MENA: Helicopter Market 2025

Helicopter Market Size in MENA

In 2022, the MENA's helicopter market increased by 91% to $X, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a significant increase. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Helicopter Production in MENA

In value terms, helicopter production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the production volume increased by 386%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Helicopter Exports

Exports in MENA

In 2022, the amount of civil helicopters exported in MENA skyrocketed to X units, rising by 26% on 2021 figures. Over the period under review, exports saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 3,201%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X units. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, helicopter exports surged to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 113% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Yemen (X units) represented the major exporter of civil helicopters, making up 81% of total exports. The United Arab Emirates (X units) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Israel (X units). All these countries together took approx. 17% share of total exports.

Yemen was also the fastest-growing in terms of the civil helicopters exports, with a CAGR of +26.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+23.5%) and Israel (+4.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Yemen (+41 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (+3.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Israel saw its share reduced by -14.9% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Yemen ($X) remains the largest helicopter supplier in MENA, comprising 27% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 10% share of total exports.

In Yemen, helicopter exports expanded at an average annual rate of +18.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (+9.5% per year) and Israel (-14.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MENA stood at $X per unit in 2022, rising by 50% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the export price increased by 1,694%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per unit in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per unit), while Israel ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Yemen (-6.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Helicopter Imports

Imports in MENA

Helicopter imports surged to X units in 2022, with an increase of 32% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a noticeable downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 203%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X units. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, helicopter imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt shrinkage. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The purchases of the seven major importers of civil helicopters, namely Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Iraq, Oman, Israel and Turkey, represented more than two-thirds of total import. Iran (X units) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Iraq (with a CAGR of +18.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X), Algeria ($X) and Iraq ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 55% of total imports.

Iraq, with a CAGR of +24.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MENA stood at $X per unit in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a perceptible descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 98%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per unit), while Iran ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+7.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform