Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market is segmented by type into light helicopters and medium and heavy helicopters. Light helicopters are typically employed for shorter, less complex trips and are ideal for transporting personnel to nearby offshore platforms or installations. They are cost-effective, offering flexibility and agility in operations that require frequent, smaller-scale transport. As such, they are widely used in routine crew rotation and emergency response services. In contrast, medium and heavy helicopters are designed for more demanding tasks, including the transportation of larger groups or heavier cargo over longer distances. These helicopters are integral to offshore operations that involve deep-water drilling rigs, large production platforms, and extensive logistical support. As offshore projects grow in size and complexity, the demand for medium and heavy helicopters is anticipated to increase, making them a crucial segment of the market.

In terms of application, the offshore helicopter services market is segmented into drilling, production, relocation and decommissioning, and other applications. Drilling remains one of the most prominent applications, with helicopters providing essential transportation to remote offshore rigs, ensuring efficient crew changes and supply deliveries. Production is another significant application, where helicopters are regularly used for transporting workers to offshore production platforms to maintain continuous operations. The relocation and decommissioning application refers to the movement of personnel and equipment during the initiation, relocation, or deactivation of offshore facilities, which is critical for the transition phases of these operations. Additionally, other applications, such as emergency medical services, cargo transport, and surveillance, contribute to the market's expansion by diversifying the range of tasks helicopters can perform in offshore environments.

The end-user segmentation includes the oil and gas industry, offshore wind industry, and other industries. The oil and gas sector remains the largest consumer of offshore helicopter services, where helicopters are necessary for ensuring the smooth transportation of personnel and equipment to remote oil rigs and production sites. As exploration and extraction activities continue to expand in more challenging environments, the demand for helicopter services in this sector remains robust. The offshore wind industry, though still emerging, is growing rapidly, driven by the global shift towards renewable energy. Helicopters are essential for the maintenance and construction of offshore wind farms, providing timely and efficient crew transfers and logistical support. Additionally, other industries such as maritime, defense, and construction also drive demand, as these sectors rely on helicopters for various offshore operations, including surveillance, transport, and logistical assistance. As the range of end-users continues to diversify, the offshore helicopter services market is poised for sustained growth across multiple sectors.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market has been segmented by Type, Application, End-User and Geography.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market has been segmented by Type into Light Helicopters and Medium and Heavy Helicopters.

The global offshore helicopter services market is segmented into two main categories: light helicopters and medium and heavy helicopters. Light helicopters are typically used for shorter distances and are ideal for transportation to offshore platforms located closer to the coast. These helicopters are more cost-effective and offer greater maneuverability in areas with limited space. Due to their smaller size and lower operating costs, light helicopters are popular for routine transportation and personnel movement, particularly in less demanding offshore operations.

On the other hand, medium and heavy helicopters are designed for longer distances and higher payload capacities, making them suitable for more complex offshore operations. These helicopters are often used to transport larger groups of personnel or heavy equipment to offshore oil rigs, wind farms, and other energy production sites. They are equipped with more advanced features, including greater fuel capacity and enhanced safety systems, which allow them to serve in more challenging offshore environments. The demand for medium and heavy helicopters is growing as offshore projects become more expansive and require more robust transportation solutions.

Both segments have their specific advantages depending on the needs of offshore operations. While light helicopters dominate for smaller, more frequent missions, medium and heavy helicopters are essential for large-scale operations, including transportation to deep-water drilling sites or the offshore wind sector. As the demand for energy resources continues to increase globally, both types of helicopters are expected to see sustained growth in the offshore helicopter services market.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market has been segmented by Application into Drilling, Production, Relocation and Decommissioning and Other Applications.

The offshore helicopter services market is segmented by application into drilling, production, relocation and decommissioning, and other applications. The drilling application is one of the largest segments, as helicopters are commonly used to transport crew members, equipment, and supplies to offshore drilling rigs. This service is vital in the oil and gas industry, where efficient and timely transportation is essential to maintain operations. Helicopters enable quick access to drilling sites, which is particularly important for remote or difficult-to-reach locations.

In addition to drilling, helicopters are also crucial in the production phase, where they transport personnel to and from offshore production platforms. These platforms are often located far from the shore, requiring helicopters for safe and efficient crew rotation. Production operations rely heavily on the continuous movement of skilled workers, and helicopters provide the fastest means of transport to ensure production remains uninterrupted. The relocation and decommissioning application is another growing segment, where helicopters are used to move workers and equipment during the start-up, relocation, or end-of-life phases of offshore assets.

Other applications include emergency medical services (EMS), cargo transport, and surveillance. In these instances, offshore helicopter services are employed for specialized tasks such as evacuations, equipment deliveries, or environmental monitoring. As offshore industries diversify, the range of applications for helicopters continues to expand, with each segment contributing to the market’s growth and evolution.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market, Segmentation by End-User

The Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market has been segmented by End-User into Oil and Gas Industry, Offshore Wind Industry and Other End-user Industries.

The global offshore helicopter services market is segmented by end-user into the oil and gas industry, offshore wind industry, and other end-user industries. The oil and gas industry remains the largest end-user of offshore helicopter services, with helicopters providing essential transportation to offshore drilling rigs, production platforms, and supply vessels. The demand for offshore helicopter services in this industry is driven by the need for quick, safe, and reliable crew changes, equipment delivery, and logistical support for energy production.

The offshore wind industry is emerging as a significant market for helicopter services, particularly in regions where wind farms are being developed offshore. Helicopters play a vital role in transporting technicians, engineers, and equipment to wind turbines, many of which are located in challenging offshore environments. As the global shift toward renewable energy intensifies, the offshore wind sector is expected to experience substantial growth, further boosting demand for specialized helicopter services.

Other end-users of offshore helicopter services include industries such as maritime, defense, and construction. These sectors require helicopter transport for various purposes, including personnel movement, surveillance, and logistical support in offshore operations. As these industries expand their offshore presence, the demand for helicopter services is expected to grow, contributing to the overall market expansion. The diversity of end-users highlights the critical role helicopters play in a wide range of offshore operations, from traditional energy production to emerging industries like offshore wind.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

In , North America dominated the offshore helicopter services market, valued at USD billion. This strong market position can be attributed to the presence of significant offshore oil and gas rigs and the increasing demand for deep-water offshore development. Additionally, the rapid growth of the offshore wind industry, which relies on helicopter services for a variety of tasks such as inspections and cargo transport, further contributes to the region’s market growth. North America’s continued investment in energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects ensures the sustained expansion of helicopter services in the region.

Europe holds the second-largest share of the market, driven by significant investments in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations aimed at enhancing response capabilities. For example, in September , Norway-based Equinor awarded a four-year SAR contract to Bristow Norway A/S, which is set to begin in September . The contract also includes options for extending the tenure to a total of seven years, underscoring the region’s commitment to strengthening offshore safety and operational efficiency. Europe's increasing focus on SAR operations, as well as the growing demand for offshore oil and wind energy services, bolsters the market’s position in the region.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the offshore helicopter services market, fueled by substantial investments in the oil and gas sector. For instance, in April 2022, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), China Petroleum & Chemical, and China National Offshore Oil Corp. announced plans to spend over USD billion on capital projects, reflecting a increase . This surge in investment is expected to drive the demand for offshore helicopter services as governments and companies expand their offshore oil and gas operations. Latin America is also projected to experience significant growth, particularly in countries like Brazil, where relocation and decommissioning activities are on the rise. For example, Petrobras, the Brazilian state-owned oil company, discovered oil in a wildcat well off Brazil's coast and intends to continue drilling operations to assess the discovery's potential, further increasing demand for helicopter services in the region.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Growing Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration
• Expansion of Offshore Wind Farms
• Technological Advancements in Helicopter Design

• Increasing Demand for Safety and Efficiency: The increasing demand for safety and operational efficiency is one of the key drivers behind the growth of the offshore helicopter services market. Offshore operations, particularly in the oil, gas, and wind industries, involve high-risk environments, where safety is a top priority. Helicopter services provide a rapid and reliable means of transporting personnel to offshore platforms, which is critical for ensuring timely interventions in case of emergency situations. As safety regulations continue to tighten across the globe, the demand for advanced safety features in helicopter services is on the rise.

  To meet these growing safety standards, helicopter manufacturers and service providers are investing in more sophisticated technologies, such as enhanced avionics, radar systems, and real-time communication equipment. The aim is to reduce the risk of accidents, improve rescue operations, and ensure that emergency evacuations are carried out efficiently and safely. Additionally, the efficiency of helicopter operations is crucial for minimizing operational downtime and reducing costs, which is why service providers are continually optimizing their fleet and operational procedures. By improving fuel efficiency, flight planning, and maintenance practices, companies are able to deliver safer and more cost-effective helicopter services.

  The push for efficiency goes beyond just operational practices; there is a growing emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of offshore helicopter operations. Companies are exploring alternative fuel sources, more aerodynamic helicopter designs, and other innovations that can reduce emissions and fuel consumption, aligning with global sustainability goals. As the demand for safety and operational efficiency increases, helicopter service providers will continue to adapt and innovate, offering better value and service to their clients.

Restraints:

• High Operational and Maintenance Costs
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns
• Regulatory and Safety Challenges

• Competition from Alternative Transportation Solutions: One of the key restraints in the offshore helicopter services market is the competition from alternative transportation solutions. Helicopters are often seen as the most efficient means of transportation to offshore platforms, especially in remote locations. However, alternative methods such as boats, crew transfer vessels (CTVs), and, more recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as competitive options.

  Boats and crew transfer vessels have been traditionally used for offshore personnel transport, particularly for operations in relatively shallow waters or in areas where weather conditions allow for safe marine travel. These vessels are often more economical for short distances and can carry larger groups of people at once compared to helicopters. In addition, the advancement of UAV technology has the potential to disrupt the market. UAVs can be deployed for cargo delivery, surveillance, and possibly even personnel transport, though they are still in the early stages of development for these applications.

  The competition from these alternative solutions, especially in terms of cost and operational efficiency, poses a challenge to traditional helicopter services. While helicopters are essential for certain tasks, such as emergency evacuations, long-range flights, and reaching platforms in challenging weather conditions, the overall market for offshore transportation may see shifts toward other methods as technology improves and regulations evolve. As service providers, they must find ways to differentiate themselves by emphasizing their unique capabilities, such as rapid deployment, higher safety standards, and flexibility in addressing a range of offshore operations.

Opportunities:

• Rising Demand for Renewable Energy Projects
• Growth in Deepwater and Ultra-Deepwater Exploration
• Advancements in Autonomous and Electric Helicopters

• Emerging Markets in Developing Regions: Emerging markets in developing regions represent a significant opportunity for growth in the offshore helicopter services market. As the global energy demand increases, countries in Africa, Asia, and South America are increasingly investing in offshore oil and gas exploration, as well as renewable energy projects such as offshore wind farms. These regions often lack the infrastructure and resources to support large-scale offshore operations, making helicopter services an invaluable solution for transportation needs.

  For instance, the offshore oil and gas industry in countries like Brazil and Angola is expanding rapidly, with the development of deepwater oil fields requiring robust transportation systems for workers and equipment. Similarly, the offshore wind industry is gaining traction in countries like India, China, and South Korea, where there is growing investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Helicopter services are crucial for these markets due to their ability to provide efficient and safe transportation to remote locations.

  As these developing regions continue to invest in offshore infrastructure, the demand for helicopter services will grow, creating significant opportunities for service providers. Companies that can adapt to the specific needs and challenges of these emerging markets, such as providing cost-effective solutions, navigating regulatory requirements, and ensuring safety standards, will be well-positioned for success in the coming years.

Key players in Global Offshore Helicopter Services Market include,

• Bristow Group Inc.
• Petroleum Helicopters International Inc.
• CHC Helicopter Group
• Omni Helicopters International (OHI) SA
• NHV Group
• Abu Dhabi Aviation Co.
• Gulf International Services QPSC
• Erickson Incorporated

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis