Helicopter Leasing Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Lease Type (Operating Lease, Finance Lease, Sale and Leaseback, and Other Lease Types), Helicopter Type, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Helicopter Leasing Market is accounted for $5.63 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $11.92 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period. The practice of renting or leasing helicopters to people, businesses, or organizations for a predetermined amount of time is known as helicopter leasing. This service allows clients to access helicopters without the upfront costs and long-term commitments of ownership. Leasing companies typically offer flexible terms, including operational and maintenance support, making it an attractive option for industries like oil and gas, emergency services, tourism, and transportation. Helicopter leasing enables businesses to meet specific transportation needs while managing costs and capital expenditures efficiently.

According to Allianz, the aviation insurance industry is expected to suffer significant losses as a result of the conflict. Total insured losses for the industry due to the war are estimated to exceed USD 20 billion, with some forecasts reaching USD 35 billion.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing adoption in tourism

Helicopter tours offer a unique and premium travel experience, attracting tourists seeking aerial views of destinations. The rising popularity of eco-tourism and adventure tourism has further boosted the demand for helicopter services. Additionally, leasing allows tourism operators to acquire helicopters without the heavy upfront investment, promoting accessibility to smaller businesses. Helicopters are also used for luxury charters and VIP transport services in the tourism sector, enhancing their appeal. With the global tourism industry recovering strongly post-pandemic, the adoption of helicopter leasing continues to rise.

Restraint:

High operational and maintenance costs

Helicopters require rigorous upkeep due to their complex systems and high usage in demanding operations. Fuel costs and the need for specialized maintenance facilities add to the financial burden of operating helicopters. Moreover, compliance with strict aviation regulations involves additional expenses for inspections and certifications. These costs can deter smaller operators and reduce profitability in the leasing business. To tackle this issue, manufacturers and leasing companies are focusing on offering maintenance-inclusive lease contracts.

Opportunity:

Flexible leasing options

Operators are increasingly choosing short-term and tailored leasing agreements to match seasonal demand and specific business needs. These options make helicopter leasing accessible to smaller businesses and emerging markets, broadening the customer base. Leasing companies are also providing packages that include maintenance, training, and insurance to simplify operations for lessees. Advances in technology have enabled better tracking and management of leased assets, enhancing customer satisfaction. With growing awareness of the benefits of leasing over purchasing, flexible agreements are driving market expansion.

Threat:

High insurance costs

Helicopters are subject to elevated insurance premiums due to their high value, operational risks, and susceptibility to accidents. The unpredictable nature of flying conditions and the diverse range of mission’s helicopters undertake further increase insurance expenses. Smaller operators may struggle with these costs, reducing their ability to sustain leasing agreements. Leasing companies are exploring partnerships with insurers to provide more affordable packages to lessees.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Helicopter Leasing Market. The initial phases of the pandemic saw a sharp decline in tourism, leading to reduced demand for helicopter tours. However, helicopters proved essential for medical evacuations, cargo transportation, and disaster relief operations, supporting the market during challenging times. Post-pandemic, the recovery in tourism and economic activities has revitalized demand for helicopter leasing. The pandemic emphasized the versatility and critical role of helicopters in emergency and commercial operations.

The finance lease segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The finance lease segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its ability to provide operators with long-term asset usage without the upfront cost of purchasing helicopters. Finance leases offer predictable payment structures, making it easier for operators to manage expenses. This leasing model is widely adopted across industries like tourism, healthcare, and logistics.

The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the healthcare segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to the increasing demand for air ambulances and emergency medical services (EMS). Helicopters are essential for rapid patient transport in critical situations, especially in remote or inaccessible areas. The rising need for timely medical evacuations, disaster response, and healthcare accessibility is fuelling the demand for helicopter leasing, providing healthcare providers with flexible, cost-effective solutions for air transportation.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, owing to the rapid expansion of industries such as oil and gas, mining, and tourism. Growing infrastructure development in remote areas increases demand for helicopter services, especially for transportation to offshore oil rigs and hard-to-reach locations. Additionally, the rising need for emergency medical services (EMS) and the increasing tourism sector further contribute to the demand for helicopter leasing in this region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by strong demand from industries like oil and gas, emergency medical services (EMS), and tourism. The region's extensive offshore operations and remote locations require helicopter transportation, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the growing use of helicopters for medical evacuations and the increasing popularity of helicopter tours in tourism contribute to the robust demand for helicopter leasing in North America.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Helicopter Leasing Market include Airbus Helicopters, Vector Aerospace, Sikorsky, AAR Corporation, Bell Helicopter, United Rotorcraft, Leonardo Helicopters, Waypoint Leasing, Russian Helicopters, Lobo Leasing, HeliOne, Vinci Helicopteres, Milestone Aviation Group, CHC Helicopter, and Elbit Systems.

Key Developments:

In April 2025, Taiwan’s EVA Air has placed a firm order for six long-range A350-1000s and three single-aisle A321neo aircraft, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in March 2025. The new orders will bring EVA Air’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered to 24 A350-1000s and 18 A321neo aircraft.

In March 2025, AAR CORP. a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed an extension of its exclusive Serviceable Engine Products agreement for the CFM56 used serviceable material (“USM”) collaboration with FTAI Aviation Ltd. (Nasdaq: FTAI) through 2030.

Lease Types Covered:
• Operating Lease
• Finance Lease
• Sale and Leaseback
• Other Lease Types

Helicopter Types Covered:
• Light Helicopters
• Medium Helicopters
• Heavy Helicopters

Applications Covered:
• Offshore Commercial Operations
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Private and Corporate Aviation
• Search and Rescue
• Firefighting
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Oil & Gas
• Aerospace & Defense
• Healthcare
• Tourism & Leisure
• Utility Services
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBenchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances