Offshore Helicopter Services Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Type (Light Helicopters, Medium Helicopters and Heavy Helicopters), Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market is accounted for $3.59 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $6.20 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Specialised aviation operations that transport people, supplies, and equipment to and from offshore projects including wind farms, oil rigs, and ships are referred to as offshore helicopter services. By guaranteeing fast, safe, and effective passage in difficult conditions, these services are essential to the offshore energy and maritime sectors. Offshore helicopters, which are outfitted with sophisticated navigation and safety equipment, are made to function in distant locations and inclement weather, assisting in the maintenance of uninterrupted operations and emergency response capabilities in offshore zones.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing offshore exploration and production activities

Helicopters provide dependable and rapid access to offshore locations, particularly in situations where maritime transportation takes a long time. Specialised helicopter services are becoming more and more necessary as exploration moves into farther-flung and deeper oceans. The demand for sophisticated offshore helicopter operations is increasingly stimulated by safety and emergency response needs. Helicopters are used by oil firms for both urgent supply delivery and routine crew changes. The global market for offshore helicopter services is strengthened by this increasing dependence.

Restraint:

Safety and environmental regulations

Longer approval periods for new helicopter models and flight operations are frequently the consequence of strict regulatory compliance. The number of operational flying hours may be restricted by these regulations, which would impact the effectiveness and availability of services. The kinds of helicopters that can be utilised may be limited by environmental regulations on emissions and noise pollution, which would diminish the options available to the fleet. For non-compliance, businesses risk fines or legal action, which would discourage new competitors from entering the market. All things considered, these rules provide operational and financial difficulties for service providers even if they are essential for sustainability and safety.

Opportunity:

Emerging offshore projects in new region

Helicopters are becoming indispensable for emergency evacuations, personnel changes and supply deliveries as oil and gas exploration moves into farther-flung and deeper waters. Since there is frequently no established infrastructure for these new projects, air transport is an essential operational component. The industry is also expanding because to the increased interest in offshore wind farms, which necessitate frequent maintenance and inspection flights. Investment in cutting-edge helicopter technologies and safety precautions is also encouraged by the development into unexplored areas. All things considered, these advancements create steady demand and give helicopter service suppliers new avenues for income.

Threat:

Competition from alternative transport methods

Transporting people and goods to offshore rigs is frequently less expensive when done by marine boats, such as crew transfer vessels (CTVs). Compared to helicopters, these boats also offer larger safety margins in inclement weather. Long-distance helicopter trips are becoming less necessary as offshore infrastructure gets closer to the shoreline. Furthermore, the need for manned helicopter services is being further challenged by developments in remotely operated and autonomous sea transportation. Helicopter operators are therefore under pressure to cut expenses without sacrificing effectiveness or safety.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the offshore helicopter services market, primarily due to reduced oil and gas exploration activities and global travel restrictions. With fewer offshore operations, demand for crew transportation dropped sharply, leading to financial strain on service providers. Delayed projects and workforce limitations further compounded the market downturn. However, the industry gradually rebounded as energy demand resumed and safety protocols improved, prompting a slow but steady recovery in offshore logistics and transportation by helicopter.

The light helicopters segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The light helicopters segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to their cost-efficiency and operational flexibility. These helicopters use less fuel and require less maintenance when travelling short distances between coastal bases and offshore sites. They can land on the small helipads that are frequently seen on offshore rigs because of their lower size. Light helicopters are becoming more and more necessary for emergency response and crew transport as offshore oil and gas development activities increase. Their acceptance in offshore operations is also being aided by technology developments that are improving their safety, dependability, and range.

The offshore wind industry segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the offshore wind industry segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to increased demand for crew transport to and from wind farms located far from shore. Helicopters provide a quick and effective way to reach turbines for maintenance and inspections as wind farms grow in isolated ocean locations. Helicopter use is constant during the offshore wind project building and operation phases, when frequent aerial support is needed. Additionally, for workers in hazardous offshore environments, helicopters improve safety and emergency response capabilities. The global push for renewable energy is in line with this increasing reliance on helicopter transport, which is driving market expansion.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to increasing offshore oil and gas exploration, renewable energy projects, and defense needs. Countries like China, India, Australia, and Malaysia are expanding offshore operations, boosting demand for reliable helicopter transport. Technological advancements, safety enhancements, and rising investments in offshore infrastructure further support market expansion. The market also benefits from government support and growing regional collaborations, positioning Asia Pacific as a key area for offshore aviation services.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the region’s robust oil and gas exploration activities, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. Demand for safe, efficient crew transport to offshore rigs and platforms is steadily rising. Technological advancements in helicopter design, increased safety protocols, and rising offshore wind energy projects further support market growth. Major service providers are expanding fleets and upgrading services to meet evolving industry needs, ensuring strong momentum in the region’s offshore aviation sector.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Offshore Helicopter Services Market include Bristow Group Inc., CHC Helicopter Group, PHI Inc., Abu Dhabi Aviation Co., HNZ Group Inc., Omni Helicopters International (OHI) SA, NHV Group, Gulf International Services QPSC, Erickson Incorporated, CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd., Cougar Helicopters, UTair-Helicopter Services JSC, Air Methods Corporation, Babcock International Group plc, Global Medical Response Inc., PJSC Gazprom, Westair Helicopters and Avincis.

Key Developments:

In july 2024, CHC Helicopter strengthened its partnership with Petrogas by agreeing to support the Baker and Abbey wells on the UK Continental Shelf. The contract includes crew change and transportation services from CHC’s base in Norwich, along with passenger logistics and freight handling.

In February 2024, Bristow and THC, Saudi Arabia's premier commercial helicopter services provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore advanced air mobility opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to advance innovation and sustainability in vertical aviation.

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

Applications Covered:
• Inspection, Monitoring, and Surveying
• Passenger Transport
• Goods Transport
• Search and Rescue
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Oil and Gas Industry
• Offshore Wind Industry
• 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 advancements

• Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances