Asian Pacific Region Civil Helicopters Asian Sky Fleet Report Year End 2016

YEAR END 2016 

ASIA PACIFIC REGION 

CIVIL HELICOPTERS 

ASIA PACIFIC REGION CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET REPORT – YEAR END 2016 

I

Beijing 

Penglai 

Seoul 

Chengdu 

Shanghai 

Shenzhen 

Hong Kong 

Bangkok 

Manila 

ABOUT ASIAN SKY GROUP 

ASIAN SKY GROUP (ASG), headquartered in Hong Kong with offices throughout Asia, has assembled the most experienced 

aviation team in the Asia-Pacific region to provide a wide range of independent services for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. 

ASG also provides access to a significant customer base around the world with the help of its exclusive partners. 

ASG provides its clients with the following business aviation services: 

Sales and Acquisitions | Market Research and Consulting | Operational Oversight | Luxury Charter Services 

The acclaimed Asian Sky Fleet Reports are produced by ASG’s market research and consulting team, in collaboration with 

Asian Sky Media — a branch of ASG focusing on media and publications. 

Asian Sky Media has a growing portfolio of business aviation reports designed to provide valuable information to readers for 

a better understanding of the market. Included in the portfolio is the Asia-Pacific Fleet Reports for both civil helicopters and 

business jets, and the Africa Business Jet Fleet Report for a breakdown of fleet within respective countries. 

Asian Sky Quarterly provides a reader-friendly look at market dynamics within the pre-owned markets of civil helicopters and 

business jets. ASG’s latest reports include, the Asia-Pacific Business Jet Charter Report, Asia-Pacific Training Report and the 

upcoming Asia Pacific Infrastructure Report focusing on respective industry segments showcasing the current status and 

challenges of the industry. 

DISCLAIMER 

The information contained in this report is provided free of charge for reference only. While such information was compiled 

using the best available data as of December 2016, ASG makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the 

accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of such information. ASG is not responsible for, an expressly disclaims 

any and all liability for damages of any kind, either direct or indirect, arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any 

information contained within this report. 

CONTRIBUTION 

Asian Sky Group would like to acknowledge the gracious contributions made by numerous organizations, including aircraft 

operators, OEMs, leasing companies, aviation authorities and JETNET LLC in providing data for this report. 

Should you wish to reproduce or distribute any portion of this report, in part or in full, you may do so by mentioning the source 

as: “Asian Sky Group, a Hong Kong-based business aviation consulting group”. 

For information about our aviation services, contact: sales@asianskygroup.com or visit www.asianskygroup.com. 

For information regarding ASG publications, contact: media@asianskygroup.com or visit www.asianskymedia.com. 

CONTACT 

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www.asianskygroup.com

CONTENTS 

02 

03 

04 

11 

15 

18 

22 

26 

42 

45 

PUBLISHER’S NOTE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

MARKET OVERVIEW 

SPECIAL FEATURE: OFFSHORE MARKET 

OPERATOR PROFILE: HELIKOREA 

SPECIAL FEATURE: LEASING MARKET 

OPERATOR PROFILE: CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES GENERAL AVIATION 

COUNTRY PROFILE: GREATER CHINA 

INTERVIEW: STEFANO ZALONIS 

LEONARDO HELICOPTERS VICE PRESIDENT, CHINA 

AIRCRAFT SPOTLIGHT: AW169 & AW189 

FOR ALL COUNTRY PROFILES VISIT: 

WWW.ASIANSKYMEDIA.COM

PUBLISHER’S NOTE 

After a year full of reports illustrating the state of business aviation in the Asia- 

Pacific region, ASG is happy to get back to its roots with our year end 2016 Asia- 

Pacific Civil Helicopter Fleet Report. It has been an especially volatile year for the 

civil helicopter fleet and the Asia-Pacific region was no exception. The continued 

downturn in oil and gas and other commodity prices, infrastructure limitations, 

strict regulations and overall economic and political uncertainties contributed to 

the regional industry again having to navigate through a tumultuous climate. 

For this year’s report, we’ve decided to focus on turbines only, unlike previous 

reports when pistons were included. This concentration allows us to focus on critical mission segments that have either 

been most impacted or are in various stages of growth. This turbine only approach allows for greater coverage of offshore 

operations, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR) and multi-mission segments, where many 

helicopters have or will be moving into use for firefighting, forestry, powerline and other onshore uses. 

When excluding single-engine pistons, you’ll see trend lines change, with the biggest example seen in Australia. In our year end 

2015 report, the country showed a 3% growth from the previous year to 2,094 helicopters (both turbine and piston). Over half of 

those helicopters were used in the private, corporate and flight training segments – all of which typically use the single-engine 

piston. In our year end 2016 report, the growth is at 2%, when considering only turbine helicopters, leaving the country with 805 

helicopters, most of which are engaged in multi-mission operations – all of which typically use a turbine helicopter. 

While a regional breakdown of the fleet is included, this report also delves further into the Greater China market. Greater 

China boasted significant growth in 2016 — the most of any country in the region. The growth comes as China’s Government 

adapts to the necessity and benefits of general aviation, with an initiative released announcing 500 general aviation airports, 

among other relaxed regulations. With the government now backing the industry, hopes for the future in China remain high 

as investments increase. 

In light of other changes that have taken place in the helicopter world – particularly the rise and establishment of helicopter 

leasing, ASG is introducing a new addition to the report — the Asia Pacific Helicopter Leasing Market Overview. This section 

showcases some of the largest lessors in the region, as well as the number of leased helicopters in each country and gives a 

snapshot of how established and significant the leasing business has become in Asia. 

In addition to the extensive data provided in this fleet report, ASG spoke with some of the most experienced professionals in 

the regional industry, including China Southern Airlines General Aviation’s Deputy General Manager, Johnny Jian, HeliKorea’s 

Managing Director, Scott Min and Leonardo Helicopters Vice President, China, Stefano Zalonis. Also included is a spotlight 

on Leonardo Helicopters AW169 and AW189. 

As always, ASG will have a complete breakdown of every country in the region, including top operators, top OEMs, and 

top mission segments served. For this, readers can now access our new website dedicated to ASG market reports and 

publications (www.asianskymedia.com). After clicking on a country, readers will find a comprehensive overview of business 

aviation within each country throughout the region. 

As always, we hope that the information provided is informative and helpful in understanding this sometimes volatile, but 

always interesting market. 

Sincerely, 

Jeffrey C. Lowe 

Managing Director, Asian Sky Group 

2 

ASIA PACIFIC REGION CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET REPORT – YEAR END 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Asia-Pacific civil helicopter fleet (turbine only) numbered 3,927 at the end of 2016, an increase of 4% over year end 

2015. This increase is notably smaller than in past years, with only half of the 34 countries experiencing y-o-y growth. China 

remained the region’s growth driver – as it has for the past few years – adding 89 helicopters in 2016, an increase of 22% y-o-y. 

The Asia-Pacific region’s fleet continues to be largely positioned in four countries. In unit terms, 61% of the helicopter fleet is 

based in Australia, Japan, China and New Zealand. Australia represents the largest market overall and is the largest market for 

Bell, followed by Japan, the largest market for Airbus and Leonardo, and China, the largest market for Sikorsky. New Zealand 

follows these three, with the largest market for MD. 

In terms of Replacement Cost, the “big four” OEMs (Airbus, Bell, Sikorsky and Leonardo) collectively make up nearly 90% of the 

market, with Airbus at 43% and the other three making up 47%. 

Today, the Asia-Pacific fleet includes a wider variety of helicopter mission profiles than ever before, with 53% of the fleet in 

multi-mission use 1 , followed by 12% for corporate and private, 9% for offshore, 7% for SAR and 6% for EMS.In replacement cost 

terms 2 , offshore has become the largest segment, with 21% of the fleet, followed by SAR at 11%. 

A more recent shift in the Asia-Pacific fleet has been the usage by local operators of aircraft dry-leased from dedicated 

helicopter leasing companies. By year end 2016, Asia Pacific’s operators were using more than 170 helicopters dry-leased 

from third parties, with a replacement cost value of approximately US $1.5 billion. 

Australia had the largest number of leased helicopters at 60, operating in a variety of roles from offshore, EMS and 

multi-mission. India follows with 28, used mainly in the offshore segment and Indonesia is next with 25, with the 

majority used for multi-mission operations. 

The largest lessors in the Asia-Pacific region include Milestone Aviation, Waypoint Leasing, Australia & New Zealand Bank 

(ANZ), Airwork NZ, Lease Corporation International (LCI), and Eagle Copters. 3 

Note (1): 

The ‘Multi-Mission’ category is defined on page 48. 

Note (2): 

‘Replacement Cost’ figures are based on the assumption that all existing helicopters would be replaced by the latest versions of their particular OEM variant 

and at 2016 List Price. 

Note (3): See Page 18 for the Asia Pacific Leasing Data. 

ASIA PACIFIC REGION CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET REPORT – YEAR END 2016 3

11 

Mongolia 

3636 322 

4 0+0+ 5162 2628 

2211 2 

11 44 22 43 7880 

12 

11 1313 22 

2525 

11 

1413 

India 

13 

99100 

4 


283 286 

(+1%) (+1%) 

Bangladesh 

24 27 

(0%) (13%) 

11 13 

(0%)(+18%) 

Australia 

15 16 

(0%) (+7%) 

Myanmar 

China 

Nepal 

Laos 

Sri Lanka 

13 14 

(0%) (+8%) 

Singapore 

793 805 

(+3%) (+2%) 

406 

(+21%) 

495 

(+22%) 

Cambodia 

1 3 

Note (1): Fleet distribution is based on helicopters in service and their active base of operation. 

Note (2): Other Islands include Maldives, Micronesia, Palau and Solomon Islands. 

2 

6 9 

(0%) (+50%) 

Bhutan 

8 8 

Macau 

6 6 

6 6 

200 200 

(+8%) (0%) 

South Korea 

30 31 

(0%) (+3%) 

15 15 

(-6%) (0%) 

Vietnam 

6 6 

Indonesia 

210 223 

(+2%) 

(+6%) 

Hong Kong 

Brunei 

30 27 

(-23%)(-10%) 

105 106 

(+2%)(+1%) 

Japan 

Taiwan 

PNG 

Thailand 

Guam 

628 

641 

(0%) 

(+2%) 

113 107 

(+10%) (-5%) 

18 16 

(0%)(-11%) 



ASIA PACIFIC CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET 1 

(TURBINE ONLY) 

11 

2015 

3,760 

2016 

3,927 +4% 

1920 

6 6 Other Islands 2 

153 156 

(+10%)(+2%) 

77 

Philippines 

11 

55 55 

5558 

Vanuatu 9 9 

(-10%) (0%) Fiji 

12 13 

(+9%) (+8%) 

New Caledonia 

471 

440 (+7%) 

(+11%) 

1919 

152 

150 

(-3%) (-1%) 

New Zealand 

21 

Polynesia 

Malaysia 

French 

6 5 

(0%) (-17%) 



GREATER CHINA 

Greater China including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, is the fastest-growing market in the region, with 19% 

fleet growth y-o-y. Although this is slightly down from 2015, the Chinese government is working to boost the Mainland’s general 

aviation industry, through the easing of airspace and other operational regulations, the development of more infrastructure 

and an investment in local aircraft production. 

Greater China’s fleet growth during 2016 was due to the establishment of over 20 new general aviation operators in mainland 

China, often performing firefighting, powerline patrol, aerial survey and other multi-mission work. Also set to expand are the 

EMS and corporate use markets, most likely in conjunction with infrastructure development. There is also a strong demand 

for SAR, though this activity remains under the purview of Government agencies in mainland China (MOT), Hong Kong (GFS) 

and Taiwan (NASC). 

AUSTRALIA 

Asia Pacific’s largest helicopter market increased by 2% in 2016, reflecting the impact of a commodity down-cycle that halted 

some of the county’s largest economic drivers, decreasing the demand for aircraft from offshore oil and gas and onshore iron 

ore mines, and a currency exchange rate that made new aircraft purchases more difficult. At the same time, Australia has 

seen growth in its EMS market, with a significant number of helicopters added for EMS work by both private operators and 

Government agencies. 

INDIA 

The India fleet increased 1% in 2016. India’s aviation governing body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) announced 

new policies that would promote helicopter utilization throughout the country. Unlike most other countries in the region, India’s 

offshore operations are expected to increase. 

INDONESIA 

The fleet in Indonesia remained unchanged in 2016. Potential growth was hampered by the downturn in both the oil and 

gas and other resources sectors. The country’s fleet growth has also been impacted by regulations restricting in-service 

helicopters to under 30 years of age and new imported helicopters to under ten years of age. 

JAPAN 

The second largest helicopter fleet in the region increased 2% in 2016, with Airbus and Leonardo making up most of the new 

deliveries. A large portion of Japan’s newly delivered aircraft were for law enforcement, though the replacing older aircraft 

kept the overall net fleet growth steady. Japan remains the wealthiest and most industrialized country in the region, with a 

long history of helicopter use by local law enforcement, SAR and EMS agencies throughout the country’s various prefectures. 

MALAYSIA 

The Malaysian fleet contracted slightly in 2016, which was expected given that nearly third of the total fleet is configured for 

offshore oil and gas support. Helicopters used for corporate purposes also saw a decrease y-o-y, with many of these units 

shifted into multi-mission roles. 

NEW ZEALAND 

Growth was a healthy 7% in 2016. Pre-owned helicopters made up a majority of the additions to this market, with only three 

out of the 42 additions being new deliveries, including four for charter, one for corporate use and 37 for multi-mission. The 

country also has the largest fleet of MD helicopters in the region, most of which are utilized for multi-mission operations. 

PAPAU NEW GUINEA (PNG) 

PNG’s fleet contracted 5% in 2016. A typical PNG helicopter can be characterized as pre-owned, aging, and a single-engine 

turbine from either Bell or Airbus, and engaged in multi-mission applications, however going forward PNG appears set to 

grow, as resources are developed and more investment goes into the country. Given its difficult topography and lack of 

infrastructure, helicopters remain vital to the developing country. 

6 



PHILIPPINES 

The Philippines fleet grew by 2% in 2016, from 153 to 156. The Philippines fleet is set to grow in a number of areas, most 

notably for use by law enforcement and Government agencies for uses including disaster relief, as well as an expected 

increase in charter demand given the significant development of the country’s casino and resort industry. 

SOUTH KOREA 

The South Korean fleet grew 6% in 2016. The largest portion of the fleet is used in a multi-mission role, particularly firefighting. 

Although also found in China, India and Vietnam, South Korea has the largest number of Russian helicopters in Asia. The 

country has also recently experienced a growing demand for EMS helicopters. 

THAILAND 

The fleet in Thailand increased by only 1% in 2016, as political and economic uncertainty, as well as the oil and gas downturn, 

stunning continued growth in the Thai tourism industry. Despite its attraction as a tourist and resort destination and its 

geographical make up, over three-quarters of the civilian fleet is used for either law enforcement or offshore. Regulations 

preventing the importation of helicopters older than five years may be holding back the growth of helicopter use in the private, 

charter and multi-mission categories. 

Asia Pacific Civil Helicopter Fleet 

Total Fleet (Units) 

OEM 

Replacement Cost (USD Millions) 

1,691 

1,087 

358 

249 

207 

75 

71 

67 

44 

38 

23 

Airbus 

Bell 

Leonardo 

MD 

Sikorsky 

Robinson 

Mil 

Kamov 

Enstrom 

Avicopter 

HAL 

Others 

11,904 

80+60+40+14+39+2+13+17+1+9+5+4 

64 

52 

624 

574 

349 

223 

150 

804 

3,723 

3,595 

5,501 

Total Fleet 3,927 $27,563 

80+44+21+15+12+8+8+8+6+6+2+217 

Note (1): 





Total Fleet by OEM and Country 

3,927 in Total 

Australia 

Japan 

China 

India 

South Korea 

Indonesia 

Philippines 

Malaysia 

PNG 

Thailand 

Vanuatu 

Vietnam 

100+80+62+58+36+28+25+20+19+13+13+7+4 

805 

641 

495 

471 

286 

223 

200 

156 150 

107 106 

55 

31 27 27 

New Zealand 

Taiwan 

Nepal 

Airbus 304 348 188 242 122 56 75 85 82 36 34 3 13 12 19 

Bell 350 128 105 99 85 45 73 44 18 61 50 10 3 

Leonardo 64 101 50 9 37 21 8 15 32 1 9 3 

MD 25 15 5 107 4 8 4 9 51 

Sikorsky 34 32 49 3 5 27 17 1 10 1 13 5 

Robinson 23 11 14 6 3 1 1 4 1 

Mil 14 1 6 12 2 4 5 15 5 

Kamov 1 13 50 3 

Enstrom 3 1 18 2 2 17 1 

Avicopter 38 

HAL 21 

Other OEMs 2 4 1 4 1 2 3 

Grand Total 805 641 495 471 286 223 200 156 150 107 106 55 31 27 27 

% of Total 20% 16% 13% 12% 7% 6% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 

8 



Total Fleet by Mission 

Fleet Size (Units) 

Replacement Cost (USD Billions) 

Training 56 (1%) Training (1%) 

Private 60 (2%) Private (1%) 

Bangladesh 

Guam 

Hong Kong 

Myanmar 

Sri Lanka 

New Caledonia 

Laos 

Fiji 

Cambodia 

Brunei 

Mongolia 

Macau 

French Polynesia 

Singapore 

Bhutan 

Other Islands 

2+2+2+2+2+2+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1 

Law Enforcement 

289 (7%) 

54+10+9+7+6+6+5+2+1+G 39+21+11+8+8+7+4+1+1+G 

Charter 209 (5%) Charter (4%) 

EMS 220 (6%) 

EMS (7%) 

SAR 258 (7%) Corporate (8%) 

Multi-Mission 

2,099 (53%) 


(8%) 

3,927 $27.6 

Offshore 342 (9%) SAR (11%) 

Corporate 394 (10%) Offshore (21%) 

16 16 15 14 13 13 9 9 8 6 6 6 5 3 2 6 

Multi-Mission 

(39%) 

Total 

3 9 8 5 10 8 8 8 2 5 2 2 2 1,691 

8 1 3 2 1 1 1,087 

2 6 358 

15 5 1 249 

6 4 207 

5 1 2 1 1 75 

3 1 4 71 

67 

44 

38 

2 23 

17 

16 16 15 14 13 13 9 9 8 6 6 6 5 3 2 6 3,927 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 



Net Fleet Growth by OEM 

90+0+0 64+0+0 16+0+0 14+0+0 11+0+0 3+0+0 

4+0+0 4+0+0 

2+0+0 

1+0+0 

1+0+0 0+0+ 

0+94+0 0+0+990+65+0 0+0+640+18+0 0+0+210+15+0 0+0+150+12+0 0+0+120+4+0 0+0+40+4+0 0+0+41 0+4+0 0+0+4 1+0+0 0+0+1 0+1+0+2+0 

0+0+3 

1,531 

1,601 

1,691 

1,084 

1,100 

1,087 

277 

308 

358 

237 

249 

249 

186 

204 

207 

51 

63 

75 

64 

65 

71 

63 

67 

67 

35 

41 

44 

19 

22 

38 

2014 (3,589) 

2015 (3,760) 

2016 (3,927) 

23 

23 

23 

19 

17 

17 

Airbus 

Bell 

Leonardo 

MD 

Sikorsky 

Robinson 

Mil 

Kamov 

Enstrom 

Avicopter 

HAL 

Others 

Net Fleet Growth by Mission 

87+0+0 0+92+0 0+0+100 20+0+0 0+20+0 0+0+19 17+0+0 0+17+0 0+0+16 13+0+0 0+14+0 0+0+14 12+0+0 0+12+0 0+0+12 3+0+0 9+0+0 0+9+0 0+0+11 3+0+0 8+0 

1,830 

1,940 

2,099 

409 

413 

394 

353 

357 

342 

276 

285 

289 

245 

256 

258 

187 

197 

220 

171 

186 

209 

60 

65 

2014 (3,589) 

2015 (3,760) 


60 

58 

61 

56 

Multi-Mission 

Corporate 

Offshore 


SAR 

EMS 

Charter 

Private 

Training 

Net Fleet Growth by Size Category 

0+0+91 0+96+0+0+34 0+35+0+0+45 0+47+0 0+0+0+0+100+0 

1,810 

1,913 

2,015 

100+0+0 36+0+0 49+0+0 1+0+0 10+0+0 

683 

705 

728 

893 

935 

975 

0 

1 

4 

203 

206 

205 

2014 (3,589) 

2015 (3,760) 


Single 

Light Twin 

Medium 

Super Medium 

Heavy 

10 


75+63+47+44+29+22+22+13+8+6+6+5+3+1 

The downturn in oil prices continued to 

impact the Asia-Pacific region in 2016. 

In previous years, offshore oil and gas 

service providers were one of the main 

growth drivers for the region, however 

in 2016 the fleet contracted by 4.2%. 

The grounding of the H225 and the 

overall lack of offshore service demand 

has been most acutely felt in Australia, 

China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. 

SPECIAL FEATURE: 

OFFSHORE MARKET 

Asia Pacific Offshore Helicopter Fleet 

Total Fleet (Units) 

Country 

Replacement Cost (USD Millions) 

73 

63 

47 

44 

Australia 

1,463 

China 

29 

22 

22 

13 

8 

6 

6 

5 

3 

1 

India 

Malaysia 

Indonesia 

Thailand 

Vietnam 

New Zealand 

Myanmar 

Philippines 

PNG 

Brunei 

100+83+39+50+26+23+24+7+8+4+4+7+3+1 

59 

66 

102 

118 

109 

390 

346 

356 

590 

749 

South Korea 

Japan 

11 

45 

1,247 

Total Fleet 342 $5,651 

Note (1): 





2015 

357 


342 

India 

5047 

50 

Thailand 

6763 

2222 

4545 

67 

63 

Malaysia 

22 22 

45 

China 

44 

33 11 

98 1922 

9 

66 55 

3229 

South Korea 

8 

3 

3 

1 

Myanmar 19 22 

Vietnam 

6 6 

Philippines 

5 5 

Brunei 

1 

Japan 

66 

Indonesia 

6 

6 

PNG 

Between 2012 and 2014, one of the driving forces 

behind the region’s fleet was helicopter deliveries 

to oil and gas service providers and operators. 

A stark decline began towards the end of 2015 and 

utilization of oil and gas production (OGP) helicopters 

began to drop precipitously. 

The downturn in the oil and gas industry resulted with 

national and private oil companies losing profits, cutting 

workforces, decommissioning oil rigs and halting exploration 

and production projects. Asian offshore helicopter operators 

have had to react quickly to a changing landscape that only a 

few years before had appeared to be on a continued upward 

trajectory, with a significant amount of investment capital 

going toward newer equipment. 

The demand for OGP helicopters as an asset class often 

lags behind the price of the commodity, and even with oil 

prices stabilizing somewhat in recent months, Asia Pacific 

utilization levels and pricing have yet to catch up. 

8075 

Australia 

78 73 

14 13 

1413 

New Zealand 

At year end 2016, helicopters used for offshore oil and gas 

support in the Asia-Pacific region numbered 342 (8.7% of the 

total fleet), down from 357 at the end of 2015 (9.5% of the 

total fleet). In terms of replacement cost, offshore helicopters 

currently make up 20.5% of the total fleet, down from 22.3% 

in 2015. 

There were still new deliveries to the region, including four 

Leonardo AW139s to Australia and four Sikorsky S-76Ds to 

Thailand, but a larger number either sold out of the region, 

returned to lessors, or put to different uses. 

12 



Asia Pacific Offshore Fleet by Country and Model 

Australia 

China 

India 

Malaysia 

Indonesia 

Thailand 

Vietnam 

New Zealand 

Myanmar 

PNG 

Philippines 

Brunei 

South Korea 

Japan 

Total 

Airbus 

AS365 3 2 19 1 2 2 1 30 

H225 12 7 8 3 30 

H155 14 1 3 18 

AS332L1 7 5 1 1 14 

H125 1 1 6 8 

AS332L2 1 2 4 7 

BK117 1 1 2 3 7 

AS332L 5 1 6 

AS355 1 2 3 

H120 1 1 2 

H135 1 1 2 

H145 1 1 

Bell 

Bell 412 1 15 7 1 24 

Bell 212 1 1 2 4 

Bell 429 1 1 

Bell 205 1 1 

Bell 214 1 1 

HAL 

Leonardo 

Dhruv 2 2 

AW139 16 8 20 3 9 2 1 2 2 63 

AW189 1 3 4 

AW109 2 1 3 

Mil 

Sikorsky 

Mi-8 9 9 

S-76C++ 4 13 3 7 4 5 36 

S-92 10 13 2 3 28 

S-76C 6 4 1 1 12 

S-76C+ 2 1 2 3 2 10 

S-76A 1 1 5 7 

S-76D 4 4 

S-76A+ 2 1 3 

S-76A++ 2 2 

Total 73 63 47 44 29 22 22 13 8 6 6 5 3 1 342 



The net overall decline in numbers, while meaningful, 

obscures the overall economic toll it has taken on offshore 

operators, many of whom have a number of aircraft currently 

without a contract or in other cases a number of H225s still 

not yet cleared to fly offshore. 

According to Wood Mackenzie, a commercial intelligence 

company for the energy, metals and mining industries, 

“Global spending on oil and natural gas exploration is set to 

fall next year [2017] to the lowest level in 12 years as the 

industry cuts costs and shuns more expensive areas...” With 

spending for the coming year forecasted at an all-time low, 

offshore providers will continue to feel the effect. 

Without a clear indication of an upturn, local operators have 

taken steps to strengthen their finances, retain personnel and 

diversify their fleet and operations. Those with the ability to do 

so are using their aircraft for other utility purposes or shifting 

their aircraft into other purposes, including firefighting, cargo 

lifting and passenger support. 

Australia contains the largest fleet of offshore helicopters 

in the region, with 73, followed by China with 63, and India 

with 47. All three markets saw a decrease in the number of 

helicopters used for offshore during the year. Grounding of 

the H225 fleet was also felt most acutely in Australia (12), 

Malaysia (8), China (7) and Vietnam (3). 

The consensus developing within the global industry is that 

2017 will remain a down year, but there are positive signs 

for the future. Tendering activity appears to be increasing, 

and positive signs from oil companies and researcher firms 

indicate that halted drilling programs will begin to come 

online in 2018 and beyond and more new fields must be 

developed to replace dwindling reserves. 

Asia Pacific Offshore Fleet by Operator (5 or more helicopters) 

COHC 

Bristow 

Weststar 

China Southern 

CHC 

VNH 

Pawan Hans 

Global Vectra 

MHS 

Travira 

Esso 

Pelita 

TAS 

9+9+7+7+7+6+6+5+5+5+5+5 

35+28+26+21+20+19+17+14+13+12+10+10+10 

12 

10 

10 

10 

14 

13 

17 

19 

20 

21 

26 

28 

34 

HNZ 

Heligo 

Babcock 

China Eastern 

Hevilift 

SFS 

UOA 

Awan Inspirasi 

Heli-Union 

INAEC 

Pacific 

Shell Brunei 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

7 

7 

7 

6 

6 

9 

9 

14 



HELIKOREA 

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MIN 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

Interview by Litalia Yoakum 

Starting out with only three helicopters, HeliKorea began its operations in 

1996 after recognizing the need for an air transport service within the 

country. The company has since grown into the nation’s largest private 

helicopter operator and leading air transport company. At its headquarters in the 

central Korean city of Deajeon, HeliKorea is located on a 20,000-square-metre 

site, complete with an authorized heli-pad and maintenance facilities that can 

accommodate over 20 helicopters. HeliKorea also has operations at Gimpo Airport 

and Gimhae International Airport, as well as in Seoul. 



Although operations with the cargo lifting segment have 

declined as a number of new helicopter operators have 

entered the market, HeliKorea is still active providing for Korea 

Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). Cargo lifting operations 

account for 25% of the company’s revenue. Other operations 

include the growing segment of emergency medical services 

(EMS) for the National Medical Center, offshore support for 

the Korean National Oil Corporation (KNOC), as well as power 

line patrol, aerial survey and agriculture spray. 

HOW MANY HELICOPTERS ARE IN 

HELIKOREA’S FLEET? 

HeliKorea operates the largest fleet in Korea, with a total 

of 26 helicopters, some of which are under the operator’s 

subsidiary UB Air. Included in the fleet are six Kamovs, five 

Bell 214s, two Bell 407s, two Bell 206s, three Leonardo 

AW169s, three Sikorsky S-76C+ models, four MD 500s by MD 

Helicopter and one Kawasaki BK 117C1. 

WHAT IS THE CURRENT OUTLOOK OF THE 

HELICOPTER MARKET IN KOREA? 

Over the years, Korea’s leading helicopter operator has been 

expanding into the global market and continues to do so. 

Since 2010, the company has assisted foreign governments 

in the construction of an Antarctic research base and since 

2011, it has aided the Chinese Government in forest fire 

operations. HeliKorea aims to continue with its expansion 

into the Asian and worldwide market, as well as ensuring its 

dedication to clients through highly trained professionals, 

high standards of safety and ability to operate a mixed fleet 

in various mission types. 

WHAT SERVICES DOES HELIKOREA PROVIDE 

AND WHICH SEGMENTS ARE SERVED? 

HeliKorea’s helicopter operations began with passenger 

transport and firefighting operations. Our largest profits 

when we started were firefighting operations and cargo 

lifting, which in the beginning accounted for about half of 

HeliKorea’s activity. 

The HeliKorea fleet is currently most active in firefighting 

operations, which now accounts for 60% of the company’s 

activity, providing services for the local and Chinese 

governments. Within the country, firefighting operations are 

vital in combatting the six-month long dry season. 

For civil operators, all major markets including firefighting and 

cargo lifting are saturated. However, firefighting operations 

remain the largest market in Korea, in terms of sales. Supply and 

demand are met within this segment. Although the government 

is now requiring medium and heavy-sized helicopters. 

Cargo lifting of power line towers have also taken a big 

portion of sales in this market, however, since more than 70% 

of towers have been built, operations are diminishing. 

Korea’s EMS operations are a growing market. There are six 

helicopters being operated and eight more domestic regions 

expected to operate EMS helicopters over the coming years. 

The offshore oil and gas sector continues its decline, which 

is reflective of the global downturn. 

A large portion of Korea’s helicopter fleet belong to 

government entities such as Forestry Aviation, Coast Guard 

and the Police. Although the Korean helicopter fleet has the 

potential to expand, replacement costs for these particular 

helicopters is high and requires a long process to pass the 

budget for purchasing new aircraft. 

Additionally, it is important that the government recognize 

the need for new business, otherwise civil operators will need 

to market themselves and find new regions to operate in. 

16 



WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MEASURES 

HELIKOREA UNDERGOES TO ENSURE A SAFE 

ENVIRONMENT? 

HeliKorea holds quarterly safety assessment meetings 

to review its safety status. Korea’s government agency 

also regularly visits the company to further assess safety 

levels, ensuring standards are met. HeliKorea also only 

hires pilots with over 1,000 training hours and engineers 

must have significant and quality experience prior to being 

hired. Additionally, HeliKorea holds internal safety exams 

to make sure all pilots and engineers’ knowledge and 

technique is up to date, as well as those professionals taking 

annual government tests. We’ve also invested in a safety 

management system (SMS), which manages safety risk and 

assures the effectiveness of safety controls. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF HELIKOREA’S 

LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS AND CURRENT 

DEVELOPMENTS? 

The Korean government has plans to expand its emergency 

medical service (EMS) operations nationwide. Through this 

expansion, HeliKorea was awarded with the government 

tender for EMS helicopter operations and has brought in 

three Leonardo AW169s for the mission. In the future, EMS 

will be a driving force behind HeliKorea’s activity and future 

businesses, within the country and hopefully beyond. 

As we have expanded operations, more and more of our 

business continues to be abroad and/or with international 

companies and governments. 

In the oil and gas segment, HeliKorea has partnered with 

Bristow Group and the Australian oil and gas company, 

Woodside Energy for the exploration of gas in the East Sea. 

This is the first time a Korean civil operator has partnered 

with a global foreign helicopter operator. 

As HeliKorea becomes increasingly involved in firefighting 

operations, we’ve been able to share our knowledge and 

support. Across the region, particularly within Southeast 

Asia and in China, there’s a growing interest and demand for 

firefighting operations. Over the past few years, HeliKorea 

has leased helicopters to the Government of China for this 

segment type. Aside from leasing, we also provide operational 

support through our highly trained pilots and engineers. 

WHAT CAN THE INDUSTRY EXPECT FROM 

HELIKOREA OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? 

As the largest helicopter operator in the Korean civil market, 

operating a majority of the privately-owned helicopters in the 

country, HeliKorea expects to expand operations across the 

globe. We’ll continue to be active in our firefighting operations 

and expand EMS operations, both at home and abroad. 

HeliKorea expects to set the industry standard in general 

aviation safety. Our SMS and strict safety measures thus 

far have ensured success in this area. We hope the rest of 

Korea’s helicopter industry will follow. 

www.helikorea.co.kr 



LEASING MARKET 

India 

28 

Thailand 

14 11 9 1 

5 

14 

1 

9 

1 

Myanmar 

South Korea 

China 

Vietnam 

1 

2 Japan 

6 

25 10 9 

Philippines 

Malaysia 

25 

8 

Indonesia 

PNG 

8 

60 

Over the past decade, the general aviation industry 

has seen the establishment of companies 

specializing in helicopter leasing, primarily utilizing 

a ‘dry lease’ model (also known as an ‘operating lease’) 

whereby the lessor owns the aircraft and its residual risk, 

renting it to an operator who is responsible for all facets of 

the operation and maintenance. Rental terms and prices 

vary depending on the prevailing market conditions, but the 

goal for both lessor and lessee is usually to match the term 

of a lease to a specific contract. 

Acceptance and support for this type of ‘operating lease’ 

financing has significantly increased in the Asia-Pacific 

region, helping to replace the traditional structures prevalent 

among regional operators. Asian operators historically relied 

on strong local banking relationships to finance their assets, 

Australia 

as well as a ‘wet lease’ model for operating larger, more 

expensive and advanced OGP helicopters. 

The ‘wet lease’ model had been utilized in the region for 

decades, primarily as a partnership between regional and 

global operators, both focused almost exclusively on offshore 

oil and gas operations. 

New Zealand 

11 

18 


44+15+13+13+13+12+12 


Asia Pacific Leased Fleet by Top Lessor 

Total Fleet (Units) Country Replacement Cost (USD Millions) 

44 

15 

13 

13 

13 

12 

12 

Milestone 

Eagle 

Waypoint 

Airwork 

70+11+29+16+13+23+19 

Textron 

ANZ 

LCI 

82 

92 

723 

115 

137 

169 

210 

Total Fleet 122 $1,528 

44+15+13+13+13+12+12+4+3+3 

Asia Pacific Leased Fleet by Major Lessor and Base of Operation 

44 

15 13 13 

13 12 12 

+3+3 

4 3 3 3 3 

Milestone 

Eagle 

Waypoint 

Textron 

Airwork 

LCI 

ANZ 

Capital Finance 

Columbia Heli 

Westpac 

HeliKorea 

VIH 

Total 

Australia 14 5 2 4 6 12 4 3 3 53 

Indonesia 5 7 4 6 1 23 

India 6 3 5 3 17 

Thailand 11 1 1 13 

New Zealand 1 6 7 

China 3 1 3 7 

PNG 1 2 3 6 

Malaysia 2 1 2 5 

Philippines 1 1 2 4 

Vietnam 1 1 

South Korea 1 1 

Myanmar 1 1 

Total 44 15 13 13 13 12 12 4 3 3 3 3 138 

Regional operators held a local Aircraft Operating Certificate 

(AOC), had access to on the ground infrastructure and other 

necessary licenses and approvals, but might have lacked 

other components necessary to support the standards and 

requirements of large international oil majors; while rules 

and regulations concerning ownership, importation, tax 

and other factors that vary from country to country made 

it difficult for the large global operators to “own” their own 

local operations. 

As a result, the ‘wet lease’ model, whereby large global 

operators provided the aircraft, maintenance programs, pilots, 

engineers, safety management systems and other services, 

often in conjunction with a direct investment or joint venture, 



Leased Fleet by Size Category 

Light Twin 19 (11%) 

Single 41 (24%) 

52+26+11+10+1+G 

Heavy 19 (11%) Super Medium 1 

174 

Medium 94 (54%) 

was seen by them as a method to gain market share and 

strategic position within a particular country; and it was not 

uncommon to see exclusive ‘wet lease’ partnerships between 

global and local operators in major Asian oil producing 

countries like China, Malaysia and Thailand providing OGP 

helicopter services. 

operators no longer saw the same strategic benefits or 

growth opportunities as before, leading to a new relationship 

dynamic with regional operators that revolved more 

around traditional ‘operating lease’ factors such as pricing, 

contractual terms, credit quality and country risk. 

Starting in late 2010 and continuing over the following years, 

a new group of companies focused on helicopter leasing 

emerged to provide these ‘dry leases’ directly. These lessors 

initially provided ‘sale-leaseback’ services to the large global 

operators as a way to help them manage their balance 

sheets. As their own order-books increased, along with their 

scale, lessors quickly began to lease helicopters directly to 

OGP operators in developing countries, where they were 

more willing to take on country and credit risk. Today, they 

have largely supplanted the global operators as the main 

providers of ‘dry-leased’ helicopters in Asia Pacific. 

The largest of these lessors are Milestone Aviation, Waypoint 

Leasing, Lease Corporation International (LCI) and Lobo 

Leasing. They joined previously established, though primarily 

specialty lessors like Eagle Copters, which had long been 

active in India, and banks in Australian and New Zealand, who 

Leased Fleet by Mission 

Fleet Size 


Corporate 4 (2%) 

SAR 3 (2%) 

Charter 5 (3%) 

EMS 29 (17%) 

Multi-Mission 62 (35%) 

39+36+17+3+2+2+1+G 

Private 2 (1%) 

174 

55+25+15+2+1+1+1+G 

SAR (1%) 

Corporate (1%) 

Offshore 69 (40%) 

Charter (2%) 

EMS (15%) 

Multi-Mission (25%) 

$2.1 

Private (1%) 

Offshore (55%) 

By the second half of the 2000s, certain regional operators 

with established operations became more interested 

in the ‘dry lease’ structure, preferring to use their own 

locally sourced pilots and engineers. While some initial 

support may have been required, these operators took a 

view toward developing their own capabilities and sought 

a structure without overarching obligations of a ‘wet lease’ 

or joint venture. 

As more local operators developed their infrastructure and 

the associated need for wet leases receded, some global 

have long established leasing and lending businesses in their 

local markets. More recently, a number of Asia-based lessors, 

primarily in China, have arrived to better serve the growing 

regional market. 

While initially focused almost exclusively on heavy and 

medium twin OGP helicopters, the length and severity 

of the current downturn has encouraged lessors to 

consider providing ‘dry-leases’ for other types of aircraft 

and operations. 

20 



In the Asia-Pacific region today, OGP helicopters make 

up approximately 55% of the leasing market (in terms of 

replacement cost), but only 40% of market in terms of units. 

The largest change in the Asian market over the past year 

has been the willingness of lessors to work with aircraft used 

in SAR, EMS and other missions. These opportunities vary 

widely, with some work backed by Government contracts and 

others more speculative. 

Australia in particular has seen a significant number of 

medium twin helicopters leased for EMS work, and countries 

like China and Korea have experienced this trend as well. This 

shift has also created more opportunity for the dry leasing of 

light twin helicopters, a trend that is also likely to continue. 

Asia Pacific Leased Fleet by Major Lessor and Model 

Milestone 

Eagle 

Waypoint 

Textron 

Airwork 

LCI 

ANZ 


Columbia Heli 

Westpac 

HeliKorea 

VIH 

Total 

Airbus 

BK117 11 11 

H225 4 2 6 

H130 2 3 5 

AS365 2 2 4 

H125 1 1 2 

SA315 2 2 

AS355 1 1 

H145 1 1 

Bell 

Bell 412 5 3 1 5 14 

Bell 206 4 1 2 7 

Bell 407 5 5 

Bell 429 3 3 

Bell 205 1 1 2 

Bell 204 2 2 

Bell 212 2 2 

Boeing 

Kamov 

Leonardo 

BV234 3 3 

KA-32 3 3 

AW139 10 2 9 10 1 32 

AW189 1 1 

AW169 1 1 

MD 

Sikorsky 

MD 500 1 2 3 

S-92 6 1 3 10 

S-76C++ 9 1 10 

S-76C+ 1 3 4 

S-76D 4 4 

Total 44 15 13 13 13 12 12 4 3 3 3 3 138 



CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES 

GENERAL AVIATION LIMITED 

INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY JIAN 

DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER 


As a subsidiary of the world’s fourth largest passenger carrier China Southern Airlines Company, China 

Southern Airlines General Aviation Limited is now leaving a heavy footprint in the general aviation industry. 

Deputy General Manager Johnny Jian is at the forefront of this division, working alongside his team, to lead 

the company in the sometimes volatile but recently more relaxed general aviation industry in China. 

22 


OPERATOR PROFILE: CHINA SOUTHERN GENERAL AVIATION 

Upon graduating from the well-known Civil Aviation 

University of China in 1982, Mr. Jian joined China Southern 

Airlines. Starting out as a mechanic, he moved up the ranks 

to become a licensed engineer, engineer manager and now 

the Deputy General Manager, where his technical background 

aids in the successful operation of the company. 

“Within my 35 years in the company, I’ve witnessed a rapid 

development of the company and the industry,” says Mr. 

Jian. “When I was a mechanic, the company owned three Bell 

212s. We’ve since expanded to own the largest Sikorsky fleet 

in the Asia-Pacific region with 20 Sikorsky helicopters, as 

well as operating an additional Sikorsky for a client. Our total 

operating fleet size is 23 helicopters, including two leased 

Bell 407s, making China Southern’s helicopter division one of 

the top operators in the country. In 2017, a new addition will 

be delivered, as well.” 

Mission operations predominately serve the oil and gas 

sector, with some of its largest clients including China 

National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Shell and BP. 

Although about 90% of helicopter operations serve the 

offshore segment, in the past few years the company has 

moved to more onshore operations including powerline 

patrol, forestry protection, charter for VIPs and tourism and 

aerial surveying. 

As the overall general aviation climate in the Asia-Pacific 

region is rocked by downturns, insufficient infrastructure and 

stringent regulations, Greater China has persevered with the 

fastest-growing civil helicopter fleet in the region. 

“Over the past two decades, China has developed rapidly,” 

says Mr. Jian. “General aviation is one of the few industries 

that didn’t keep up with that development. However, after 30 

years the central government is now announcing regulations 

and policies that encourage and promote the industry. With 

these open regulations, businesses will see general aviation 

as a good investment.” 

In 2016, in an effort to promote the industry and tap into its 

future potential, the central government released an initiative 

to build more than 500 general aviation airports, accessible 

for 5,000 general aviation aircraft aiming for a combined two 

million hours of flight utilization, by the end of 2020. As well 

as opening up the country’s airspace below 3,000-meters, up 

from 1,000-meters, the initiative will simplify and reduce the 

application time and process for general aviation flying. 

Even with new regulations aimed at promoting the 

industry, the downturn in the oil and gas sector continues 

to impact offshore operations throughout the world, 

including China Southern. 



“Just as companies across the region and across the world, 

China Southern Airlines General Aviation has been effected by 

this downturn. 2004-2014 are now noted as the ‘Golden 10’, 

as the number of helicopters increased, staff increased and 

revenues increased. We did very well. When the downturn hit, 

we had to diversify our fleet and look to onshore operations.” 

The company has since engaged largely in forestry protection 

and powerline patrol; however offshore operations are still 

the dominate segment served. 

“We expect a turnaround in the next few years, although it 

will still be a challenge for the helicopters. This sector will 

likely see a turnaround a few years after the oil and gas sector 

picks up.” 

While China Southern Airlines General Aviation division 

focuses on both its offshore and onshore operations, the top 

priority remains safety, reliability and maintaining a culture 

that is consistently above standards. 

“China Southern Airlines General Aviation has put in place a 

very organized system of safety for our aircraft and pilots. 

Prior to any flying, our pilots undergo extensive training. Each 

pilot is required to not only meet the standards put out by 

the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), but exceed 

them. For example, helicopter pilots are required by the CAAC 

to participate in simulator training once a year. We require our 

pilots do participate in simulator training twice a year.” 

By ensuring pilot knowledge is maintained and up to date, 

China Southern Airlines General Aviation ensures a safer 

environment. Mr. Jian’s vast knowledge in engineering and 

mechanics supports the company’s culture of advanced 

safety, as the company invests in the latest technology in 

flight monitoring systems. 

By gathering flight information through a safety management 

system (SMS), Jian and his team have the ability to 

understand and analyze all elements of a flight, reducing 

future risks and guaranteeing maximum safety and reliability 

in future flights. 

As China Southern Airlines General Aviation continues to 

work through the developing industry in the country, Mr. Jian 

has high hopes for the company. 

24 



“Compared to the more developed markets in the US and 

Europe, China has a long way to go. Although, with economic 

development, further infrastructure and increased interest 

in general aviation, we will get to that point. Helicopters can 

do a lot for the daily life of Chinese citizens, through EMS, 

powerline operations and other growing segments. With the 

government’s promotion of the industry, the demand will 

increase, just as the operations will increase.” 

Through the perseverance that has maintained China 

Southern Airlines General Aviation as a top operator within the 

region, Mr. Jian and his team of professionals will continue to 

invest in the industry and exceed industry standards to make 

the company successful. 

www.cs-zhhc.com 

As the industry opens up, China Southern Airlines General 

Aviation is looking forward to increased activity in its own 

segments. Building itself up from a small company in the 

early years of general aviation, the company has since 

become an example to smaller operators throughout the 

country. Capitalizing on that experience, China Southern 

Airlines General Aviation is now providing consultation and 

assistance to small operations and also hopes to increase 

overall operations through additional maintenance facilities 

and training programs. 




WWW.ASIANSKYMEDIA.COM 


GREATER CHINA 

In mid-2016, the Chinese government announced a mandate that has the 

potential to significantly enhance the nation’s general aviation industry in 

the coming years. 

406 

495 

2014 (393) 

2015 (457) 

2016 (543) 

332 

22 21 21 

39 30 27 

China 

Hong Kong & Macau 

Taiwan 

Note: 2015 fleet growth figures in Greater China are based on Asian Sky Group’s adjusted numbers for 2014. 

26 



Greater China Civil Helicopter Fleet 

543 in Total 

HEILONGJIANG 

26 

JILIN 

XINJIANG 

4 

XIZANG 

QINGHAI 

2 

LIAONING 

BEIJING 

8 

INNER MONGOLIA 

6 

69 

TIANJIN 

HEBEI 18 

12 

NINGXIA 

SHANDONG 

1 

SHANXI 

31 

1 

GANSU 

1 SHAANXI HENAN 

JIANGSU 

8 

14 

11 SHANGHAI 

ANHUI 44 

HUBEI 

5 

SICHUAN 

23 

21 CHONGQING 

ZHEJIANG 

18 

11 

HUNAN 

JIANGXI 

5 

2 

GUIZHOU 

FUJIAN 

6 

2 

TAIWAN 

YUNNAN 

GUANGDONG 

27 

24 

GUANGXI 

113 

7 

HONG KONG 

MACAU 15 

6 

HAINAN 

2 

According to the 2016 Chinese State Council Report, “As part 

of efforts to promote industry transformation and upgrades, 

and to further tap consumption potential, an initiative is 

set to build a general aviation industry that has more than 

500 general aviation airports, 5,000 aircraft, and a group of 

competitive enterprises by the end of 2020.” 

Additionally, the plans open up the country’s lower airspace 

below 3,000-meters, up from 1,000-meters, as well as 

simplifying and reducing the application time and process; a 

move beneficial to most general aviation aircraft. 

China’s Ministry of Transportation also issued revised orders 

on the Administration of Business Licensing for General 

Aviation, effective June 1, 2016. In order for a company to 

be granted a general aviation license a number of rules must 

be met, including owning “at least two civil aircraft through 

purchase or lease, with such aircraft registered within the 

People’s Republic of China and conformed to airworthiness 

standards.” 



A previous order required businesses to own aircraft, rather 

than providing the option of leasing. Additionally, the revised 

order removes certain requirements relating to the use of 

the company’s funds to purchase the aircraft, as well as 

simplifying the procedures for the establishment of a general 

aviation business. 

These measures are at the forefront of significant change in 

general aviation. For helicopter operators, the new regulations 

will likely encourage more business and more projects in 

various mission types. 

Fleet Growth 

Civil Helicopters in Greater China 

625 

+15% 

543 

+19% 

457 

+16% 

352 

+12% 

393 

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 EST 

Note: 2015 fleet growth figures in Greater China are based on Asian Sky Group’s adjusted and updated 2014 numbers. 

28 



Net Fleet Growth by OEM 

71+0+0 50+0+0 17+0+0 21+0+0 10+0+0 5+0+0 

2+0+0 5+0+0 

3+0+0 

4+0+0 

1+0+0 0+0+ 

0+83+0 0+0+1000+52+0 0+0+550+19+0 0+0+250+26+0 0+0+260+12+0 0+0+200+7+0 0+0+90+5+0 0+0+71 0+5+0 0+0+8 1+0+0 0+0+0 

0+6+0 0+0+6 

148 

174 

209 

105 

109 

115 

34 

39 

56 

43 

54 

54 

19 

22 

38 

9 

14 

18 

5 

11 

15 

11 

11 

14 

7 

12 

13 

8 

10 

10 

2014 (393) 

2015 (457) 


1 

1 

1 

3 

0 

0 

Airbus 

Bell 

Leonardo 

Sikorsky 

Avicopter 

Enstrom 

Robinson 

Mil 

Kamov 

MD 

Schweizer 

Boeing 

Net Fleet Growth by Mission 

60+0+0 0+75+0 0+0+100 22+0+0 0+21+0 0+0+19 12+0+0 0+15+0 0+0+17 14+0+0 0+16+0 0+0+156+0+0 0+8+0 0+0+7 2+0+0 0+2+0 0+0+7 1+0+0 2+ 

195 

244 

316 

70 

67 

63 

39 

46 

53 

46 

49 

49 

21 

25 

22 

6 

7 

21 

7 

10 

10 

7 

2014 (393) 

2015 (457) 


6 

6 

2 

3 

3 

Multi-Mission 

Offshore 


SAR 

Charter 

EMS 

Training 

Corporate 

Private 

Net Fleet Growth by Size Category 

66+0+0 0+80+0 0+0+100 19+0+0 0+19+0 0+0+21 35+0+0 0+42+0 0+0+47 16+0+0 0+18+0 0+0+19 

190 

233 

292 

55 

56 

60 

100 

118 

137 

48 

50 

54 

2014 (393) 

2015 (457) 


Single 

Light Twin 

Medium 

Heavy 



Within the helicopter sector, China’s civil helicopter fleet 

continues to be among the largest and fastest-growing fleets 

in Asia Pacific. The Greater China fleet, including turbine-only, 

stood at 543 at year end 2016, a significant increase from 

2015, when the fleet stood at 457. This is also the largest 

increase of helicopters witnessed throughout the region, 

with New Zealand trailing far behind with 31 additions from 

the previous year. 

Fleet by Size Category 

Heavy 54 (10%) 

Light Twin 60 (11%) 

Medium 137 (25%) 

Fleet by Mission 

Training 10 (2%) 

EMS 21 (4%) 

Charter 22 (4%) 

SAR 49 (9%) 


53 (10%) 

Offshore 63 (12%) 

54+25+11+10+G 

543 

58+12+10+9+4+4+2+1+0+G 

543 

Single 292 (54%) 

Corporate 6 (1%) 

Private 3 

Multi-Mission 

316 (58%) 

While the 543 helicopters are spread out throughout the 

country, small clusters are situated along the eastern 

coast. Top operators CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company 

(COHC) and China Southern Airlines General Aviation 

Limited (formerly known as Zhuhai Helicopters), operating 

in predominately the offshore segment, are based in the 

manufacturing hub of Guangdong. The area surrounding 

Bohai Bay, which is one of the country’s largest oil and gas 

production bases and home to the government-owned China 

National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), is also home to 

a high number of helicopters, while the mountainous border 

province of Heilongjiang operates a number for border 

security and agriculture. 

Nearly 80% of the fleet is represented by four manufacturers: 

Airbus, Bell, Sikorsky and Leonardo. Airbus holds the largest 

market share with 39% of the overall Greater China fleet and 

40% of the replacement cost, followed by Bell with 21% of the 

fleet size and 10% of the replacement cost. 

Airbus has seen significant growth from 2015, increasing 

from 174 to 209 helicopters. Bell increased from 109 to 115, 

Leonardo increased from 39 to 56 and the Chinese-made 

Avicopter increased from 22 to 38 in 2016. 

The majority of the fleet (58%) is involved in various mission 

operations, with 12% involved in offshore, 10% involved in law 

enforcement and the remainder involved in search and rescue 

(SAR) missions, charter, emergency medical services (EMS), 

flight training, corporate and private operations. 

A large portion of multi-mission helicopters, including 

firefighting and tourism operations, is high, compared to 

other Asia-Pacific countries. Forestry protection operations, 

including firefighting, has one of the highest demands of all 

mission types throughout China. The demand is met with an 

increased forest protection budget by the government, with 

expectations of up to 300 helicopters being used for this 

mission segment within the next three to five years. These 

medium to heavy-sized helicopters are 

used throughout the year. 

Powerline patrol and agriculture 

spraying operations are also 

increasingly popular and much-needed 

mission types, within the ‘multimission’ 

segment. 

Additionally, the downturn in the oil 

and gas sector, which has heavily 

impacted countries worldwide, has 

left a smaller effect in China. With 

expectations of a recovery far off, 

offshore operators have moved their 

operations onshore. Diversifying the 

helicopter’s mission type has help to 

maintain some operations. 

The largest operator in Mainland 

China is China’s CITIC Offshore 

Helicopter Company (COHC), with 68 

helicopters. The company is heavily 

involved in offshore oil operations and 

pilot services for ships at port, with 

approximately 30 helicopters (H225, 

AS332L1, H155 and A109) dedicated 

to these operations. 

30 



Fleet by OEM 

Fleet Size 


Kamov 13 (2%) 

Mil 14 (3%) 

Robinson 15 (3%) 

Enstrom 18 (3%) 

Avicopter 38 (7%) 

38+21+10+10+8+3+3+3+2+2+0+G 39+23+10+10+9+4+3+2+G 

Kamov (3%) 

Avicopter (8%) 

Bell (10%) 

Sikorsky 54 (10%) Leonardo (11%) 

Leonardo 56 (10%) 

Bell 115 (21%) 

543 

MD 10 (2%) Mil (3%) 

Others (2%) 

Schweizer 1 

Airbus 209 (39%) 

$4.3 

Airbus (40%) 

Sikorsky (23%) 

In Taiwan, the total number of civil helicopters (turbine only) 

stood at 27 at the end of 2016, with the National Airborne 

Service Corps (NASC) operating the majority of these. 

Helicopters in this area are mainly used for disaster relief, 

SARs, observation, patrol and transportation. 

Hong Kong and Macau also have relatively small civil 

helicopter fleets. The Hong Kong Government operates the 

largest fleet — the Government Flying Service, providing 

24-hour emergency support. Macau’s main operator is 

Sky Shuttle, which operates mainly AW139s and provides 

transport between Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen. 

Chinese manufacturers have done particularly well in the 

last year, with a strong presence in the market. The Aviation 

Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a Chinese state-owned 



China Fleet by OEM 


Kamov 13 (2%) 

Mil 14 (3%) 



Sikorsky 49 (10%) 


Bell 105 (21%) 

37+21+10+10+9+4+3+3+2+1+0+G 

495 

MD 5 (1%) 

Others 1 

Airbus 188 (38%) 

General Aviation. Avicopter will do equally well, through 

its deals with several government entities, including local 

public security bureaus. China Minshing Investment Leasing 

Holdings, which signed a deal for 100 Airbus helicopters in 

2015, will see at least 10 aircraft delivered in 2017. 

As the fastest-growing market in Asia Pacific, China’s 

helicopter sector still faces some challenges. High costs of 

landing and takeoff are burdensome, particularly for smaller 

operators. Costs of human capital, including training and 

competitive salaries is also gradually increasing. Although 

China’s new general aviation regulations will benefit the 

industry, the market will need to continue growth in order to 

uphold support from the government. 

Hong Kong and Macau Fleet by OEM 

aerospace and defense company, successfully completed 

the first flight of the highly-anticipated AC312E in August 

2016. The light twin-engine helicopter is suitable for various 

mission types including medical assistance, transport, SARs, 

police and VIP, among other operation types. Popular AVIC 

models in the civil helicopter fleet include the AC301, AC311, 

AC312 and AC313. 

In May 2015, the manufacturer gained more attention 

when Russian Helicopters agreed to work with AVIC, in an 

effort to create an advanced heavy-lifting helicopter. The 

helicopter is expected to have a takeoff weight of 38-tons, 

with the capacity to carry 10 tons internally and 15 tons on 

an external sling. 

The opportunity for Chinese manufacturers and investors 

will likely increase, as China’s general aviation regulations 

become more relaxed. 

While the Greater China fleet, as of 2016, stood at 543, 

expectations are that the fleet will increase by around 15%, 

if the market sees the most of the expected 112 helicopters 

delivered. This includes 16 helicopters being introduced to 

the market through government contracts and 13 through 

large corporations. Leonardo will do exceptionally well in 

2017, in great part due to deals with Shanghai Kingwing 

Others 1 (5%) 

MD 5 (24%) 


43+27+24+6+G 

Taiwan Fleet by OEM 


Bell 10 (37%) 

21 

44+37+19+G 

27 

Airbus 9 (43%) 

Airbus 12 (44%) 

32 






Fleet by Model 

543 in Total 

Airbus 209 (38%) 


COUNTRY PROFILE: 

H125 86 

H155 25 

H135 21 

H120 21 

AS365 14 

H225 14 

H130 13 

AS332L1 6 

AS332L2 4 

BK117 3 

AS332L 1 

H145 1 

AC312 

17 

AC311 

14 

Z-11 3 

Z-9 3 

AC313 1 

GREATER CHINA48+41+14+7+3+1+1 

60+25+21+21+14+14+13+6+4+3+1+118+14+3+3+1 

Bell 115 (21%) 

Bell 407 48 

Bell 206 41 

Bell 429 14 

Bell 205 7 

Bell 212 3 

Bell 412 1 

Bell 427 1 

34 




Kamov 13 (2%) 


MD 10 (2%) 

Mil 14 (3%) 


Schweizer 1 


18 13 21+17+16+2 4+3+2+110+4 15 1 

EN480 

KA-32 

AW139 

AW119 

AW109 

SW-4 

MD 900 4 

MD 500 3 

MD 520 2 

MD 600 1 

Mi-8 

Mi-26 

R66 

S-333 

1 

4 

10 

13 

15 

18 

17+14+9+6+5+2+1 

S-76C++ 17 

S-92 14 

S-76D 9 

S-76C+ 6 

S-70A 5 

S-76A++ 

S-76A 

2 

2 

1 

16 

17 

21 



Fleet by Operator 

120 Operators in Total 

43 

77 

Operators shown represent 82% of the fleet 

Operators - 1-2 aircraft each 

COHC 

National Police 

State Grid 


Taiwan NASC 

MOT 

Kingwing 

Reignwood 

Flying Dragon 

China Eastern 

Chongqing GA 

Skyway 

Sichuan Xilin Fengteng 

Beijing Capital 

Hubei Tongcheng 

GFS 

Qingdao Helicopter 

Shanghai Heli 

Beidahuang 

HEMS 999 

Shandong GA 

Yunnan Fengxiang 

Hubei Yinyan 

Sky Shuttle 

Sichuan Tuofeng 

Yunnan Hexie 

68+55+24+23+21+20+19+16+15+12+11+11+9+8+8+7+7+7+6+6+6+6+5+5+5+5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

6 

6 

6 

6 

7 

7 

7 

8 

8 

9 

11 

10 

12 

15 

16 

19 

20 

21 

23 

24 

Guangzhou Suilian 

Heliservices 

Henan Guanchen 

Panzhou GA 

Qiqihar Kunfeng 

Tangshan Lianwang 

CAFUC 

Emerald Pacific 

Guangdong Juxiang 

Guangxi Guanglian 

Henan Yongxiang 

Jiangsu Huayu 

Qinghua GA 

Shandong Gaoxiang 

Wuhan Group 

Xinjiang Kaiyuan 

Yunnan GA 

53 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

68 

4+4+4+4+4+4+3+3+3+3+3+3+3+3+3+3+3 

36 



Top 10 Operator’s Fleet by Model 

COHC 

68+53+24+23+21+20+19+16+15+12 

68 

53 

24 23 21 20 19 16 15 12 

National Police 

State Grid 


Taiwan NASC 

MOT 

Kingwing 

Reignwood 

Flying Dragon 

China Eastern 

Total 

Airbus 

Avicopter 

Bell 

Enstrom 

Kamov 

Leonardo 

Mil 

Robinson 

Sikorsky 

AS332L 1 1 

AS332L1 6 6 

AS332L2 1 1 

AS365 4 9 1 14 

H120 2 1 1 4 

H125 3 1 9 7 20 

H135 7 7 

H145 1 1 

H155 15 5 20 

H225 8 1 1 4 14 

AC311 5 5 

AC312 14 3 17 

AC313 1 1 

Z-11 2 1 3 

Z-9 1 2 3 

Bell 205 7 7 

Bell 206 3 6 1 10 

Bell 212 1 2 3 

Bell 407 5 2 8 15 

Bell 429 1 2 1 5 9 

EN480 3 3 

KA-32 8 2 10 

AW109 2 7 4 2 15 

AW119 2 9 11 

AW139 8 3 11 

Mi-26 3 3 

R66 1 2 2 5 

S-70A 5 5 

S-76A 1 1 

S-76A++ 2 2 

S-76C+ 2 4 6 

S-76C++ 7 4 6 17 

S-76D 8 8 

S-92 3 9 1 13 

Total 68 53 24 23 21 20 19 16 15 12 271 



Fleet by Mission and OEM 

100+19+17+15+7+7+3+2+1 

316 

63 53 49 

22 21 10 6 3 

Multi-Mission 

Offshore 


SAR 

Charter 

EMS 

Training 

Corporate 

Private 

Total 

Airbus 123 30 17 22 3 11 1 2 209 

Avicopter 30 8 38 

Bell 86 5 6 8 1 4 2 3 115 

Enstrom 15 3 18 

Kamov 11 2 13 

Leonardo 16 2 17 11 9 1 56 

MD 8 1 1 10 

Mil 14 14 

Robinson 11 1 3 15 

Schweizer 1 1 

Sikorsky 2 31 21 54 

Total 316 63 53 49 22 21 10 6 3 543 

38 



Fleet by Age 

543 in Total 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

1970 

1971 

1972 

1973 

1974 

1975 

1976 

1977 

1978 

1979 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 

1999 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 


Year of Manufacture 

As illustrated above, the Greater China region has experienced rapid 

growth in the last 10-15 years. While the total fleet stands at 543, 411 

helicopters were manufactured over the last decade. 

In 2005-2006 as the country continued to develop economically, 

growth in the helicopter market became consistent and expected. 

Large manufacturers began to see the potential and promise the 

region served. In 2011, the Civil Aviation Administration of China 

(CAAC) announced its 12th Five-Year Plan, with intentions toward 

developing general aviation. A few years later, with the opening of 

lower altitude airspace in 2014 and subsequent continued relaxation 

of regulations in years to follow, the industry has begun to live up 

to its potential. Small operators are now popping up and Chinese 

manufacturers have now joined the competition. 





New Deliveries 


Mil 1 (1%) 


Bell 11 (12%) 



39+21+19+12+4+4+1+G 

+91 

Airbus 35 (39%) 

Pre-owned Additions 

Kamov 1 (8%) 

Bell 1 (8%) 

Mil 2 (17%) 


42+25+17+8+8+G 

+12 


Deductions 





35+29+18+12+6+G 

-17 

Bell 6 (35%) 

40 



Additions and Deductions by Model 

+86 in total 

Deductions (-17) 

New Deliveries (+91) 

Pre-owned (+12) 

Airbus 

+35 

H125 

H130 

H120 

H145 

H155 

AS365 

H135 

-1 

-1 

-1 

1 

1 

2 

8 

23 3 

Avicopter 

+16 

AC312 

AC311 

AC313 

Z-9 

-1 

1 

2 

14 

Bell 

+6 

Bell 407 

Bell 429 

Bell 206 

Bell 412 

Bell 205 

-5 

-1 

2 

1 1 

1 

7 

Enstrom 

+4 

EN480 

4 

Kamov 

+1 

KA-32 

1 

Leonardo 

+17 

AW119 

AW139 

AW109 

SW-4 

-2 

4 

2 

2 

11 

Mil 

+3 

Mi-8 

Mi-26 

2 

1 

Robinson 

+4 

R66 

4 

Sikorsky 

0 

S-70A 

S-76A 

S-76A+ 

S-76B 

-1 

-2 

-2 

5 


LEONARDO 

HELICOPTERS 

INTERVIEW WITH STEFANO ZALONIS 

VICE PRESIDENT, CHINA 


Following the rebranding of AgustaWestland to Leonardo, 

the company’s helicopter division Leonardo has committed 

to keeping up with the growth in the Asia-Pacific region. As 

one of the fastest-growing markets for the company, the region’s 

significance has led the company to invest heavily in customer 

support and training facilities, as well as the expansion of facilities in 

Southeast Asia. 

42 


OPERATOR PROFILE: LEONARDO HELICOPTERS 

WHAT IS THE CURRENT OUTLOOK OF THE 

CIVIL HELICOPTER MARKET IN ASIA PACIFIC? 

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for Leonardo. 

The Company is very successful in China, Japan, Malaysia 

and Australia with countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar 

and Indonesia that are very promising. After a consistent 

growth in the oil and gas sector, with major operations in 

Malaysia and Thailand, we are now seeing very good results 

in emergency medical service (EMS) and Search and Rescue 

(SAR) helicopters. Of course, and this applies globally, we 

continue to be the market leader in medium VVIP/executive 

transport helicopters. 

In Japan, we have over 100 helicopters in operation — double 

the number we had five years ago — a good part of which are 

for EMS and other parapublic roles. For example, Leonardo is 

the leader in law enforcement, with 42 aircraft in operation. 

The new AW169 is gaining traction and so is the AW109 

Trekker. In the country we have a long standing partnership 

with the distributor Mitsui Bussan. 

The introduction of new products such as the AW189, the 

AW169 and the AW109 Trekker is certainly contributing 

in responding to this quickly growing market. China will 

definitively lead the fleet growth in Asia Pacific in the coming 

years. We expect to deliver more than 30 helicopters in 2017. 

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE SUCCESSES 

LEONARDO HAS ENJOYED OVER THE PAST 

FEW YEARS? 

We have definitely enjoyed important successes. 

Starting from the latest ones: In late 2016, Leonardo 

secured a contract with the Chinese operator KingWing 

General Aviation for 30 helicopters in EMS configuration, 

comprising the AW139 and AW169. This order followed 

another contract with KingWing for 25 AW119Kx helicopters 

in EMS configuration signed at the beginning of 2016. 

These achievements set the start of the largest EMS 

program in China. 

The law enforcement market will also experience an 

important growth in the coming years due to the various 

helicopter procurement programs from different Chinese 

provinces. Leonardo is already the leader in China in this 

segment, with a market share close to 40%. We delivered 

around 20 helicopters in 2016 in China. 

We also have an established relationship with one of the 

largest operator in the world, Weststar of Malaysia, which 

operates a fleet of more than 30 helicopters, mainly AW139 

and AW189. Their operations are constantly supported by 

our training and customer support activities based in Kuala 

Lumpur, our regional hub, recently relocated to new and state 

of the art facilities at Subang Airport. 

Australia is also a market in which we are constantly growing, 

with New South Wales and Victoria (the two most populated 

regions in the country) operating our AW139 for EMS 

missions. We have delivered 24 units of the type just in the 

last two years succeeding in all EMS tender. 

WHAT IS THE LEONARD COMPANY DOING 

TO KEEP UP WITH THE GROWTH OF ASIA 

PACIFIC? 

Leonardo is committed to continuing sustainable and longterm 

business in the region. We have invested massively in 

the last two years in customer support and training facilities 

in China, Malaysia, Japan and Australia and will continue to 

do the same in 2017. New products are being, or will soon 

be, introduced in these countries. The AW109 Trekker will 

complement our product offer, ranging from the single engine 

AW119 in the 3-ton class to the AW189 in the 8.5-ton class. 

In China, we increased our presence in terms of personnel, 

also Chinese-speaking, in the country. We opened a new 

warehouse in Shanghai in order to serve the growing 

demands from our increasing fleet and now we are the 

only OEM with a warehouse in mainland China. We have 

reinforced our excellent collaborations with different sales 

partners and service centers. 

Similar activities have been going in Malaysia, our hub for 

Southeast Asia, with the expansion of our facility with a 

new hangar, increasing the effectiveness with which we 

respond to our customers, thus reducing response time and 

shortening waiting lists. 

HAS LEONARDO’S HELICOPTER DIVISION 

BEEN IMPACTED BY THE DOWNTURN IN OIL 

AND GAS PRODUCTION? 

The downturn in oil price has had an impact on our activities 

related to oil and gas; however, as different O & G operators 


OPERATOR PROFILE: LEONARDO HELICOPTERS 

are looking for solutions in order to reduce the operating 

costs related to their activities, we respond with the AW189, 

that is designed to minimize the maintenance activities and 

the operating costs. 

On the other hand, our products have shown a great 

resilience to success in other segments. For instance, 

AW139 is experiencing great successes in VIP, EMS and law 

enforcement segments in China and Australia. 

HOW ARE THE AW169 AND AW189 MODELS 

DOING IN THIS REGION? 

The AW189 is an excellent search and rescue solution, due to 

its long range safety features that include a proven 50-minute 

dry run gearbox. The AW169 is the platform designed to 

set the new benchmark in the EMS segment. The recent 

success confirms the appreciation from the market for this 

new helicopter, with recent success in Korea and UK. Good 

possibilities for the AW169 also in the Law Enforcement and 

VIP. Both models are performing well, each with around 150 

units ordered so far combining orders and options. 

WHICH LEONARDO MODELS ARE DOING 

NOTABLY WELL? 

The AW139 is a mature product continuing to be the 

benchmark for intermediate helicopters, with over 970 

helicopters sold worldwide. On the light side, the single 

engine AW119Kx is the go-to helicopter for EMS in China, and 

the twin AW109 legacy models are very successful in Japan 

for the same role. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LATEST 

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS THAT 

CAN BE EXPECTED FROM THE HELICOPTER 

DIVISION? 

Leonardo is investigating and developing a wide range of 

technology solutions, part of them in the framework of EU/ 

industry cofounded initiatives. Among them, active main 

rotor blade and electric tail rotor drive, as well as the next 

generation of civil tiltrotor. All of these efforts are aimed 

at making vertical flight greener, more efficient, even safer 

and allow levels of performance and capability, which are 

unprecedented in the market. 

WHAT CAN THE INDUSTRY EXPECT FROM 

LEONARDO’S HELICOPTER DIVISION IN THE 

COMING YEARS? 

In terms of new models, Leonardo is busy introducing 

three models (AW109 Trekker being developed, AW189 and 

AW169 already certified and in service), so there’s definitely 

a big effort to make sure that both existing and potential 

customers are satisfied. 

Let’s not forget that the Company is also investing on the 

revolutionary AW609 tiltrotor, with certification expected later 

next year. We know for certain there’s a lot interest in Asia for 

EMS, SAR and VIP/Corporate transport roles. 

www.leonardocompany.com 

44 



AIRCRAFT SPOTLIGHT 

LEONARDO HELICOPTERS 

AW169 & AW189 

Derived from the multi-mission helicopter AW149, the 8.3/8.6-ton, twin-turbine AW189 is a super 

mid-size aircraft designed to answer the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multimission 

platform. Its class-leading speed, low internal vibration and noise minimize airborne time 

and provide exceptional passenger comfort. 



The AW189, which first performed its maiden flight 

in 2013, has a large and open cabin, suitable 

for varying configurations and up to 18 seats. 

Optimized for long range offshore transport and search and 

rescue (SAR) missions, the AW189 is unique in having a 50 

minute 'run-dry' capable main gear box, exceeding current 

certification standards and offering unmatched safety and 

reliability for long range offshore operations. 

A typical offshore configuration for the AW189 consists of 

16 individual crashworthy seats, with separate four-point 

safety belts, external life rafts and emergency floats and 

weather radar, among a number of inclusions. 

For all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and medical 

evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, the AW189’s configuration 

features a low-workload fully integrated glass cockpit, 

comprehensive sensor options, spacious cabin equipped 

to ensure operational capability. Using advanced in-house 

developed avionics and systems, the AW189 includes 

a variety of search modes and patterns, a hover point 

approach (HPA), full mission equipment integration with 

flight management system (FMS) and an obstacle proximity 

lidar system (OPLS). 

cabin. Its cockpit combines the latest-generation avionics 

with a full digital glass cockpit, minimizing the workload of 

pilots and provides single/dual pilot VFR/IFR capability. In 

accordance with its high safety standards, the AW169 is 

complete with a crash-resistant airframe, large windows 

for emergency egress and one engine inoperative (OEI) 

capability, even in challenging hot and high conditions. 

Safety on the ground is enhanced by the high clearance 

of the main and tail rotors. The auxiliary power unit (APU) 

mode ensures the continued operation of electrical end 

hydraulic systems. 

The configurability of the helicopter allows for adaptability 

to a variety of missions. For private and executive 

support, the AW169 is designed to relax or to conduct 

business comfortably and can be arranged in a variety of 

configurations, ranging from a luxurious five-seat design to 

an eight-seat design. Its spacious interior, easily accessible 

via an automatically deployed footstep, is designed for the 

ultimate in-flight experience. The executive configuration 

comes complete with a wireless cabin control and 

entertainment system. 

AgustaWestland announced that production of the AW169 

was underway at the Farnborough International Air Show. 

At the time of its launch in 2015, the 4.6 ton, twin-turbine, 

mid-size helicopter was the first all new aircraft in its weight 

category to enter the market in over 30 years. Issued the 

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) Part 29 certifications for performance 

and safety, the AW169 is acclaimed for its reliability and 

versatility in even the most challenging conditions. 

Accommodating seven to 10 passengers, the AW169 is 

positioned between the eight-seat AW109 GrandNew and 

the 15-seat AW139, offering a large and rapidly configurable 

For law enforcement and emergency medical service (EMS) 

operations, the AW169 is suitable for air observation, aerial 

support, drug enforcement, border patrol, troop transport, 

medical evacuation, disaster relief and utility, among other 

operations. The aircraft can be customized into a number 

of ways suitable for equipment, cargo hooks, internal 

weapons, stretchers, etc. Features, ideal for an EMS or law 

enforcement mission, include outstanding performance in 

hot and high conditions, high power margins for excellent 

hovering and controllability characteristics, high cruising 

speed, maximized range and endurance and heavy-duty 

landing gear for unprepared terrains. 

Offshore operation configurations are also accommodated 

by the AW169, compliant with the most rigorous standards 

46 



required by oil and gas operators. Features of this 

configuration include the health and usage monitoring 

system (HUMS), emergency flotations and life rafts, weather 

and search radar, digital map, enhanced vision system and 

retractable landing gear, among other features. 

The militarized variant of the AW169 is the AW169M, which 

can equally be customized to fit any standards required of a 

military aircraft. 

www.leonardocompany.com 

SPECS 

AW169 

AW189 

Leading Features 

Certification Category 

Max Take‐Off Weight 

EASA CS‐29 / FAR Part 29 

4,600 kg / 10,141 lb 

Leading Features 

Certification Category 

Max Take‐Off Weight 

EASA CS‐29 / FAR Part 29 

8,300 - 8,600 kg* / 

18,298 lb - 18,960 lb* 

*An optional MTOW (Internal) kit of 8,600 kg is available. 

Power 

Powerplant 

Shaft Horsepower 

2 x PW210A series turbosha‐s 

1,108 SHP each with FADEC 

Power 

Powerplant 

Shaft Horsepower 

2 x GE CT7‐2E1 

2,000 SHP each with FADEC 

Performance 

Maximum Speed 

Service Ceiling 

Maximum Range 

306 km/h / 165 Knots 

4,572 m / 15,000 ft 

820 km* / 440 N.M.* 

Performance 

Maximum Speed 

Service Ceiling 

Maximum Range 

313 km/h / 169 Knots 

3,048 m / 10,000 ft 

1,111 km* / 600 N.M* 

*at 5,000 ft, no reserve, standard fuel system 

*EMS Configuration, no reserve with auxiliary fuel tank 

Capacity 

Flight Crew 

Passenger seating 

1 - 2 

Up to 10 

Capacity 

Flight Crew 

Passenger seating 

1 - 2 

Up to 19 

External Dimensions 

Overall Length 

Overall Height 

Rotor Diameter 

14.65 m* / 48 ft 1 in* 

4.50 m* / 14 ft 9 in* 

12.12 m / 39 ft 9 in 

External Dimensions 

Overall Length 

Overall Height 

Rotor Diameter 

17.60 m* / 57 ft 9 in* 

5.06 m* / 16 ft 7 in* 

14.6 m / 47 ft 11 in 

*Rotors turning 

*Rotors turning 

Internal Dimensions 

Cabin Dimensions 

Main Cabin Volume* 

Baggage Compartment 

Width 

Height 

Length* 

2.05 m / 6 ft 9 in 

1.32 m / 4 ft 4 in 

2.77 m / 9 ft 1 in 

6.3 m³ / 222 ft³ 

1.4 m³ / 49.44 ft³ 

Internal Dimensions 

Cabin Dimensions 

Main Cabin Volume* 

Baggage Compartment 

Width 

Height 

Length* 

2.43 m / 7 ft 12 in 

1.42 m / 4 ft 8 in 

3.47 m / 11 ft 5 in 

11.2 m³ / 396 ft³ 

2.4 m³ / 85 ft³ 

*Dual Pilot configuration 

*Dual Pilot configuration 

Data Source: EASA Type Certificate Data Sheet and Leonardo marketing brochures 


APPENDIX 

MISSION CATEGORIES 

In this report, mission categories include: 

• Multi-Mission 

• Offshore Operations 

• Search and Rescue (SAR) 

• Emergency Medical Service (EMS) 

• Law Enforcement 

• Flight Training 

• Corporate 

• Private (recreational) 

• Charter 

The largest mission category is broadly defined as multimission. 

Most helicopters in this category are active in more 

than one mission and can be configured to perform various 

tasks. This includes a number of subcategories: 

• Onshore O & G and Mining (distinct from offshore) 

• Cargo Lifting 

• Forestry (surveying, logging and protection) 

• Firefighting 

• Aerial Photography 

• Aerial Tours 

• Agriculture and Pest Control 

• Powerline Repair and Survey 

• Media Industry 

SIZE CATEGORIES 

SINGLE 

LIGHT TWIN 

MEDIUM 

SUPER 

MEDIUM 

HEAVY 

H120 

H125 

H130 

SA313 

SA315 

SA316 

SA319 

SA341 

AC311 

Z-11 

Bell 204 

Bell 205 

Bell 206 

Bell 407 

Bell AH-1 

EN480 

FH-1100 

K-Max 

AH.1 

AW009 

AW119 

MD 500 

MD 520 

MD 530 

MD 600 

Mi-34 

R66 

S-333 

S-58 

AS355 

BK117 

BO105 

H135 

H145 

Bell 222 

Bell 230 

Bell 427 

Bell 429 

AW109 

MD 900 

AS365 

H155 

AC312 

Z-9 

Bell 212 

Bell 214 

Bell 412 

Bell 430 

Dhruv 

Surion 

KA-32 

AW139 

AW169 

Mi-2 

S-70A 

S-76A 

S-76A+ 

S-76A++ 

S-76B 

S-76C 

S-76C+ 

S-76C++ 

S-76D 

H175 

Bell 525 

AW189 

AS332L 

AS332L1 

AS332L2 

H225 

AC313 

BV107 

BV234 

AW101 

Mi-26 

Mi-8 

S-61 

S-64 

S-92 

48 


APPENDIX 

COMPANY NAMES 

OEMs 

Airbus 

Avicopter 

Bell 

Leonardo 

MD 

Sikorsky 

Airbus Helicopters 

Aviation Industry Corporation of China 

Bell Helicopter 

Leonardo Helicopters 

MD Helicopters 

Sikorsky Aircraft 

Robinson 

Mil 

Kamov 

Enstrom 

HAL 

Robinson Helicopter 

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant 

Kamov Design Bureau 

Enstrom Helicopter 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 

OPERATORS 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Brunei 

Canada 

China 

China 

China 

China 

China 

Hong Kong 

India 

India 

Indonesia 

Malaysia 

Malaysia 

Malaysia 

Philippines 

South Korea 

Thailand 

Thailand 

Thailand 

Vietnam 

Babcock 

Bristow 

HNZ 

Shell Brunei 

CHC 

CAFUC 

China Eastern 


COHC 

MOT 

GFS 

Global Vectra 

Heligo 

Travira 

Awan Inspirasi 

MHS 

Weststar 

INAEC 

Helikorea 

SFS 

TAS 

UOA 

VNH 

Babcock International Group plc 

Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty. Ltd. 

Helicopters New Zealand Inc. 

Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd 

CHC Helicopter Corporation 

Civil Aviation Flight University of China 

Eastern General Aviation Corporation Ltd. 

China Southern Airlines General Aviation Limited 

CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co., Ltd. 

Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China 

The Government Flying Service 

Global Vectra Helicorp Limited 

Heligo Charters Pvt. Ltd. 

Travira Air 

Awan Inspirasi Sdn Bhd 

MHS Aviation Berhad 

Weststar Aviation Services Sendirian Berhad 

INAEC Aviation Corporation 

Heli Korea Co., Ltd. 

SFS Aviation Co., Ltd. 

Thai Aviation Services Ltd. 

United Offshore Aviation Co.,Ltd. 

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation 

LESSORS 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Canada 

Ireland 

New Zealand 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

ANZ 


VIH 

Westpac 

Eagle 

LCI 

Airwork 

Columbia Heli. 

Milestone 

Textron 

Waypoint 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group 

Capital Finance Australia Limited 

VIH Aviation Group, Ltd. 

Westpac Banking Corporation 

Eagle Copters Ltd. 

Lease Corporation International Limited 

Airwork (NZ) Ltd. 

Columbia Helicopters Leasing, Inc. 

Milestone Aviation Group 

Textron Financial Corporation 

Waypoint Leasing Services LLC 



in more than 27 countries, and a fleet of more 

than 144 aircraft on lease, coupled with a large 

Copyright © 2017 Waypoint Leasing Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

50 

ASIA PACIFIC REGION CIVIL HELICOPTER FLEET REPORT – YEAR END 2016 

Visit us at HAI HELI-EXPO 2017 Booth #9836

Asian Pacific Region Civil Helicopters Asian Sky Fleet Report Year End 2016

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