Honeywell is estimated to deliver up to 4,200 new civilian helicopters until 2022, highlighting an improving global economy and customers’ firm intention in investing in new aircraft.

The forecast is included in the company’s 20th annual ‘Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook’and stated that helicopter fleet utilisation is anticipated to increase significantly in North America and modestly in Europe and Latin America over the next year.

It has also revealed that before buying a new helicopter, operators are now considering factors such as brand experience and performance over cabin size and range, which were factors considered in last year’s survey.

“Honeywell is focused on bringing increased value to operators’ current and new fleets.”

The outlook has also predicted that North America, Europe and Asia will see stable new purchase-plan rates for the next five years.

Among these regions, Latin America demonstrated higher growth rates, with the Middle East and Africa showing lower rates.

Honeywell Aerospace Americas president Ben Driggs said: “In addition to better global economic conditions expected in the coming years, potential positive impacts of US tax reform on new helicopter demand and lower volatility in oil and gas-related markets have helped fleet managers confirm what they told us last year.

“With the expectation of stable purchase plans for new helicopters over the next five years, Honeywell is focused on bringing increased value to operators’ current and new fleets by offering Connected Helicopter engine, Health and Usage Monitoring Systems, and avionics solutions that help boost a platform’s efficiency and availability.”

The newly published outlook is based on a survey that includes more than 1,000 chief pilots and flight department managers of companies operating 3,489 turbine and 334 piston helicopters worldwide.

The survey did not include large fleet or ‘mega’ operators.