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Helicopter Sales Slump in First Half of 2022

Among select helicopter models for purchase by Airbus, Bell, and Leonardo,106 units sold collectively during the year's first half. [Courtesy: Aero Asset]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The market for used single-engine turbine helicopters experienced a 10% sales volume decrease in the first half of the year, driven by a significantly dwindling inventory that could be exhausted in 3.5 months.
  • North American buyers dominated transactions, showing high demand for popular models like the Airbus AS350 and Bell 407, while inventory for utility and EMS helicopters reached historic lows.
  • European sales plummeted 50% year-over-year due to the Russia-Ukraine war, though strong demand for turbine helicopters is anticipated to continue in the second half, partly fueled by tax incentives.
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Aero Asset, a Canadian Helicopter brokerage firm, said in its half-year helicopter market trends report this week that a dwindling supply of used single-engine turbine helicopter inventory also caused sales volume to shrink. 

Lower Sales Due to Lower Inventory

Aero Asset tracked retail sales of select helicopter models for purchase by Airbus, Bell, and Leonardo. It said the 106 units sold collectively during the year’s first half, worth $200 million, was down 10 percent compared to the same period in 2021. Moreover, 65 percent fewer aircraft were available this year. The supply market is so tight that Aero Asset says the outstanding sales inventory could be exhausted in three and a-half months. For instance, during the second quarter, of the units it tracked, only 64 aircraft worth $135 million were available for sale, according to the report. 

Michael Wildes

Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.

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