During 2018, international helicopter dealer and distributor Rotortrade delivered 25 aircraft to customers in 18 countries. At Heli-Expo 2019, the Singapore-based company reported that while sales last year were about the same as in 2017, transactions generally involved more somewhat larger aircraft, with more light to medium twins than singles.
Last year, Rotortrade secured exclusive sales mandates and took positions on more than 30 helicopters. Its preowned inventory typically includes around 40 to 50 aircraft at any time.
Leonardo helicopters tend to feature prominently in this inventory, as Rotortrade is the only distributor approved by the Italian manufacturer to market preowned aircraft with the original Leonardo warranty. The company, which was founded in 2012, also offers a certified preowned arrangement with engine maker Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“Our policy, unlike most dealers, is to offer helicopters that we have agreements for,” said Rotortrade partner Aurelien Blanc. “The preowned market suffers from a lack of professionalism and we try to do our best to bring more confidence to both buyers and sellers.”
In 2018, Rotortrade opened a sales operation in Melbourne, Australia, to support the Oceania market. This encompasses Australia, New Zealand, and multiple Pacific Ocean states including Papua New Guinea. According to Rotortrade, the region has the third-largest helicopter fleet in the world.
Now Rotortrade is laying plans to open offices in South America, China, and Africa, as well as additional regional offices in the U.S. Currently, it also has offices in Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Montreal.