A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Worldwide deliveries of new civil helicopters will total between 4,900 and 5,600 units over the next five years, according to the results of Honeywell’s 15 annual Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook survey, which was released this week at Heli-Expo 2013. The forecast shows strong demand focused in the first three years of the period and reflected in every region of the world. This means that demand in 2016 and 2017 will determine whether the low or high-range of the forecast is realized.
The U.S. and Canada are expected to account for 27 percent of the purchases, while Europe will absorb 28 percent. Latin and South America will account for 20 percent, Asia/Oceana 19 percent and Africa/Middle East will account for 6 percent of new helicopter deliveries, Honeywell said.
“The buyer confidence reflected in this year’s survey is a much-needed shot in the arm for the industry,” said Brian Sill, vice president, Honeywell aftermarket helicopter sales. “Supporting the growth numbers is the fact that helicopter usage for corporate, oil and gas, utility and training missions is improving, which shows that helicopters are value-add aircraft in today’s business environment.”
The results of this year’s survey are based on queries to more than 1,000 chief pilots and flight department managers of companies operating 2,400 turbine and 275 piston helicopters worldwide.

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