HAI announces name change and rebrand
Helicopter Association International (HAI) – organizers of the HAI HELI-EXPO trade show and convention – will change its name to Vertical Aviation International (VAI)
The organization, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, added that HAI HELI-EXPO would also be rebranded alongside its parent organization. In future, the event will be known as VERTICON.
The rebrand was announced at the 2024 HAI HELI-EXPO – which is being held in Anaheim, California, this week, running from 26–29 February.
The change was unanimously endorsed by the board of directors as part of a “comprehensive long-term strategic plan approved 18 months ago”, following research, member outreach, workshops, and interviews.
HAI stated that the rebranding was driven in part by a “wave of expansion” in the field of rotary aviation, with new technologies such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) craft rapidly emerging in recent years.
The organization added: “We rebranded to expand our reach, and so VAI focuses on what unites us: the unique capabilities of vertical flight. If you design, build, fix, fly, supply, or support vertical aviation, then you belong in VAI!”