Chopper market set to take off

Shanghai-based Avia-Tek aviation consultancy has forecast delivery of 65 civilian helicopters to the Chinese rotorcraft market in 2013, bringing the number in the country to 435, aviationtoday.com reported in March.

Avia-Tek publishes an annual report, which in 2011 predicted that the Chinese civilian market would have 357 helicopters by the end of 2012. The number turned out to be 370, according to the company.

Singh added that demand will also come from sectors including oil and gas, and emergency medical service fleet operators.

In its 15th Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook report, Honeywell expects global deliveries of helicopters for civilian use to increase by between 4,900 and 5,600 from 2013 to 2017.

The report said demand in Asia/Oceania will account for 19 percent of demand over the next five years, and Latin America and Asia will continue to have the highest fleet replacement and expansion expectations among the regions.

Brian Sill, vice-president of Honeywell aftermarket helicopter sales, said: "Buyer confidence reflected in this year's survey is a much needed shot in the arm for the industry.