First of all, let’s start with a review of the 2021 event – what have your learned from the experience that is going to allow you to develop the 2022 event further?

What we learned primarily was how much people appreciate the opportunity to meet each other face to face once more following the pandemic. The feedback was really positive, and the concept of offering a show organised by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA was well received. What we found was that we are offering something fairly unique – the opportunity for the industry, the operators and the regulator to come together to exchange information, and improve the safety of helicopter operations. It is becoming the European platform for the whole VTOL business.

For the exhibitors, there was a great chance to meet the representatives of the companies they wanted to connect with, identifying new business development opportunities and again directly interact with the regulator and the unique network of EHA.

What are you doing differently to last year?

We are making the whole event bigger in scope – we’ve taken up more space in the exhibition hall, and are spreading the event over one more day. This is allowing us to separate especially the training courses towards Monday before the real show start and some of the workshops to allow visitors the opportunities for learning as well as networking by visiting the exhibition. Last year, people were choosing to attend one or the other, so we have taken the decision to take more time over the event and allow people the chance to get more from it. Giving the educational program more space and time means we are offering our attendees more opportunities to develop their skills and share best practice.

We are also offering again a virtual event page to prepare yourself in the best way before the show, connect with our exhibitors, read their latest news, watch their videos or bookmark certain events. We will also offer some of the educational content – f.i. another workshop on simulation organised by Prof. Quaranta via livestream.

In terms of the educational programme, are you going to focus on a particular aspect of the rotorcraft industry, or are you giving equal weight to all sectors of the industry?

This show is for everyone – general aviation, HEMS, SAR, offshore the big aerial work sector and much more. In addition, we are keen to enhance our offering to those seeking to develop their career in the rotor industry so we are dedicating time and space to a ‘career day’, where we are focused on attracting people into the industry or becoming our next PPLs/CPLs.

What is going to be the focus of the technical training sessions you’re offering at this year’s event?

We are offering a wide variety in topics, including:

• Human factors and accidents
• Offshore SAR
• Operating and running a rotorcraft business
• NVG training
• Hoist working group for daily demonstrations
• MRO focus
• EASA briefing
• Sustainability
• Financing and market value of rotorcraft

unmanned aerial assets in this year’s event?

The future of vertical flight involves every aspect of how these special aircraft are able to contribute to the society. It’s not just about how unmanned vehicles can take it forward, it’s about the furtherance of helicopter design and innovation – this can include making them quieter, more sustainable, and safer. eVTOL technology is in its infancy, and there are many companies and operators out there keen to engage with the wider rotorcraft industry to identify opportunities for growth and development.

EUROPEAN ROTORS is organised with the support of the European Helicopter Association, EASA and Helicopter Association International. How do these large and diverse organisations work together to achieve the aim of bringing a successful event to the industry?

EHA and EASA are co-owners of the EUROPEAN ROTORS brand, and we brought HAI in as the service provider to take advantage of their knowledge and experience with event organisation in the industry. Their input has been invaluable, and we are looking forward to welcoming representatives from HAI, including James Viola, President of HAI, to the event in November.