income of approximately 6 billion euros from 369 orders, signifying the importance of the industry for France's economic landscape. Helicopter taxis, or "taxicopters," represent a new market segment lending vitality to the industry and offer potential for the democratization of helicopter travel.
Although currently a niche market with limited players such as Ubercopter and BookMyHelo, it indicates the market's adaptability and potential for expansion. Despite the innovation and advances in the sector, the helicopter market faces certain challenges. One such barrier is the public's perception of helicopters, with concerns regarding noise pollution and an elitist image. Additionally, high-profile accidents, such as the one that claimed the life of Kobe Bryant, can have a significant impact on the market's public image and demand. In terms of military demand, the French armed forces are the sole national demand for military helicopters, with foreign sales also playing a crucial role.
France's robust military fleet, including 555 combat helicopters, highlights its competitive stance in the global market. The country's economic support for the aeronautics industry, which was heightened following the COVID-19 crisis, further underlines the strategic importance of the market.
On the civil side, helicopter rescue operations make up a significant part of market demand in France. These operations include primary heliborne sorties, which dominate the majority of missions, and secondary inter-hospital transportation. These necessary services, such as those provided by the SAMU, play a critical role in France's healthcare system.
While the market faces several obstacles, including the strong competition from international players and the limited number of helipads, particularly in metropolitan areas like Marseille, the French market remains robust. With an impressive fleet of both commercial and military helicopters, France shows its capacity to compete on the world stage, aided by leaders such as Airbus Helicopter.
Key Players Shaping the Helicopter Industry Landscape
The helicopter market is characterized by the presence of some major players who dominate the industry, along with several niche companies that have carved out their own specialized segments. Below are the notable entities that play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the global and French helicopter market.
- Airbus Helicopters Topping the list is Airbus Helicopters, the leading name in the world of civil helicopter manufacturing. The company boasts the widest range of civil and military helicopters globally, covering a significant market share. Its dominance is not only limited to France but extends worldwide, with its helicopters being ubiquitous in both sectors. Their models are known for reliability and sophistication, making Airbus a popular choice for clients around the globe.
- Bell Helicopter, an American company, is another prominent figure in the helicopter market, known for its innovative designs and advanced technology. While it holds a smaller market share compared to Airbus, Bell is recognized for its influence on the industry and its contribution to shaping the technological advancements of helicopters.
- Leonardo Italian-based Leonardo stands as a significant competitor in the helicopter market, with a notable market share that comes second after Airbus. Leonardo's helicopter division is known for its comprehensive range of products that cater to both military and civil markets, indicative of their solid expertise and long-standing heritage in the industry.
- Safran Helicopter Engines As the leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, Safran Helicopter Engines represents the heart of helicopter operation—the power source. They aren't manufacturers of complete helicopters, but their key componentry underpins many of the models made by larger companies. Safran provides engines that are a testament to performance and efficiency.
- Guimbal Helicopters A French SME, Guimbal has a unique place in the helicopter market. Specializing in two-seater helicopters, Guimbal has targeted a specific niche—flying schools—where it has gained significant traction. The company's approach to concentrating on a narrow market segment has paid off, with it holding a substantial share of the market in its category.
- NHIndustries, though not mentioned explicitly in the section, is relevant due to its partnership structure that includes Airbus Helicopters. This consortium is essential in producing the NH90 military helicopter, which has bolstered its position through substantial contracts, such as the one with Qatar, emphasizing its global reach and the strategic importance of such collaborations.
Together, these companies maintain the vitality of the helicopter market through competitive advancements
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- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 07/10/2020
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Presentation and Definition of the Market
The helicopters are propeller aircraft, used in both the civil and military aspects of aeronautics. The helicopter market can be broken down according to use: the defence , l’ business aviation s, the police forces , l’ gas industry and oil and the medical evacuation to name the most important ones.
After a difficult period between 2017 and 2019 (there was a 20% drop in deliveries of civil helicopters and a 13% drop in the overall market in 2017 and then in 2019 the market as a whole fell by 15%); the global helicopter market shows some promise. Indeed, after the beginning of 2020 marked by the highly publicized death of Kobe Bryant and the coronavirus crisis, which considerably slowed down the market, a recovery is expected in the near future, i.e. in 2021 or even 2022. The year 2020 should be a year of stability, before seeing the market take off again in the years to come. Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said "a scenario of gradual recovery" and thought "optimistic about the medium- and long-term outlook". [ La Tribune ]
The French company Airbus Helicopters is the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, their range of civil and military helicopters is the widest in the world and represents nearly a third of the civil and parapublic helicopters in service worldwide. The market is seeing the emergence of partnerships between companies in order to have more weight in the sector: Airbus Helicopters-Avic, Bell-Augusta, etc. [ SME Pact ]
List of charts
- Temps de vol des hélicoptères commerciaux selon la raison de vol
- Taille du Marché des Hélicoptères
- Répartition de la flotte d'Hélicoptères Commerciaux
- Plus grandes flottes d'hélicoptères commerciaux
- Plus grandes flottes d'hélicoptères militaires
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Latest news
Sabena Technics opens new helicopter workshop in Provence - 10/01/2024
- Specialist in civil and military aircraft maintenance
- Following the acquisition of Aéromécanic in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhône) in 2020, Sabena Technics moves to the Marseille Provence airport
- The group employs over 3,000 people at 18 sites worldwide, and generates sales of 700 million euros.
- strengthened in 2022 by the acquisition of Héli-Union, the supply and maintenance of military helicopters sector representsrepresents more than 450 employees working in Toussus le Noble, Pau, Angoulême and Marignane, and accounts for around a quarter of Sabena Technics' total sales.
Safran offers $1.8 billion for Collins flight orders - 22/07/2023
- Safran proposes to acquire Collins Aerospace's flight controls business for an enterprise value of $1.8 billion.
- The acquisition covers 8 manufacturing sites, 7 of which are in Europe (mainly the UK, France and Italy) and 1 in Asia, employing 3,700 people.
- By 2024, these plants are expected to generate sales of around $1.5 billion
- The customers of this Collins branch are 63% commercial aviation, 25% military aircraft and 12% helicopters.
- Collins is committed to generating a quarter of sales from its orders over the next few years.
- Safran forecasts a 50% increase in engine deliveries by 2023.
- Safran promises sales of 23 billion euros in 2023 (versus 19 billion euros in 2022)
Safran negotiates its biggest acquisition in five years with Raytheon - 08/06/2023
- Safran Group in talks to acquire a branch of Raytheon Technologies Corp
- Potential acquisition of certain flight control and actuation activities (ATA 27)
- Acquisition value could be around $1 billion
- Raytheon had sales of $67.1 billion in 2020
- Safran had sales of 19 billion euros
Safran forecasts a 50% increase in engine deliveries by 2023. - 20/02/2023
- Last year, Safran invested heavily in the space sector, with the acquisition of Orolia , Cilas and Syrlinks
- three companies that will enable Safran to rapidly reach half a billion euros in sales in space equipment
Aerospace: Sabena Technics strengthens its position in Toulouse - 16/02/2023
- Leading independent aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul group
- Sabena Technics acquires part of Aeroconseil Akkodis (200 employees)
- 3.500 Sabena Technics employees worldwide
- Group sales to rise to €700 million in 2023 from €500 million in 2021
- The group has diversified into helicopter maintenance.
- Acquisition in 2020 of helicopter maintenance company Aeromecanic (100 employees) in Marseille
- Takeover in September 2022 of Heli-Union (sales of €140 million with 350 employees. Helicopter operator providing operations for oil companies and operational maintenance for French military helicopters.
Aircraft maintenance: with the acquisition of Héli-Union, Sabena targets military export markets - 20/10/2022
- sabena Technics acquires Héli-Union,helicopter maintenance specialist, with sales of €150 million
- The group has sales of 500 million euros by 2021, 3000 employees
- main site in Mérignac (Gironde)
- The operator has facilities in Toulouse, Perpignan, Nîmes and Pau.
- Since 2019, acquisitions of : Aeromecanic in Marseille-Marignane, then AeroTech Pro in Istres.
- Héli-Union employs 350 people and operates helicopters on behalf of oil companies.
- Sabena becomes a heavyweight in helicopter maintenance, selling its services to half of the French military fleet, competing with operators such as Daher, DSI and Babcock.
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