Market analysis from Aero Asset shows that, after falling for three consecutive semesters, retail sales of single-engine helicopters increased four per cent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The supply ended 23 per cent higher YoY, and the absorption rate increased to 13 months of supply at current trade levels.

Toronto, Canada-headquartered helicopter sales and market intelligence firm Aero Asset has released its latest report, the 2024 Half Year Heli Market Trends Single-Engine edition, covering the first half, or first semester, of 2024. The data shows that global sales have stabilised on a positive trend for the first time in three semesters.

“During the first half of 2024, retail sales for single-engine helicopters were up for the first time in a year and a half,” says vice president of market research Valerie Pereira. “The supply of single-engines for sale also increased, but pricing remained steady versus the same timeframe last year.”

In the first half of 2024, Europe and North America accounted for 60 per cent of the worldwide supply of single-engine helicopters for sale. Europe held the largest share of the supply (35 per cent), followed by North America (25 per cent), Asia Pacific (22 per cent), Latin America (11 per cent) and rest of world (seven per cent).

The data reveals that retail transactions to Europe resumed in 2024 following a slump the previous year. However, most helicopter sales continue to be driven by North American buyers, accounting for 63 per cent of all transactions in the first half of the year.

The most liquid pre-owned single-engine helicopter market in the first half of 2024 was the Airbus AS350 B3/B3e/H125, followed by the Bell 407/GX/P/I and the Leonardo AW119K/Ke/Kx. The Airbus EC130 B4/H130 was the least liquid market, with an absorption rate of 1.6 years.

The report with all its data and analysis can be downloaded via the Aero Asset website. It includes a conversation with Giacomo Zampetti, VP of marketing at Leonardo Helicopters.