Aviation Week projects 14% growth in the global helicopter fleet by 2036

Aviation Week’s new 10-year Helicopter Fleet & MRO Forecast says the worldwide turbine-powered helicopter fleet will top 24,900 aircraft by 2036, with Airbus Helicopters leading deliveries and Safran holding the top engine market position. The report also points to $102.8 billion in MRO demand and a wave of retirements later in the decade.

Why it matters: - The forecast points to steady growth in the helicopter market even as retirements rise later in the decade. - The outlook highlights where manufacturers, engine makers and maintenance providers are likely to see the biggest demand through 2036. - The report estimates $38.6 billion in retail delivery value and $102.8 billion in total MRO requirements over the 10-year period.

What happened: - Aviation Week released its 2027 Helicopter Fleet & MRO Forecast on Oct. 22, 2026. - The forecast covers a 10-year outlook for the global turbine-powered helicopter market. - Aviation Week says the report is based on independent projections from internal forecasting teams and data from the Aviation Week Intelligence Network. - Aviation Week also released its 2027 Commercial Fleet & MRO Forecast, Business Aviation Fleet & MRO Forecast and Military Aviation Fleet & MRO Forecast. - More information is available at Aviation Week’s fleet forecast page.

The details: - The worldwide turbine-powered helicopter fleet is projected to grow 14% by 2036, reaching more than 24,900 units from about 21,900. - That growth works out to a 1.4% compound annual growth rate. - Turbine-powered helicopter deliveries are projected to exceed 6,500 over the decade. - Aircraft retirements are projected to total just under 3,200 units. - Airbus Helicopters is projected to deliver 42% of all new helicopters over the next 10 years. - Airbus Helicopters also ranks first in delivery value. - Leonardo ranks second in delivery value. - Bell Textron ranks second in projected unit deliveries and third in delivery value. - The top three manufacturers together account for 94% of the forecast’s $38.6 billion retail delivery value. - Smaller helicopters lead in unit deliveries. - Safran remains the leading turbine helicopter engine producer. - Safran’s installed engine fleet is projected to increase by more than 5,300 units to almost 16,300 by 2036. - Safran’s projected engine share is 47% after retirements and new deliveries are counted. - Aftermarket MRO demand is projected to grow at a 1.4% CAGR on a non-inflationary basis. - Component MRO represents 35% of the projected $102.8 billion total MRO requirement. - Dynamic components make up more than half of component MRO demand. - Retirement activity is expected to concentrate in the second half of the forecast period. - Retirements are projected to peak at nearly 500 units in 2032.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests the market’s value will stay concentrated among a small group of manufacturers even as unit growth broadens across smaller aircraft. - The retirements spike later in the decade could create a stronger maintenance and replacement cycle after the near-term fleet expansion. - The emphasis on component MRO signals that high-value parts work will remain a major revenue pool for aftermarket providers.

What's next: - Industry suppliers, operators and maintenance providers will use the forecast to guide fleet planning, capacity decisions and aftermarket strategy. - Aviation Week says the report combines fleet counts, projected aircraft changes, utilization data and segmented MRO cost analytics to support strategic planning across aerospace markets. - Anne McMahon is listed as the contact for subscriptions and additional information at +1 646 469 1564 or anne.mcmahon@aviationweek.com.