Crystal-ball gazing is a major part of any trade show. Heli-Expo has traditionally been the stage for the presentation of the Rolls-Royce/Teal Group’s 10-year forecast of worldwide turbine-engine helicopter demand. Overall, this year’s forecast calls for a
5-percent increase over the sales rates predicted last year, foreseeing total turbine helicopter deliveries of 10,407 over the years 2003 to 2012.
The modest increase is attributable to the onset of major military programs over the period as measured alongside the downturn from which the industry is currently suffering. On a unit sales basis, the expected split between civil and military sales is predicted to amount to 50-50. The heavy hand of military sales on the revenue side of the equation is evidenced by the prognostication that this expected 50-50 unit sales split will result in a 22-78 revenues split, with the far costlier military helos contributing the lion’s share of the economic pie.
