Helicopter Lighting Market Trends

Helicopter Lighting Market Overview

Helicopter Lighting Market size was valued at 1.6 Billion in 2022. The Helicopter Lighting industry is projected to grow 3.2 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.50% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032).

Helicopter lighting system is the prime source of illumination of the rotary-wing aircraft. It serves two main purposes. Exterior lighting provide illumination at night for navigation, signaling, landing, search & rescue, and anti-collision, while the interior lighting provides illumination for instruments, equipment, and cabins.

Furthermore, helicopter emergency egress lighting system (HEELS) is present inside the cabin which aids in evacuation during emergencies. Most of the above-mentioned external lighting are mandated to be present in helicopters by various agencies including the FAA for safe operations.

The global helicopter lighting market is driven by various factors such as focus on enhancing aviation safety, and rising adoption of LED lighting systems. Furthermore, the aircraft modernization programs being adopted around the globe and increased retrofit of existing rotary-wing aircraft is further imparting market growth.

Meanwhile, defense budget cuts especially in developed regions hinders the military helicopter lighting market growth to a certain extent. However, increasing use of helicopters for rescue missions, and by law enforcement agencies create promising growth opportunities for the market.

Helicopter Lighting Market Segmentation

Based on type

The exterior lighting segment accounted for the largest market share as it is a critical component that aids in navigation and landing/takeoff of the helicopters. 

Based on application

The civil helicopter segment accounted for the largest market share. Owing to the mandates by several agencies such as the FAA, commercial helicopters operators are installing helicopter lighting especially the anti-collision lights to comply with the requirements and enhance aviation safety. 

Based on vendor

The OEM segment accounted for the largest market share. OEM segment covers the market for lighting system procured by the helicopter manufacturers. These OEMs are predominantly present in Europe and North America, thereby, resulting in higher market size in these regions. 

Based on technology

The helicopter lighting market is divided into traditional, led and others. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, and because they have a longer life, they require less costly replacements and fewer hours spent on the ground for maintenance. LED lights used in helicopter also contributes to the overall weight reduction in the helicopters (they are about 40% lighter than incandescent bulbs), therefore increasing fuel economy. Hence LEDs are being widely preferred by the OEMs (helicopter manufacturers) as well as the operators.

Helicopter Lighting Market Regional Analysis

North America is the leading region for the global helicopter lighting market. Several major helicopter manufacturers (such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin) and lighting system providers (such as UTC, Honeywell) are present in the region, gaining the region a high market share. Moreover, Honeywell forecasts 4,000 to 4,200 new civil helicopter deliveries over next five years, which would create an opportunity for the major and prominent companies of the region

Key Players

The key players in the global helicopter lighting market are Aero Dynamix, Inc. (US), Astronics Corporation (US), Cobham plc (UK), Collins Aerospace (a part of United Technologies Corporation (US)), DeVore Aviation Corporation of America (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Luminator Technology Group (US), Oxley Group (UK), Precise Flight, Inc. (US) and Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. (US).

Recent Development

Collins Aerospace:

Honeywell International:

Whelen Engineering:

Intended Audience

• Helicopter Lighting System Manufacturing Companies


• Helicopter OEMs


• Helicopter Operators


• Aviation Authorities


• Component Providers


• Defense Organizations


• Research Institutions


• Regulatory Bodies

Research Methodology

The market numbers and forecast derived were the outcome of our disciplined research methodology which includes secondary research, primary interviews, followed by data triangulation and validation from our in-house data repository and statistical modeling tools.

Secondary Research

In this process, the data collection was done through various secondary sources, which included annual reports, SEC filings, journals, government association, Aerospace & Defense magazines, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, some paid databases and many others.

Primary Research

In this process, both demand side and supply side parties were involved to extract genuine facts and insights about market forecast, production, trend, and projected market growth. Industry stakeholders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives across the value chain have been approached to obtain key information.

Report Key Insights

• Market Sizing, Forecast and Analysis: Detailed coverage on market segment and its sub segments


• Regional / Country Trend and Forecast: Detailed analysis on North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, along with key countries in each of the regions


• Market dynamics intelligence: Market drivers, opportunities, trends, restraints, Porter’s five forces, supply chain & value chain analysis


• Technology Trend, Regulatory Landscape, and Patent Analysis Outlook


• Competitive Intelligence: Market share analysis, financial analysis, product benchmarking, strategic developments including JVs, Product Launch, and M&A


• Regional attractiveness and related growth opportunities

Report Customization

MRFR offers report customization to our valued customers. Below are the options available for customization:

In-depth profiling of additional market players (3 to 4 companies)

Detailed analysis of a country and its related segment as per the report scope (subject to data availability