Overview: Airbus Helicopters has reported robust annual results for 2024, driven by a surge in demand for its Super Puma heavy-lift helicopters. The company recorded gross orders totaling 455 rotorcraft throughout the year, marking a 10 percent increase compared to 2023.
Super Puma Orders Surge: The Super Puma family, which includes both civil and military variants (H215/M and H225/M), achieved a total of 58 orders in 2024. This rebound is particularly noteworthy following a challenging 2023, during which Airbus did not secure any orders for the Super Puma line. Military orders for the Super Puma this year included acquisitions from the Netherlands and Romania.
Positive Outlook from Leadership: Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed confidence in the Super Puma’s performance during an annual results briefing, stating that it reflects the helicopter’s positioning in the market and aligns with customer demand. He reiterated the company’s commitment to this product line, expecting to sustain the positive momentum in the upcoming year.
Iraq Contract and Regional Ambitions: The company also confirmed that a contract with Iraq for a dozen H225M helicopters is now in effect. Even highlighted promising prospects in the Middle East for future business, not only for the H225M but also for the H145M light-twin and NH90 multirole helicopters.
Performance of Other Helicopter Models: The H145M, which previously drew significant attention with 186 orders, saw a decrease in demand, securing 114 orders in 2024. In contrast, the NH90 multirole helicopter faced challenges, with no new orders this year. The H160 medium utility helicopter garnered only four orders, but Even reassured stakeholders about its long-term market commitment, particularly with ongoing development for France’s Light Joint Helicopter program, which includes 169 aircraft.
NH90 Challenges and Future Plans: The NH90 program continues to grapple with issues like delivery delays and low fleet availability, contributing to contract cancellations. For example, Norway is set to terminate a contract for 14 NH90 aircraft. Even noted that the evaluation of the NH90 should consider a long-term market perspective, with plans in place to enhance fleet availability and streamline maintenance processes.
However, NHIndustries announced the launch of the NH90 Block 1/Software Release 3 upgrade in June 2024, which includes essential upgrades such as the integration of the new Link 22 datalink and additional weapons capabilities. Even remained optimistic about the NH90’s future, echoing sentiments from NHIndustries CEO Axel Aloccio regarding potential commercial opportunities for “50 to 100” additional aircraft.
Military Helicopter Market Stability: Overall, Even characterized the military helicopter market as stable, citing the prevailing geopolitical landscape and the increased defense spending commitments from numerous countries as driving factors for growth.
Conclusion: Airbus Helicopters’ strong performance in 2024, particularly with the Super Puma family, signals a positive trajectory for the company amidst a stable military helicopter market. With ongoing developments and strategic contracts, Airbus is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in the defense sector.