helicopter market since 2020, while the company’s North American branch reported booking totals for 2021 that exceeded those for each of the previous five years. In general, medium- and light-duty helicopters are selling more


briskly than heavy aircraft, according to Airbus. But with many manufacturers eyeing a recovering oil-and-gas market as fuel prices climb, several OEMs hinted that business for large aircraft is expected to grow in this sector if gas prices remain at or above current levels. Some other sectors of the industry are


“It really felt like people took


this year’s theme to heart.” – James Viola, HAI President and CEO


still catching up, such as large helicopter tour companies that rely on international customers. Not until international tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels is helicopter tourism on the whole expected to fully recover, according to a representative of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, the world’s largest helicopter tour company. Scrappy manufacturer Schweizer is progressing on its FAA validation


process to manufacture its aircraft, says Schweizer President David Horton. With an FAA Part 145 certification expected in the second quarter of 2022, the company will soon be able to add full component repair and overhaul to its capabilities. FAA sign-off for full manufac- turing is expected at the same time, allowing Schweizer’s new-aircraft pro- duction to pick up. MD Helicopters Chairman Alan Carr


says his company has experienced stronger aftermarket support and growing sales in the two years since its former CEO stepped down. Since the show, MD


Helicopters had announced a buyer, a creditor consortium led by Bardin Hill and MBIA Insurance. Te sale was still pending court approval as of press time. Another beloved industry veteran, Enstrom Helicopter Corp., had


apparently received new ownership during the show. On Mar. 8, MidTex Aviation signed a purchase agreement to acquire all of Enstrom’s assets,


JUNE 2022 ROTOR 37


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