Ever popular with EMS operators the EC/H135 remains an object of desire in the preowned helicopter market.
Aero Asset, has released its 2026 Half Year Heli Market Trends Twin-Engine edition the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global preowned twin-engine helicopter market during the first half of 2026.
According to the report’s findings retail sales increased by 8% compared with 2025 as the supply of aircraft available fell by 33%, a five year low. Unsurprisingly, the absorption rate, the time it would take to exhaust the current aircraft availability ahas fallen from 18 months this time last year to 11 months.
“While transaction activity increased during the first half of the year, the most significant development was the continued contraction in supply for sale,” said Valérie Pereira, Vice President of Market Research. “Supply reached a five-year low while pricing continues to strengthen, creating a favorable environment for sellers. The improvement in absorption rate reflects a balanced market.”
Another factor though again against a background of increasing lead times for new aircraft and a contracting supply of pre-owned aircraft avaregae transaction values are on the rise up by 6% compared with 2025
Interestingly, the demand for heavy twins continued rise with average prices at a five year high, though for light and medium aircraft the showing has been rather more mixed. In terms of liquidity the strongest performers were the EC/H135 and EC/H145 followed by the AW109S/SP, Bell 429 and S-76C+/C++, at the other end of the scale the EC155B1/H155 and S-76D are the weakest performers.
Geographically, North America remained the largest market during the first half of 2026, accounting for 46% of global transactions. Europe recorded the strongest growth in retail sales, increasing 75% YOY, and also held the largest concentration of available supply for sale.
Images: Aero Asset
