Based on current data there are 141 Part 133 Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) with a total of 730 helicopters. Of these, there are 14 makes and models currently operated within this sector. Refer to Figure 1.
Robinson R44s and Bell B06 helicopters account for a combined total of 45.5% of the total number of rotorcrafts within this sector. As shown in Figure 2, they conduct approximately 78.6% of the sightseeing operations and 60% of the non-scheduled passenger operations.
The sector is quite diverse with many of these AOC holders also operating within other sectors including:
- Part 138 – 140 operators (99%)
- Part 141 – 38 operators (27%)
- Part 135 – 19 operators (13%)
- Part 142 – 9 operators (6%)
- Part 121 – 2 operators (1%)
Out of the total AOCs, 68% of the operators have 4 or less helicopters within their fleet, with an overall average of 5. Refer to Figure 3.
This sector flew an estimated average of 54,456 hours per year between 2014 and 2021. With non-scheduled passenger flights accounting for approximately 64% of these hours and sightseeing 36%. Refer to Figure 4.
In 2020 the sector activity reduced to around 64% of 2019 flying hours. The recovery in this sector post COVID has been quite different for non-scheduled vs sighting activities. In 2021, non- scheduled has increased approximate by 95% on 2020 and 2021. This sector has seen increases of 18% in 2019 and 85% from 2020 flying hours.
Source: BITRE, CASA Database
| Hours | Non-scheduled passenger flights | Sightseeing / Joy flights | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Hours | 34,765 | 19,692 | 54,456 |
| Percent of sector hours | 63.8% | 36.2% | 100% |