GCC General Aviation Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1.29 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 1.65 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.08 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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GCC General Aviation Market Analysis
The GCC General Aviation Market size is estimated at USD 1.29 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.65 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.08% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- The robust economic growth in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has increased disposable income and business activity. This, in turn, has driven demand for general aviation services, including private jet travel and helicopter charters. Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of airports and aviation-related facilities, have facilitated the growth of the general aviation sector. Improved infrastructure makes it easier for private and business aircraft to operate and enhances the aviation experience.
- The increased investment in business ecosystem development has boosted business aviation in the region, subsequently leading to more business aviation aircraft procurement. Moreover, The GCC countries are major oil and gas industry players. Helicopters are essential for offshore oil rig support, personnel transportation, and surveillance, as they can access remote offshore locations efficiently. The demand for helicopters will increase as the oil and gas sector expands or requires modernization. Due to the increase in demand for pilot training, many regional aviation training institutes are buying general aviation trainer aircraft. This is also driving the growth of the region's market.
- However, the GCC economies can be vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices, which can affect the disposable income of high-net-worth individuals and the business environment. Economic downturns can lead to reduced demand for general aviation services. Additionally, the security environment in the GCC region can be complex, with ongoing geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts. These factors can impact the perceived safety of private aviation, affecting travel decisions.
GCC General Aviation Market Trends
Helicopter Segment To Exhibit The Highest Growth Rate During The Forecast Period
- Helicopters offer a safe, cost-effective, and convenient option for private and business travelers covering shorter distances. GCC countries have heavily invested in infrastructure development, focusing on urbanization and tourism projects. Helicopters are crucial in transportation, especially for short-distance travel between cities and remote areas. This expanding infrastructure is expected to increase the demand for helicopter services.
- For example, in November 2021, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, in partnership with Air Chateau International, inaugurated the largest-of-its-kind helicopter center in the United Arab Emirates. This center aims to facilitate transportation between business centers and tourist destinations nationwide. Similarly, in July 2021, Henley Air’s subsidiary, Rocket, successfully executed Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations in the country. The company operates a mixed fleet of 5 Bell 222 aircraft and plans to add 3 Bell 230 aircraft.
- The increasing utilization of helicopters in industrial sectors, such as the energy sector, is propelling the growth of the general aviation helicopter market in the region. Additionally, the air ambulance industry in the market has witnessed a gradual increase in demand from the region. For instance, Turkey is the only country worldwide providing free air ambulance services for its citizens, both domestically and internationally. The government operates four airplanes and 17 helicopters as air ambulances and six marine ambulances, having served over 43,000 patients in the last ten years.
- All these instances and factors contribute significantly to the region's burgeoning market for general aviation helicopters.
Saudi Arabia To Witness The Highest Growth Rate
- In 2023, Saudi Arabia experienced a remarkable 26% surge in air traffic and flight movements, reaching a staggering 403,000 flights by June. The country's concerted efforts to promote tourism, notably through initiatives like the Vision 2030 plan, have fueled growth in both the tourism and aviation sectors. These ongoing development plans and projects in the Kingdom are expected to benefit both industries significantly.
- The expanding opportunities have attracted various regional and global aviation and tour operators seeking to capitalize on the growing market of air travel catering to VIPs, business executives, and more. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a mounting demand for helicopter services across multiple economic sectors. This surge is notably driven by an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) who seek individual charter aircraft within the country.
- As of 2022, Saudi Arabia reported approximately 354,000 millionaires, indicating a rising trend in demand from this market segment. In August 2023, the Helicopter Company (THC), wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), revealed ambitious plans to revolutionize the Kingdom’s emergency medical services. THC operates 30 aircraft across 25 bases and aims to double its helicopter fleet to 60 within the next two years.
- The company's strategic vision includes providing 90% of all emergency medical services in Saudi Arabia and responding to road accidents and off-road emergencies using helicopters. This extensive fleet expansion strategy is poised to redefine the country's emergency medical services landscape.
GCC General Aviation Industry Overview
The GCC General Aviation Market is semi-consolidated in nature. Leading players such as Embraer S.A., Textron Inc., MD Helicopters, LLC, Leonardo S.p.A., and Dassault Aviation dominate the market.
The market is witnessing a lot of future opportunities owing to the ambitious plans of national governments for the development of the tourism and industrial sectors, which may result in significant demand for customized aircraft based on the needs of end-users. In addition, manufacturers are also launching purpose-built aircraft to cater to the needs of different end-users. For instance, in July 2023, Schweizer announced further growth into the Africa and Middle East markets by appointing Unionlet Limited as its representative. Schweizer added a new service center in the Middle East, “HeliEast.” Such developments are expected to help the growth of the players during the forecast period.
GCC General Aviation Market Leaders
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Leonardo S.p.A.
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Dassault Aviation
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Textron Inc.
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MD Helicopters, LLC
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Embraer S.A.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
GCC General Aviation Market News
- March 2023: Abu Dhabi Aviation entered a contract with Leonardo S.p.A to acquire six AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. Scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2026, these helicopters will serve offshore transport missions. Moreover, the acquisition aligns with ADA's objective to comply with the latest OGP guidelines, marking a significant advancement for the company.
- June 2023: SCOPA Industries and Airbus finalized an agreement during the Saudi-French Investment Forum to collaboratively manufacture civil and military helicopters in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture aims to commence production in Saudi factories, with the initial helicopters slated for introduction by February 2026. Over the next two decades, SCOPA anticipates manufacturing more than 100 helicopters, investing an estimated USD 6.67 billion in this endeavor.
GCC General Aviation Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Aircraft Type
- 5.1.1 Helicopters
- 5.1.2 Piston Fixed-Wing
- 5.1.3 Turboprop
- 5.1.4 Business Jets
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5.2 Geography
- 5.2.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.2.2 United Arab Emirates
- 5.2.3 Kuwait
- 5.2.4 Kuwait
- 5.2.5 Bahrain
- 5.2.6 Oman
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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6.1 Company Profiles
- 6.1.1 Textron Inc.
- 6.1.2 Leonardo S.p.A.
- 6.1.3 MD Helicopters, LLC
- 6.1.4 Dassault Aviation
- 6.1.5 Embraer S.A.
- 6.1.6 Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH
- 6.1.7 DAHER
- 6.1.8 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- 6.1.9 Bombardier Inc.
- 6.1.10 Cirrus Design Corporation
- 6.1.11 Piper Aircraft, Inc.
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
GCC General Aviation Industry Segmentation
The GCC general aviation market Report covers the latest trends and technological developments and analyzes various aspects of the market, such as aircraft type. The report also provides regional-level analysis and market share of general aviation aircraft manufacturers and service providers in GCC countries.
The GCC general aviation market is segmented by aircraft type and country. By aircraft type, the market is segmented into helicopters, piston fixed-wing, turboprop, and business jets. The report also offers the market size and forecasts for six countries across the region. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (USD).
| Aircraft Type | Helicopters |
| Piston Fixed-Wing | |
| Turboprop | |
| Business Jets | |
| Geography | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| Kuwait | |
| Kuwait | |
| Bahrain | |
| Oman |
GCC General Aviation Market Research FAQs
How big is the GCC General Aviation Market?
The GCC General Aviation Market size is expected to reach USD 1.29 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.08% to reach USD 1.65 billion by 2029.
What is the current GCC General Aviation Market size?
In 2024, the GCC General Aviation Market size is expected to reach USD 1.29 billion.
Who are the key players in GCC General Aviation Market?
Leonardo S.p.A., Dassault Aviation, Textron Inc., MD Helicopters, LLC and Embraer S.A. are the major companies operating in the GCC General Aviation Market.
What years does this GCC General Aviation Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the GCC General Aviation Market size was estimated at USD 1.22 billion. The report covers the GCC General Aviation Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the GCC General Aviation Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
GCC General Aviation Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 GCC General Aviation market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. GCC General Aviation analysis includes a market forecast outlook 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
