Honeywell Sees Healthy Sales,
11% Gain Over Next Five Years

Manufacturers can expect to sell approximately 2,550 new helicopters from 2001 to 2005, an 11% gain over the 1996-2000 period, according to Honeywell's fourth annual Turbine Powered Civil Helicopter Market Outlook.

New aircraft buying plans were especially strong in Asia, Latin America and Europe, Honeywell said, and indeed increased in all world regions except North America, reflecting an economic slowdown in the U.S.

The general tone? Upbeat.

"We are optimistic about the long range strength of future business opportunities for helicopters," said acting Honeywell Engines & Systems president Mike Redenbaugh.

The top four demand drivers for new turbine powered helo buyers are age of current aircraft, upgrade to newer/latest technology, more payload/useful load and more engine power (lift and altitude capability), Honeywell found.

"The powerful increase in purchase expectations outside of North America is attributable to Latin American operators' renewed optimism regarding their region's political and economic environment, stable if not robust economic conditions in Asia/Oceania, and strong demand for light multi-engine helicopters in Europe," says the report.

"Excitement over recently introduced helicopter models," Honeywell said, "has clearly contributed to increasing levels of replacement demand." New and derivative models account for almost half of all helicopters mentioned for purchase during the next five years.