Story ID: 
Asia-Pacific Turbine Helicopter Fleet Grows in 2024
By: Sarah Rose
Caption: Asian Sky documents modest gains amid steady demand
Word Count: 225
The Asia-Pacific region ended 2024 with 4,131 civil turbine helicopters in operation, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 64 units, or 1.6%, according to Asian Sky Group's Civil Helicopter Fleet Report. This growth, while modest, mirrors the annual average from 2019 to 2022 and aligns with a long-term trend of expansion. Over the past decade, the regional fleet has grown by 850 helicopters, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3% since 2014.
Despite operational constraints in major markets and emerging alternatives in advanced air mobility, demand for civil helicopters remained resilient. In 2024, the region received 113 new helicopters and 84 preowned additions, distributed across all size categories. New delivery figures for leading models exceeded 2023 levels.
Airbus leads with a fleet of 1,717 helicopters, delivering 51 new units, including 13 H145s, 13 H125s, and six H175s. Notably, the first SAR-equipped H175s were delivered to mainland China. Leonardo delivered 17 AW139s, primarily for EMS and SAR roles, and six AW189s, including units for China’s Ministry of Transport. Its regional fleet grew by 27 helicopters, reaching 489 units.
Preowned additions were led by the Airbus AS350/H125 and EC145/H145. Fleet removals totaled 133, primarily through retirements of older Bell 206s and AS350s.
Australia has the largest national fleet, with 1,016 helicopters, adding 54 units. Other major markets remained stable, while mission profiles and size category shares showed minor year-over-year adjustments.