Twin engine helicopter pricing held strong last year despite supply and performance shifts across market segments. Ao says Aero Asset, a Toronto, Canada-headquartered helicopter sales and market intelligence firm, in its 2024 Annual Heli Market Trends Twin-Engine Edition.

“Our research shows a slowdown in 2024 deal volume and a growing supply for sale,” says vice president of market research Valerie Pereira. “However, the resilience in transaction prices, an 11 per cent YoY increase, highlights the continued demand for quality pre-owned twin engine helicopters despite supply fluctuations.”

The following are key highlights from the report.

Market Trends:

- Retail sales volume of pre-owned twin engine helicopters declined by eight per cent YoY in 2024.

- Supply for sale increased 14 per cent YoY, while absorption rates rose to 16 months of supply at current trade levels.

Weight Class Performance:

- Light twin engine helicopters: Sales remained steady, but supply surged 33 per cent YoY.

- Medium twins: Retail sales declined 22 per cent while supply dropped 15 per cent YoY.

- Heavy twins: Supply increased 13 per cent YoY but retail sales hit a five-year low S2 2024.

Average Transaction Prices:

- Overall average transaction price (ATP) of pre-owned twins was 11 per cent higher YoY.

- Light twins reached a five-year ATP peak in S2 2024.

- Medium and heavy twins recorded an eight per cent YoY price increase.

Regional Shifts:

- In 2024, Europe led in retail sales growth, surging 29 per cent YoY.

- North America followed with a six per cent YoY increase, accounting for 36 per cent of global transactions, while Europe closely trailed at 32 per cent.

- Supply for sale grew in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, but declined in other regions.

Liquidity Lineup:

- The Airbus EC/H145 was the best-performing pre-owned twin engine model in 2024.

- The EC/H135 and Leonardo AW109S/SP also ranked among the strongest contenders.

- The Sikorsky S76D and Airbus EC/H225 markets were the weakest performers.

Deal Pipeline:

- At the close of Q4 2024, only 20 twin engine retail transactions were pending, marking a three-year low.

- The number of transactions in progress was 50 per cent lower in Q4 2024 versus 2023, signalling a possible cooling trend.

This year's edition includes an interview with Jason Kmiecik, president and owner of HeliValue$ and publisher of The Official Helicopter Blue Book, the accepted standard for helicopter resale pricing information.