Helitech rings the changes

Above: Helitech International 2017.

Run in association with the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and co-located with MRO Europe, the event will bring together leading suppliers, OEMs and some of the industry’s brightest minds, enabling operators to plan for a successful future.

The RAI Amsterdam Exhibition and Convention Centre will play host to this year’s free-to-attend Helitech International from 16-18 October. 150 companies from across the world will be present – including leading OEMs Bell (formerly Bell Helicopter), Leonardo, Airbus and Kopter (formerly Marenco) – while the event’s conference programme will provide insights on the impact of Brexit negotiations on the industry; new market opportunities for operators and OEMs in the face of contracting oil and gas markets and the latest technological innovations as well as developments in safety and future policies for shared air space. A number of new show features will also be introduced to add value to visiting operators.

Alongside the major OEMs, dozens of suppliers that represent the entire rotorcraft supply chain will showcase the latest solutions and technologies, comprising aircraft interiors, avionics and navigation systems to communication equipment, night vision, engines and leasing. And to help time-poor visitors navigate their way around the exhibition, Innovation Trails will launch in 2018 – each highlighting solutions that can overcome specific business challenges.

Among the new exhibitors taking part this year are Luminator Technology Group, which will showcase its innovative interior and exterior lighting technology, and TracPlus Global Ltd, which will present its aviation grade devices that offer global voice, two-way messaging, event and location tracking. HeliSpeed, the UK-based pilot services company, will be on hand to talk training and recruitment, while CAE and ADAC HEMS Academy GmbH will reveal computer-based training tools, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), that can offer new, innovative ways to train and refresh pilot education.

Helitech International 2018 will also see the launch of its first Hosted Buyer Programme. The initiative will provide suppliers with direct access to international buyers from key markets, with the opportunity to schedule face-to-face meetings ahead of the show

Alongside the exhibition, a refreshed conference programme will explore the latest trends and issues facing the industry, including the importance of training and preparing for the anticipated skills shortage. Recent research has revealed 64% of rotorcraft operators foresee a difficulty in hiring qualified pilots, while 54% are concerned it will affect the growth of their operations. Therefore, Helitech International will have a focus on how the industry can help attract people and train them into skilled professionals.

Over the coming months, the organiser will announce several new conference theatres that will be open to visitors during their trip to the show, each focusing on specific challenges facing the rotorcraft industry. Alongside its returning schedule of inspirational content, Helitech International will welcome insights from leading UAV organisations, to educate and inform visitors and exhibitors on the opportunities presented by drones, and how the technology can enhance businesses in the rotorcraft industry. The full programme of speakers and conference sessions will be announced soon.

Another new feature of this year’s event is a business matchmaking service designed to encourage networking and meetings on the show floor. The service will enable visitors to discover new companies and technologies, connect with and organise meetings at the show, to encourage collaboration and foster new partnerships. The matchmaking service will also provide exhibitors with exposure to an expanded network of future customers and collaborators.

Teresa Heitor, event manager, Helitech International, said: “This year’s event will reflect what the industry is telling us. They want to see more innovation and technology at Helitech International, as well as having the chance to learn about trends and how to overcome obstacles to their future growth.

"The increasing focus on new opportunities and growing markets will enable visitors to explore additional avenues of revenue and potential areas for business expansion. We have already sold 97% of stand space and extended our floor plan to facilitate the new exhibitors and features we’re launching at this year’s show. This includes 23 new exhibitors joining us this year so far and a number of new initiatives that will enable rotorcraft professionals to improve their at-show experience. We’re confident that the changes we have made to the 2018 show will make it an even more valuable experience for the European helicopter industry.”