Rolls-Royce More Optimistic This Year

Some 9,036 turbine helicopters will be delivered during the 2000-2009 period, 91 more than was anticipated last year, Rolls-Royce said here. The market split will be 60% civil (5,403 units) and 40% military (3,633 units).

Turbine singles will continue their popularity, accounting for 56% of world civil deliveries, followed by light twins with 20%.
"The civil market continues to be supported by new market introductions and a strong economy, said helicopter VP Richard Huckle. "Increased travel requirements, coupled with airport and airspace congestion, may also result in an increase in the number of corporate operators."
Rolls sees a civil market peak of 579 deliveries in 2001, with an average of about 530 helicopter deliveries per year through 2009.

The military market is led by heavy multi-engine aircraft, most of them troop-transports, accounting for about 45% of the market, followed by attack helicopters, with a 28% share. Military helicopter deliveries will peak at about 417 units in 2003, moderating to 380 units per year through 2009.