Europeans rule rotorcraft market

PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC

Bell and MD Helicopters slip further behind Eurocopter as slump in US sales worsens, with even pistons hit hard

The slump in US-built civil helicopter deliveries deepened in 2002 with even the piston-powered market seeing a sharp drop in demand. European manufacturers have further strengthened their market share, largely at the expense of Bell and MD Helicopters.

Eurocopter delivered 320 machines in the civil/parapublic sector in 2002 and claims to have captured a 60% market share, well ahead of its nearest competitor Bell. The Franco-German company booked orders for 301 new helicopters, including 14 NH90 and 22 Tiger military machines, down on the 375 sold in 2001. While demand for the single-engined Ecureuil/Fennec remained strong with 108 sold, orders for the newer EC120B Colibri more than halved.

Bell is expected to report civil sales of just under 90 machines, down on 2001's 122. Sales of the single-engined Model 407, the twin-turbine 430 and new 427 light twin were badly hit. This was partly offset by sales of military 412s, Huey 2 upgrades and used machines.

MD Helicopters also suffered another bad year, with output dwindling to 15 machines. Chairman Hank Schaeken blames delays in delivering 13 Explorers to the Dutch and German police on having to recertificate the modified machines. An order for 10 MD600Ns for the Turkish police was delayed by finance issues. The Arizona-based company was also hit by the strength of the US dollar against the euro.

Sikorsky increased output from 10 S-76s in 2001 to 13 last year, bolstered by offshore oil support and medevac sales. It forecasts further growth in 2004 with the start of S-92 deliveries. "There has been a 30% increase in deliveries year-on-year and we plan to increase production another 20% in 2003," says Jeff Pino, Sikorsky senior vice-president marketing and commercial programmes.

Robinson delivered 255 R22 and four-seat R44 helicopters last year, down 22% on 2001. Company president Frank Robinson blames the situation on "the general economic recession and the strength of the US dollar, which given that we export two-thirds of our helicopters has a direct impact on us. Now that it has weakened, sales are good."

Schweizer output was largely sustained by the piston-powered 300C and CB models with only two newer turbine 333s delivered in 2002. "What we're seeing are the after effects of 11 September. The economy has hit our business hard, along with instability overseas and the strength of the dollar. It was a gruesome year," says Schweizer.

Source: Flight International