Aero-TV: The 2010 Heli-Expo - Market Perspective for the Helicopter Industry

The Rotorcraft Industry Looks Forward To Better Times
The 2010 Heli-Expo recently concluded in Houston, Texas, and was best described as an event in which the attendees were thankful that they had simply survived the previous year. While 2009 was "trying," many in attendance looked forward to a steady 2010 and the hope for more positive trends by the time that 2011 was well in swing. With a significant percentage of the civil rotorcraft airframes showing their age, necessary replacement and rebuilds have kept the last year from being a total disaster, while 2010 and 2011 promised slight but incrementally positive trends for airframe replacement and services.

There was much to be very positive about, however, on a number of individual fronts... especially if you happened to be Robinson, Sikorsky, Bell, Aspen, Eurocopter or a few of the more fortunate survivors of 2009.
Sikorsky President and CEO Jeff Pino noted that the company could be positioned to become the world's biggest helicopter company in the not-too-distant future. Pino reported that 2009 was a strong year for Sikorsky, which showed over $6.3 billion in turnover for the year... $1.1 billion of that in its commercial helicopter business. "If you look at how our competitors calculate their backlogs, we have some $12 billion of business,'" said Pino. "In the next few years we could be the biggest helicopter company on the planet."

Nearly a half-dozen companies have signed orders to buy aircraft from American Eurocopter at the 2010 Heli-Expo in Houston.
The largest order came from Air Methods Corporation, which plans to acquire eight EC130 and four AS350B3 helicopters, for a total of 12 aircraft. The order is part of an ongoing Air Methods initiative to maintain the upgrade of its fleet despite the economic challenges throughout the country. All 12 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered this year and they will join Air Methods considerable fleet of 330 helicopters providing emergency medical services throughout the United States.

Rolls-Royce forecasts a turbine helicopter market characterized by emerging near-term recovery followed by long-term growth. Over the ten year period -- total helicopter deliveries are predicted to be more than 16,400 units as the market responds to improving civil market fundamentals and the world's military operators address a growing call for more vertical lift capability. In both segments, demand for replacement of retired and aging helicopters will supplement civil and military market growth.

The big news, to many, was the first chance to get up close and personal with a new helicopter that many think will be taking the rotorcraft world by storm... Frank Robinson's phenomenally cost-effective R66 five-place helo. The base price with standard equipment is US $770K and the required non-refundable deposit is US $75,000 -- well within the "less the $1 Million" promise Frank made several years back. The 120 kt helo will be able to haul a hefty 927 pounds with FULL fuel, and boast HIGE/HOGE specs in excess of 10K. The R66 incorporates many of the design features of its reputable predecessor, the R44, including a two-bladed rotor system, T -bar cyclic and an open interior cabin configuration. The most notable differences are its increased reserve power, increased altitude performance, fifth seat and large baggage compartment.

There's more... but for that, you need to check out ANN's overview of the 2010 HAI Heli-Expo...
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