Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo describes the current helicopter market as “superb” and the “best I have seen for close to the past ten years” in all market and geographical areas. But in the next breath, he acknowledges “severe supply-chain headwinds,” calling them “the number one challenge of our company in 2023.” And he doesn’t see the situation getting any better in the foreseeable future.
Saudo is not alone in his assessment. Virtually every OEM, supplier, and recruiter connected to the rotorcraft industry interviewed by AIN going into this year’s Heli-Expo voiced nearly identical concerns, lamenting shortages of raw materials, finished parts, and qualified personnel. Companies are addressing the challenges in a plethora of ways, including increased vertical integration and overtime on the manufacturing side, more parts stocking on the supply side, and a concerted industry effort to expand and improve the available labor pool.
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