For now, the market for helicopters appears to be those with the jobs that drones have a hard time completing. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
The global helicopter industry faces significant challenges, marked by a nearly 50% decline in sales over the last decade and recent company bankruptcies.
This downturn is driven by economic contractions in key sectors like offshore oil and gas, and the growing displacement of helicopters by emerging technologies such as drones in applications like news reporting and agriculture.
Operational hurdles, including a drastic reduction in available heliports, high landing fees, and increasing noise abatement policies, further contribute to the industry's struggles.
The remaining market for helicopters is largely confined to specialized roles like emergency medical services, heavy material lifting, and law enforcement, with experts pessimistic about its long-term future against advancing autonomous vehicles.
It may not seem obvious, but the helicopter industry might be in a battle for survival.
When Enstrom Helicopter, a 64-year-old company with a storied history, unwound its operations in January, it was a signal that something was amiss in the market. If this were just an anomaly case of pandemic forces, there would be no cause for alarm. But that isn’t the case.
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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.
