Market Trends of Air Ambulance Services Industry
The Rotary-Wing Aircraft Segment Dominates the Market During the Forecast Period
The market for air ambulance services is on the rise owing to several benefits, such as increased survival rates, swift and comfortable transportation, and a vast coverage range in a shorter time. These advantages make rotary-wing helicopters a compelling choice for emergency medical transportation. For instance, during 2019-2023, a total of 268 helicopters were in operation performing various emergency and medical services globally. Helicopters for carrying out air ambulance services have been made lightweight by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The introduction of carbon fiber while designing such helicopters has provided many benefits by making the craft lighter in weight and thus adding the benefit of quick landings and take-offs during emergencies. Making use of a carbon fiber structure for the helicopter model has also led to increasing the life of the helicopter so that it can be used in service for many years. It has also made the helicopters more durable towards damages occurring during flight transportation. Such advancements are compelling various countries, militaries, and other air ambulance service-providing companies to procure new and advanced helicopters to provide air ambulance services.
For instance, in November 2023, the Norwegian Air Ambulance awarded a contract to Airbus to deliver three H135s and two five-bladed H145s to carry out helicopter emergency medical service missions in Denmark. Similarly, in December 2023, Gama Aviation launched its Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. Under a USD 70 million contract, a fleet of four Airbus H145 helicopters will be operated and maintained, with their base of operations being the charity's existing sites. Thus, such technological advancements being made by the original equipment manufacturers or OEMs will lead to the rotor-craft segment showing impressive growth during the forecast period.
North America to Exhibit the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period
Currently, North America holds the highest shares in the air ambulance market. The dominance is due to the presence of a large number of air ambulance service providers and rising spending in the healthcare sector. For instance, in August 2023, the Association of Air Medical Services published that more than 550,000 patients in the U.S. use air ambulance services every year. The presence of key players such as Air Methods Corporation, Acadian Companies, PHI Inc., and others drives the growth of the market across the region. In addition, the demand for air ambulance services in the region is driven by the presence of the U.S. For instance, in January 2024, the American Heart Association published that every year, there are about 605,000 new heart attacks and 200,000 recurrent attacks in the U.S. And the past 10 years, the age-adjusted death rate from high blood pressure increased by 65.6%, and the actual number of deaths rose by 91.2%. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Such factors are driving the demand for air ambulance services across the country. Hence, various air ambulance service providers are procuring newer helicopter models to provide emergency air ambulance services.
For instance, in February 2023, Bell Textron Inc. was awarded a contract by Global Medical Response (GMR) to deliver three additional Bell 407GXi aircraft. The delivery happened at the end of 2023, and the three Bell 407GXis have joined GMR’s exclusive 220 Bell helicopter fleet used for emergency medical operations throughout North America. Similarly, in May 2023, Ascent Helicopters, a Canadian company based in Parksville, was awarded a contract by the provincial government to provide the B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) with six new air ambulances for USD 544.4 million. By 2025, six new air ambulances are expected to be added to the fleet for B.C. Emergency Health Services. Growing investments by various original equipment manufacturers as well as companies in the North American region to better develop air ambulance services at times of medical requirements are expected to fuel the market growth in the region.
