Despite Production Difficulties Robinson Sold 450 Aircraft, Aims Higher for 2022

Robinson Helicopters has completed another successful exhibition at Heli-Expo 2022, capping off the show by announcing a strong 2021. 

 In 2021, Robinson received more than 450 orders, the highest level seen since 2011. President Kurt Robinson noted a first for the company's sales trends which saw their larger, turbine-powered R66 outsell the traditionally popular R44 Raven II. While sales were healthy, especially considering the difficult circumstances seen by the industry only a year before, maintaining consistent production has not been easy amid a recovering economy.

"We are pleased to see stronger sales, particularly with the R66, which has clearly proven itself as a market leader," said Robinson while speaking to expo attendees. "Although overall production for 2021 was better than 2020, we fell short of our target. Our number one focus for 2022 is to put the pandemic behind us and to increase aircraft production and deliveries."

Robinson sees a strong year ahead, despite the bumps in the road so far. "I'm targeting 300-350 [helicopters sold] for 2022 but we'll see how it goes, as we are still dealing with residual effects from COVID," he said referring to the company's 300+ backorders. While slightly stressful to have customers eagerly awaiting their aircraft, the backlog indicates that Robinson's designs have found their footing in the market.

This year, Robinson displayed their R66 newscopter and law enforcement packages in order to emphasize its increasingly utilitarian service across the country. "The R66 has found its niche," said Robinson, happy to see the R44 unseated from its position at the top. "Operators are realizing the vast potential of this aircraft."

And realizing they had. Since its introduction in 2010, Robinson has delivered more than 1,100 R66s that have gone on to log more than 1.5 million hours. The R66 has become the number one selling light turbine helicopter according to GAMA's 2021 Year-End Aircraft Shipment Report, which could signal a changing customer perception of Robinson to one that includes more than just its traditional bread and butter: Lightweight, affordable helicopters.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com