Rotortrade: African Helo Fleet Sees Growth Potential

Africa’s helicopter market, which is fragmented and faces numerous regulatory and other regional obstacles, is one of the smallest globally but represents growth potential in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, according to Rotortrade’s newly released 2024/2025 market analysis report.

“Though the problems are considerable—from infrastructure limitations in terms of maintenance to budget constraints, the possibilities for well-organized, long-term solutions are also considerable,” the company maintained.

Citing data from JetNet, Rotortrade estimated that the combined fleet in Africa spans 1,076 turbine helicopters and 480 pistons. Bell models comprise the largest share of the turbine fleet, at 34.8%, with Airbus helicopters closely following at 34.4%. Leonardo represents another 20.7%, Sikorsky has 4% and Robinson has 3.9%. Robinson, meanwhile, accounts for the vast majority of the piston models—91.7%—with Schweitzer representing 6.5% and Enstrom 1.9%.

According to Rotortrade, market conditions in Africa are described less quantitatively but rather in terms of the sophistication of the operating environment. But some major themes have emerged, such as more interest in preowned Western aircraft and a gradual shift away from Russian helicopters for humanitarian flights, it added.

“Africa’s helicopter market is nuanced and highly localized,” said Aurélien Blanc, Rotortrade’s head of region for APAC, the Middle East, and Africa. “Success here requires more than competitive aircraft — demands presence, patience, and the ability to adapt to local business practices. You can’t do it from the outside; you need to invest time on the ground.”

Africa has a series of core markets with South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya forming regional hubs of activity. Each has its own challenges. South Africa has the most advanced infrastructure and a balanced mix of civil and parapublic use. Nigeria is experiencing changes within the oil and gas industry that are driving refreshed demand for helicopters. Kenya is an East African logistics center, but facing uncertain fiscal and regulatory challenges. The countries in West and Central Africa are home to small fleets that are divided among civil, medical, and security.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine has prompted agencies such as the UN and World Food Program to contract more Western aircraft, but cuts in U.S. funding have pushed them more on older platforms. Operators of government, VIP, and military aircraft are also becoming bigger purchasers of used aircraft, Rotortrade said, noting several countries have recently opted for Airbus and Leonardo models for transport and security use.

As far as developing the markets, Blanc stresses that ground presence is “not a choice—it’s a strategic imperative.” Without such presence, business will not be productive, Rotortrade said, noting its own plans to establish offices in Johannesburg, Casablanca, and Nairobi.

For now, sustainability is not a factor in the market, particularly since sustainable aviation fuel is essentially unavailable, and there is little interest in eVTOLS because of a lack of infrastructure and risk aversion.

However, despite its challenges, Rotortrade is optimistic that the continent is poised for consistent, albeit regional growth, with interest in VIP and security missions, growth in oil and gas activities, and fleet aging.

Rotortrade further anticipates new business in nations such as Morocco, Ghana, Tanzania, and Rwanda.