Middle East and Africa has the second-highest new purchase rate for helicopters among global regions, with up to 30 per cent of respondent fleets slated for a near-term replacement or addition of a new helicopter, a report said.

More than 60 per cent of planned new helicopter purchases are intermediate and medium twin-engine models, added the 18th annual Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook from Honeywell, a diversified technology and manufacturing leader.

Heavy multi-engine models are underrepresented due to the absence of input from the large oil and gas operators in the region, Honeywell said.

Globally, the report forecasts 4,300 to 4,800 civilian-use helicopters will be delivered from 2016 to 2020, roughly 400 helicopters lower than the 2015 five-year forecast.

“The current global economic situation is causing fleet managers to evaluate new helicopter purchases closely, and that’s why we’re seeing a more cautious five-year demand projection compared with previous years,” said Carey Smith, president, Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace.

“Even in a slower growth environment, Honeywell is well-positioned to help operators keep current fleets lasting longer with aftermarket upgrades and repairs.”

Key findings:

•    The survey showed new purchase-plan rates were stable, but operators cited fewer total new model purchases over the five-year period, leading to a more cautious near-term outlook.

•    When considering a new purchase, operators’ results mirrored those from last year, with make and model choices for their new aircraft most strongly influenced by range, cabin size, performance, technology upgrades and brand experience.

•    Helicopter fleet utilization generally declined compared with last year. Over the next 12 months, usage rates are expected to improve but at a reduced rate.

Helicopter use expected to increase

Helicopter fleet utilization reported in the survey generally declined compared with last year. Over the next 12 months, usage rates are expected to increase but at a reduced rate, as the gap between operators planning increases and those planning decreases has narrowed in every region.  – TradeArabia News Service