GAMA: Deliveries up, market “stabilising”

Airbus Helicopters H175

Helicopter deliveries are stabilising, with shipments up a substantial 16.8% over the same period last year, according to the latest figures.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has reported that $1.9 billion worth of helicopters have been delivered so far this year, up from $1.5 billion at the same time last year. Four hundred and sixty-five new helicopters have been delivered during the first six months of the year.

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said: “The shipment and billing numbers provide a positive marker for the rotorcraft market stabilising and are a solid bright spot for the general aviation industry in 2017.”

Helicopter types are being shipped in greater numbers across the board. Turbine rotorcraft deliveries saw the biggest increase, with almost 20% more deliveries year-on-year so far. A total of 338 turbine rotorcraft units have been delivered so far this year compared to 282 last year.

Piston Rotorcraft deliveries are up from 116 to 127 this year, a 9.5% increase. In total, 465 helicopters have been shipped this year compared to 398 last year.

Brand Breakdown

Airbus has shipped the most aircraft this year, delivering 175 units worth approximately $825 million based on list prices. The most popular model was the H125/M followed by the H145, both light utility class helicopters.

Leonardo’s total billings hit $635.8 million. The AW139 remains a go-to medium option with 21 different units shipped this quarter. Leonardo shipped no AW139s in the first quarter. The light single engine AW119Kx and the super medium AW169 both shipped 16 and 15 units so far respectively.

Bell’s most shipped helicopters to date this year is the 429, with 17 units shipped and the 407GXP, with 15 units delivered. The manufacturer’s total billings are $285.5 million.