Airbus eyes to grow market share in Philippine helicopter market

Airbus Helicopters Philippines Inc. is aiming to grow its market share in the country’s helicopter market as it sees growth potential in both the military and parapublic helicopters sectors.

“We intend to grow our market share in the Philippines by demonstrating that we have the right products to meet their needs,” Airbus Helicopters Philippines managing director Charlie Simpson said at a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

Simpson said that Airbus Helicopters currently takes 30% of the Philippines helicopter market.

Airbus Helicopters Philippines is a joint venture between France’s Airbus Helicopters and Philippine Aerospace Development Corp. (PADC), a state-owned firm under the Department of National Defense.

The Airbus Helicopters Philippines official also expressed openness for the company to locally manufacture aircraft for the Philippines’ military.

“We are open to all ideas and discussions… We will investigate to see if it makes sense for us… But today, we are focused on support and services,” Simpson said.

“Moving forward, we see the Philippines’ military and parapublic market stepping up over the next five to 10 years, where future demand will be driven by fleet modernization, renewals, military training, search and rescue, HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service), internal security, and maritime security,” he said.

He noted that “Airbus has been serving operators in the Philippines for over 40 years.”

“Today, there are close to 90 Airbus helicopters flying in the country for a variety of civil, parapublic, and military missions,” Simpson said.

The company is also expecting demand to build up in the private and business aviation segment.

“The Philippines is an important market for Airbus Helicopters. As the only helicopter OEM (original equipment manufacturer) with an in-country presence that is supported by a workforce that is almost 100% made up of a local workforce, we remain fully committed to growing this footprint. We also see positive prospects across the various segments where we are confident that our extensive product portfolio will be able to address all needs,” Simpson said.—AOL, GMA News