Heli twin-engine pre-owned market ‘faces headwinds’: Aero Asset
The global pre-owned twin-engine helicopter market faces significant headwinds – with transactions down 30% year-on-year (yoy) in the first half of 2024, according to Aero Asset’s latest market report. Prices have reached a five-year high.
“Our analysis shows a 30% year-over-year decrease in retail sales volume of preowned twin-engine helicopters in the first half of 2024, and a 26% increase in supply for sale,” said Valerie Pereira, vice president of Market Research. The absorption rate increased to 18 months of supply at current trade levels.
Prices have reached a five-year peak across all twin-engine asset classes despite the lower sales volume. Average pre-owned trading prices have reached a five-year peak across all twin-engine asset classes. The biggest average transaction price increases occurred in the light category, which rose by 21% and medium twin-engine helicopter markets, which climbed 14% yoy.
Retail sales fell across all weight classes YOY. The biggest drop was seen in the medium twin market, where retail sales fell by 46%. Sales in the pre-owned heavy category were down by 25% and light twin-engine sales fell by 14%Y. The supply of light twin-engine helicopters offered for sale reached one of its highest levels but the supply of medium and heavy twin units touched its lowest point in five years.
Turning to regional analysis of the pre-owned twin-engine market in the first half of 2024, Europe was the only region to buck the trend and see an increase in preowned retail transactions – up by 5% yoy. Asia Pacific experienced the biggest regional drop in retail sales volume – down by 73%.
Supply in North America and Europe rose by 5% and 35% respectively. These regions represented 62% of the total supply and accounted for two-thirds of total retail sales in the first half of 2024, according to Aero Asset.
The best performing pre-owned twin-engine market during the first half of 2024 was the Airbus EC/H145, followed by the Airbus EC/H135, and the Leonardo AW139. The slowest performing preowned twin markets were the Airbus EC/H155 and Sikorsky S76D markets, with absorption rates of more than three years. Read a copy of the report here.
Meanwhile, in July Aero Asset reported rising global sales of pre-owned single-engine helicopters in the first half of this year.
Pre-owned twin-engine heli market H1 – at a glance
- Transactions down 30%
- Prices reach five-year high
- Absorption rate rose to 18 months of supply at current trade levels
- Retail sales fell across all weight classes
- Europe saw an increase in pre-owned retail transactions
- Best performing pre-owned twin-engine market during the first half of 2024 was the Airbus EC/H145, followed by the Airbus EC/H135, and the Leonardo AW139.
Source: Aero Asset