Conditions in the market for light commercial rotorcraft remained challenging in 2016. Lower oil and gas prices have led to reduced activity in the energy sector, a major component of demand for helicopters. The downturn in the energy sector has cut demand for new rotorcraft, particularly for larger twin-engine aircraft from Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo, and Sikorsky. The damage has not, however, been limited to the top end of the light commercial market. Demand has fallen for civil helicopters in almost every size class. Production is forecast to fall in 2016 versus the already low levels recorded in 2015. However, Forecast International projects that 2017 will see a return to growth in the market.
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