European Rotors is on track for a successful show debut in November

The helicopter and VTOL world is coming to Cologne in November this year. The new show format EUROPEAN ROTORS is getting a very positive feedback and strong support from the market with many market leaders having already signed-up for the premiere. The organizers European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have set up a platform that combines a leading international trade fair with a unique conference, educational and training program.

The international rotorcraft community is eagerly waiting to come together again for face-to-face meetings after several industry events had to be canceled or postponed in 2020 as well as this year. EUROPEAN ROTORS in Cologne, Germany, from November 16 to 18, 2021, is on course to provide the industry with the long-awaited opportunity to meet in person again and to see and experience firsthand new products and technologies. The response from the market is extremely positive. Market leaders as Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Leonardo Helicopters, Safran Helicopter Engines, Boeing Global Services, H+S Aviation Limited, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., RUAG, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik GmbH, AEROMETALS and others have already registered for the show in Cologne. 

The new annually held platform is aiming to bring together the entire helicopter industry and its subsectors as well as the various stakeholders. The show will appeal to the whole diversity of VTOL operations, ranging from HEMS/SAR, law enforcement/public security, disaster relief/firefighting via passenger transport and offshore construction and support through to smart city/urban air mobility and new technology and innovation. 

Originally planned for November 2020, EUROPEAN ROTORS has established a successful digital series of presentations and discussions to bridge the gap until the first on-site show will take-off in November 2021. The EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium will be held during EUROPEAN ROTORS. It has been held every year for the past 13 years and has enjoyed a growing international recognition. It brings together safety professionals from across the Industry. The Symposium gives a platform for manufacturers, research organizations, National Aviation Authorities and more generally all safety professionals, to share their latest developments with the community and exchange with regulators on future safety policies and improvement actions. Joining forces all together is a key to a successful recovery.

A comprehensive set of training and educational sessions on-site as well as online is planned for the show. The helicopter industry delivered critical services to the community during the pandemic. The Agency launched activities under the Return to Normal operations project to support the industry. The European helicopter ecosystem showed resilience but was still heavily impacted by the crisis. We have all learned how to be more efficient, more digital and focus on the core safety tasks. The Symposium will be an opportunity to take stock and reflect on the good practices developed since last year. 

Peter Moeller, Chairman of the European Helicopter Association (EHA), says: “We are looking forward to EUROPEAN ROTORS in Cologne in November this year. The show offers a unique opportunity for the international rotorcraft community to meet, to do business and to exchange ideas that can accelerate the restart after the pandemic. We are thankful for the great and continuous support from the VTOL industry after having been forced to postpone the premiere of EUROPEAN ROTORS due to the COVID-19 crisis.”

David Solar, Head of GA and VTOL Department at EASA, says: “We are looking forward to the first of this new event. Cuts in the industry are stressing the need for a unique new and larger event in Europe that brings all stakeholders together. We are glad to see that the momentum has been maintained over the last months and this demonstrates that such an event is more than ever needed.

The helicopter industry is under pressure and is undergoing changes. In parallel, we see technologies that are now mature enough to enter the market and could bring operational safety benefits.”

EUROPEAN ROTORS is expanding its international reach by partnering with other rotorcraft events around the world, further strengthening its market position. 

EUROPEAN ROTORS The VTOL Show and Safety Conference will take place from 16 to 18 November 2021 (Tuesday to Thursday). The venue will be Hall 8 including the Congress Centre North of Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. The organizers are in constant contact with the authorities and have set up all necessary precautions and measures to ensure the health and safety of all exhibitors and attendees. Further information, including opening times and prices, is available at www.europeanrotors.eu.