Vertical Aviation International names new President and CEO

Vertical Aviation International (VAI), the association behind the VERTICON aerospace trade show and conference, has named François Lassale as its new President and CEO.

Lassale brings over 35 years of experience in military, public service, and commercial aviation to the role, including prior roles working with air medical, public safety, utility, and offshore operators.

He most recently served as CEO of SGi, an Indonesian helicopter operator, and has also served as a Special Advisor – International to VAI’s Board of Directors since 2022.

“Our industry is undergoing transformative change, from technology adoption and airspace integration to evolving safety standards and workforce needs,” said Lassale. “VAI has a critical role to play in guiding that evolution, advocating for our members, and ensuring vertical aviation remains safe, innovative, and economically viable. In my first months, I’ll be listening closely to our members across the US and internationally to validate a focused set of priorities for VAI.”

Rick Kenin, Chairman of the VAI Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer for Transport at Boston MedFlight, added: “François is the right leader at the right time for VAI. As our industry evolves to include both traditional rotorcraft and powered-lift technologies, his safety-first mindset, ability to unify diverse voices, and focus on delivering results will position VAI to lead the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.”

Earlier this year VAI announced that its members would receive a discount on the purchase of Foresight MX health and usage maintenance systems (HUMS) through a deal with manufacturer GPMS International.