Vertical Flight & Expo kicks off
The inaugural Vertical Flight Expo & Conference (VFE) is set to host a packed conference programme this week, where industry veterans and experts will offer insights and advice on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft industry.
Held at Farnborough International (UK), VFE – formerly known as Helitech International – will welcome thousands of aviation buyers, operators and suppliers travelling from around the world to discover the latest technologies and solutions driving safer, leaner, better VTOL missions. And, following a considerable growth in the civil helicopter market in recent years, which is largely in part to its ability to reach remote and high altitude regions while assisting in areas impacted by natural disasters, the industry is continuing to show improvements.
Exploring the ever-expanding aviation industry, VFE will offer visitors the full birds-eye view of the VTOL sector from fixed-wing commercial aircraft to the growing popularity and application of unmanned systems. Kicking off the first day, a panel of experts including Alastair Fallon of IBA Group Ltd, Alix Leboulanger of Avescent, Nadav Kesleer at Asian Sky Markets, and Clark McGlinn of Uplifting Advice will provide a Global Market Overview, with insights into how the industry will evolve over the next few years – particularly given recent restructures.
Meanwhile, in the event’s second conference theatre, Jim Payton, VP Customer Business, Rolls Royce will lead a series of short sessions in air mobility and infrastructure to address the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Robert Garbett, CEO of Drone Major – an official show partner for 2019 – will provide a global overview of future regulations and standards. Clive Lewis, Managing Partner of the ADS UAM Group will then offer insights into the current UK marketplace before Martin Dvorsky of MGM Compro provides an exclusive insight into propulsion systems – the keystone of every e-VTOL project.
The HEMS sector is a key focus for the VFE team, and in addition to demonstrating solutions to overcome the various communication and mechanical challenges these air medical crews face, Vertical Flight Expo exhibitions will also demonstrate the new technologies helping crews to carry out important life-saving missions. This includes the STILA board, from Northwall srl. The composite long board is designed to immobilise a trauma patient, allowing HEMS operators to easily load the trauma patient while minimising any further stress. Meanwhile, Global Aviation Industries GmbH will present its Emergency Medical System complete with medical equipment carrier, oxygen station, medical cabinet, stretcher and more.