The European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA are joining forces to offer the international rotorcraft community a new show.

The event aims to create a global network platform for the helicopter industry from 10-12 November 2020 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. It will also integrate the renowned EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium. VTOL stands for vertical take-off and landing, and mainly refers to the new development of electrical or hybrid innovative vehicles with advance level of autonomy, which play an important role in the development of the entire sector, either complementing helicopter missions or as a new form of airborne mobility.

Market leaders Airbus, Bell, Leonardo and Safran are supporting the new format both through their presence as exhibitors and with an advisory function.

“I am proud to announce the launch of European Rotors in cooperation with EASA and with the great support of all our members,” states Peter Möller, chairman of EHA. “The new gathering for the industry marks an important milestone in our endeavours to promote the social and economic value of rotorcraft operations for European society. We will offer operators, manufacturers, aviation authorities, the supporting industry, mechanics, pilots, customers and suppliers the opportunity to network and also to be informed about state-of-the-art equipment and services. Visitors will additionally have the chance to discuss present and future regulations as well as to participate in dedicated training.”

Another fundamental component of the three-day event will be the integration of the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium. David Solar, head of VTOL department at EASA says: “Through our participation in European Rotors, in collaboration with EHA, we are integrating our very successful and established Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium to reach out to the broader industry, enabling better collaboration and mutual understanding to enhance global aviation safety. Direct exchange with manufacturers, operators, approved training organisations (ATOs) and maintenance organisations will provide us with valuable 360 degree feedback for our work.”

The venue for European Rotors will be Hall 8 and the Congress Centre North of Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. Beside the organisers, the service partner is Messe Friedrichshafen, an experienced exhibition and fairs company, which also stages the established aviation show AERO Friedrichshafen. Alongside the exhibition section, an additional focus of European Rotors will be on the varied conference components with a large number of seminars and individual training sessions that visitors can book.

Roberto Garavaglia, Leonardo Helicopters SVP strategy and innovation, has high expectations: “Europe is the world's largest helicopter market, a benchmark for other emerging economies enhancing their helicopter services or even introducing all new ones. The continent stays at the forefront of technological and regulatory innovation and OEMs are, by definition, a crucial element of such competitiveness. That is why Leonardo believes a new, strong dedicated exhibition is needed, allowing all the relevant players to meet, assess the state of the industry and define the next steps.”

Patrick Moulay, Bell's senior vice president, commercial business international adds: “We are proud to support the new European Rotors event. We thank the European Helicopter Association for bringing together the vertical lift industry and the aviation authorities to focus on the benefits and positive impact of helicopters on society, today and in the future. This event will be a driving force for the advancement of VTOL throughout Europe.”