HI Uplift: ‘Unprecedented challenges demand solidarity’

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by Mike Stones
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Helicopters' life-saving missions are little understood by the public, claim industry associations.

The “unpreceded challenges” facing the European, UK and global helicopter industries demand a united response and effective communication to boost the public’s perception of rotorcraft. That was the message from both the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the British Helicopter Association at a recent reception at the Houses of Parliament in London.

“Getting the message out about the value that helicopters bring to the society is a real challenge,” said Thierry Couderc, deputy chairman, EHA. “There are some problems … both in Europe, in France and in the UK with populations thinking that helicopters are just the rich people’s toys.”

For example, only 8% of helicopter flights in France are private sightseeing tours and business trips. The vast majority of flights are accounted for by life-saving missions such as helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) offshore, air ambulance, aerial work and firefighting. “That’s the same, more or less, throughout Europe.”

Life-saving missions

Plus, to fly effectively, aircrews needed regular training. “Helicopter crews must be properly trained and they must fly every day,” continued Couderc. “The message of the French [helicopter] association is: ‘To help you one day, we must be able to fly every day. It is a global matter of communication that we need to demonstrate professionalism at the top level of air safety.’”

The need for solidarity between the helicopter associations of different countries will become even more important as the impact of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology becomes more widespread. “The introduction of new vertical mobility and the impact of administrative and fiscal constraints on the competitiveness of our industry and above all of its effectiveness … makes it essential to clearly express the convergence of views and interests on both sides of the [English] channel,” he said. It’s particularly important to address a unified message to political power, administrative authorities, media and the public.

‘Unprecedented challenges’

“Unprecedented challenges” facing the helicopter industry included continuing conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East; both of which were adding to global uncertainty, according to Mark Stevens, chairman, BHA. Other factors making planning difficult were the UK’s “dynamic and evolving relationship with the United States” and life after Brexit.

“Post-Brexit arrangements are impacting quite significantly on the way we do business both in terms of operational activity and business with Europe,” said Stevens. “The need for improved sustainability and the development of other forms of air mobility pose further challenges to the competitiveness and indeed in some cases I fear the viability of some of our members’ businesses.”

Navigating these challenges required “good, trained people”, access to spares and support and “appropriate and proportionate regulations”. Of fundamental importance is the support of the British government. “Frankly, this requires the government to open its eyes to the wide-ranging benefits that the rotary sector brings to this country as a whole in supporting emissions offshore emissions for oil and gas or wind and launching what actually are probably thousands of life-saving air ambulance social rescue police support missions,” said Stevens.

‘Take them for granted’

The helicopter industry makes a significant contribution to society and in future will be “an essential thread” in the country’s fabric. “Should we be unable to deliver these critical services the social and economic impacts would be significant,” said Stevens. “Sadly, our [British] government seems to take them for granted and this simply must change.”

Helicopter operators in Europe and globally in the offshore sector faced the same challenges and associations were aligned in calling for our governments “to listen to the collective voice of the associations”, he said.

Stevens went on to express regret that invitations to the top management of the UK CAA, EASA and DG MOV (the aviation policy of the EU commission) had not been accepted. (He added that EASA’s refusal was based on protocol).

Responding for the British government in a pre-recorded message, Mike Kane, Member of Parliament, minister for aviation said the BHA has been an important voice for the rotor wing industry and community since its founding more than 50 years ago. “You have championed safety standards facilitated growth and fostered innovation whether coordinating life-saving search and rescue operations providing vital equipment to our armed services or supporting critical offshore energy missions in the North Sea,” he said.

The government wanted to see the helicopter industry and aviation as a whole flourish in a responsible and a sustainable way. “Aviation needs to adapt to achieve our net zero goals and helicopters are ideal candidates for early adoption of electric and hybrid systems,” said Kane.

The UK is already leading green rotorcraft technologies, said Kane. But more progress to ensure the UK can design, certify and export zero emission helicopters of the future, he urged. “The government’s Future Flight Challenge has already allocated millions to trials of eVTOL demonstrations and these pioneering projects to support the work to bring these services to our cities as soon as possible.” Such technologies have the potential to transform urban transport, he said.

 

HI Uplift Dashboard: Helicopters for sale

Multi engine

  • Total for sale/lease: 271 – one fewer than last week
  • Percentage for sale/lease: 3.6
  • Absorption rate: 3.97 months
  • Total fleet: 7,534 – the same as last week.

 

Single engine

  • Total for sale/lease: 433 – two more than last week
  • Percentage for sale/lease: 3.73
  • Absorption rate: 3.73 months
  • Total fleet: 11,594 – seven more than last week.

 Source: AMSTAT, July 24th, 2025. 

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