Global rotorcraft industry descends on Amsterdam for Helitech International 2016

The RAI Amsterdam will this week play host to Helitech International 2016 bringing together global businesses, operators, manufacturers, suppliers and buyers to network, share knowledge and inspire the future of the rotorcraft industry. 

As more businesses from across the globe are expanding business operations into Europe, Amsterdam is the ideal meeting place for exhibitors and visitors alike to explore new solutions to emerging rotorcraft needs. 

Helitech International, run in partnership with the European Helicopter Association (EHA) will feature over 180 leading suppliers showcasing their latest products and services, alongside three full days of insight-led seminars and workshops that offer a wide scope of global perspectives.

Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo, Waypoint Leasing, Marenco Swisshelicopter, CarteNav Solutions, Dart Aerospace and Aerolite are just some of the names that will be attending Helitech International 2016. 35 companies will also be making their show debuts, adding to the depth and diversity of platforms, systems, equipment, components and services on display. Visitors at the show will be able to benefit from being able to test equipment and ask questions about solutions before making purchasing decisions.

A number of exhibitors will also be hosting a range of events on their stands. Leonardo will feature a virtual reality hoist to enable visitors to experience its use in a variety of weather conditions, while the US Commercial Service will be hosting a business networking reception on the evening of Wednesday 12 October as part of the US Pavilion.

With registrations from over 200 operators from companies such as Babcock International, Bristow and Heli Holland, they will form a key focus of the show with the launch of the Operators Forum. This new initiative will give operators a chance to network with likeminded individuals to informally discuss the evolving issues most relevant to improving their missions and their business. This event will take place over a working lunch on Tuesday 11 October.

Over the course of the event, the show's Insight Seminars will also provide visitors with valuable information on helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue (SAR), and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) missions.

Attendees will be able to hear from global experts from companies including the Association of Air Ambulances, AAR Airlift Group, DroneSAR and Sky-Futures. They will be offering comprehensive viewpoints on topics ranging from the future trends in emergency medicine, to how rotorcraft businesses are integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems into their operations.

For the first time this year, the programme will also feature Technical Workshops. Delivered by leading businesses including Airbus Helicopters, FlightGlobal, Leonardo, Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter, the sessions will explore insights including an outlook on the helicopter market in 2016 and the importance of the value of innovation for customers.

The Learning & Skills Theatre, presented by the Aviation Skills Partnership, is returning to Helitech International 2016. These sessions are designed to aid the development of skills in the rotorcraft industry and help individuals meet the demands of employers in the sector. Andrew Gavan, Head of Programmes, Aviation Skills Partnership, will take to the stage to explore career pathways in the helicopter industry. Trainee Helicopter Pilot, Amy George will also share her insight on the skills needed to progress a career in aviation.

To help the rotorcraft community plan for the future, Helitech International's Business Leaders Forum will provide a platform to discuss the most pertinent business and strategy issues facing their operations. Speakers such as Ian Gurekian, chief risk officer at Waypoint Leasing, John Bulter, vice president business development at AAR Airlift Group and Paul Southall, managing director, British International Helicopters will discuss themes such as the future of financing in the industry and the commercialisation of aviation operations.

The final day will see the return of the Safety Workshop to highlight the vital importance of safety in rotary wing operations. Hosted by the European Helicopter Safety Team (EHEST) and the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). Leading figures such as Francesco Parisi, chairman of Specialist Team on Training, at EHEST and Rainer Wilke, Helicopter Aerobatic Pilot from the Flying Bulls will assess the opportunity to improve safety across the industry.

John Hyde, event director at Helitech International commented: “ Helitech International is all about bringing together all apects of the rotorcraft industry, key decision makers and linkeminded individuals, to network and make new connections. We are really excited to be back at the RAI Amsterdam and are confident that the new programme of Seminar and Workshops we've put together will offer visitors exclusive insights to discuss and inspire the future of the rotorcraft industry.“ 

Helitech International takes place at the RAI Amsterdam from 11-13 October 2016.