Cologne, Germany – Europe’s largest VTOL show has landed in Cologne. Today the new trade fair EUROPEAN ROTORS opens its doors for the first time in Cologne (16 to 18 November). Jointly organised by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), the trade fair and conference is the largest event of its kind for rotorcraft this year.

After last year’s postponement due to Covid, EUROPEAN ROTORS – The VTOL show and safety conference starts today in Cologne. At the first edition of the new international trade fair, more than 150 exhibitors will present their products and services, including some world and European premieres. This year’s event is the Europe’s largest trade show for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.The response from international exhibitors and visitors is already outstanding. 

Market leaders such as Airbus Helicopters, Bell Textron, Leonardo Helicopters, Safran Helicopter Engines, Robinson, Boeing Global Services, StandardAero, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp, RUAG, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik GmbH, AEROMETALS and others have supported the new show from the beginning and are exhibiting at EUROPEAN ROTORS. The show covers all aspects of VTOL operations, including HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services), firefighting, public safety, offshore, logging, VIP transport and takes a look at the next generation of vertical flight with exhibitions of eVTOLs and other unmanned solutions. Visitors will find an indoor aircraft exhibition, a drone pavilion and a starter area for new and emerging companies in the rotorcraft market in addition to exhibitor stands in Koelnmesse’s exhibition Hall 8. The new trade fair is jointly organised by the EHA (European Helicopter Association) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).

EHA Chairman Peter Moeller says: “We are very pleased that after two years’ time of preparation and one forced postponement last year, finally the first edition of EUROPEAN ROTORS – THE VTOL SHOW AND SAFETY CONFERENCE is now taking off. The response from OEMs, operators, suppliers and visitors to the show and its concept has been overwhelming. EUROPEAN ROTORS is a unique platform, which offers the industry an exhibition where all stakeholders including the authorities, OEMs and operators get together to do business and share knowledge. Visitors may expect a fully booked exhibition hall and an extensive conference and training programme.”

David Solar, EASA Head of General Aviation & VTOL, adds: “EUROPEAN ROTORS is the result of a cooperation between EHA and EASA. It is stemming from a willingness to gather the entire Rotorcraft Community in one place. The ultimate goal is to become THE platform of exchange of information around vertical flight on a 360° basis. We think this was the perfect timing to tackle rotorcraft systemic challenges, but also to address what the future of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft could be and to hopefully be able to blend the best of the conventional and innovative approaches.

On EASA side, this is a unique opportunity to promote safety, not only to traditional stakeholders, but also to new audiences: operators, pilots, mechanics, training providers, simulator providers, suppliers… The goal was also to gain some efficiency avoiding multiple forums all along the year.”

An extensive conference, lecture and education programme with over 130 international, high-level speakers awaits visitors. Integrated into the EUROPEAN ROTORS conference programme is the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium, the leading platform for European helicopter operators and industry to discuss current and future challenges together with the European regulatory authority. This symposium will take place in the Conference Center North next to Hall 8. 

In the HEMS conference, top-level speakers will discuss the future of Helicopter Medical Emergency Services. Will autonomous aircraft take on a stronger role in the rescue chain or will tiltrotor aircraft and multicopters define aerial rescue services in the future? Operators will also share their experiences during the COVID 19 pandemic at the conference. Last but not least, the HEMS cnference will address the topic of future legislation for air rescue organisations. 

The Offshore conference will cover the entire spectrum of operations with rotorcraft, from safety up to market prospects including the increasing importance of wind farms. 

The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) will enrich EUROPEAN ROTORS with five high-level sessions on innovations in rotorcraft research, future mobility and rotorcraft safety. 

In 2021, forest fires raged again in Europe, which could only be extinguished with help from the air. The threat of such fires is no longer limited to Southern Europe. The firefighting panel at EUROPEAN ROTORS intends to formulate questions and contribute to a very relevant social issue. Which model – private, public – should adopt member states with forest firefighting arising issues? What should be the regulatory approach to allow safe but pan-European operations? What is the role of the European Union in terms of these natural disasters’ management?

For developers, manufacturers and operators of eVTOLs, the question of supply chain stability is of paramount importance. This will be discussed in detail during a UAM panel by speakers from different countries and different companies.

All detailed information are available in the programme section of the EUROPEAN ROTORS eventpage under https://www.visit.europeanrotors.eu/en/events.

The trade show covers all aspects of VTOL operations including HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services), firefighting, public safety, offshore, logging, VIP transport and looks into the next generation of vertical flight with displays of eVTOLs and other unmanned solutions.

Tickets can still be booked online at www.visit.europeanrotors.eu/en