Rotortrade, a pre-owned helicopter dealership, has released Market Analysis for Africa 2024-2025, a comprehensive report offering insights into fleet composition, procurement trends, financing challenges and long-term opportunities across the continent's rotary-wing industry.

Although Africa's helicopter market is among the smallest globally in terms of operational fleet size, the report highlights its significant growth potential in key countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. The analysis underscores shifting dynamics in oil and gas, humanitarian operations and government procurement, with a gradual move toward Western-built pre-owned aircraft and localised operational support.

“Africa's helicopter market is nuanced and highly localised,” states Aurélien Blanc, Rotortrade's head of region for APAC, Middle East and Africa. “Success here requires more than competitive aircraft; it demands presence, patience and the ability to adapt to local business practices. You can't do it from the outside; you need to invest time on the ground.”

The report details how infrastructure limitations, financing constraints and regulatory complexities continue to challenge operators. Yet it also identifies compelling opportunities, from Nigeria's localisation of offshore support to increased acceptance of pre-owned aircraft for government and VIP missions across the continent.

Blanc adds: “Africa embraces older aircraft more than any other region, provided they are supported by spares, training and dependable after-sales service. That is where Rotortrade's long-term strategy of proximity and turnkey solutions creates real value.”

Rotortrade's Market Analysis for Africa 2024-2025 also explores sustainability considerations, noting that while green technologies are not yet driving procurement decisions, ESG standards from international organisations and development banks are beginning to influence fleet renewal and modernisation.

With plans to establish new offices on the continent, Rotortrade reaffirms its commitment to building local partnerships, supporting operators and contributing to sustainable long-term growth in Africa's helicopter sector.