Airbus Helicopters Reports Strong Growth with 450 Net Orders and Innovations in 2024

France –Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) and delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, marking another year of steady growth with a 57% preliminary share of the global civil and parapublic market. The company’s strong performance was driven by demand across its light, twin-engine, and heavy helicopter segments, with orders placed by 182 customers in 42 countries.

Market Growth Highlights:Orders increased by nearly 10% for the second consecutive year.Key contributors included the Super Puma programme with 58 orders from the German Bundespolizei, Japan Coast Guard, and the Ministries of Defence of the Netherlands and Romania.The H145 and H145M attracted new defence customers, including Brunei Air Force, Belgian Ministry of Defence, and Bahraini Police Aviation Command.Product Innovations:The Racer compound helicopter exceeded 407 km/h in its initial flights.The CityAirbus NextGen completed its maiden flight in Donauwörth.The H175 concluded its de-icing flight tests in Canada and Norway, progressing toward certification, while the H160 saw over 30 units entering service worldwide.Defence and Security Priorities:Airbus supported humanitarian missions, including U.S. National Guard operations after Hurricane Helene and disaster relief in Valencia, Spain.Expanded uncrewed systems (UAS) portfolio, showcasing crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities with the VSR700.Initiated studies for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft programme.Global Footprint Expansion:Celebrated 40 years of operations in Fort Erie, Canada, which will deliver 19 H135 helicopters to the Canadian defence sector.Opened a new facility in Oxford, UK, marking 50 years of Airbus presence in the country.Announced an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA.Sustainable Aviation Efforts:Increased sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage to nearly 20% for test and training flights in Marignane, Albacete, Donauwörth, and Oxford.

Source: AirbusPhoto Credit: Airbus