The first International Rotor Show 2002 is to be held at Elvington Aerodrome, York in July. Bell Helicopters and MD Helicopters will be present, but specific models are yet to be announced.

Exhibitors are also due to include ADT Helicopter Sales, NAAAS and JPM Aviation Supplies, and potential buyers will be able to use the two-mile airstrip and surrounding airspace for demonstration flights. In addition to these companies, there have been 62 attendees confirmed for the show, with exhibitors from Europe, the US and Canada. The show itself is set to be divided into three parts, with military operators in addition to emergency services and commercial operators.

“We did some work with shows, primarily in Canada, and this show is similar,” said Ian Carson of organisers, Aero Promotions and Exhibitions. “We are looking at a majority of civil exhibitors, but with the defence element included, because a lot of companies such as Bell and MD have the facilities to provide military spec helicopters to the defence market.”

The show is set to become a yearly fixture and will return, featuring mainly new fixed wing technology, in March-April 2003. Carson described the location at York as “very strategic,” particularly for international visitors. “We have so many different options for exhibitors,” he said. “It’s an efficient area to get to and there are prime airports that international visitors can fly into.” \r

Meanwhile Helitech, the major international helicopter exhibition held in the UK, is being launched in South America.

The organisers of Helitech have teamed with Certame of Brazil to organise Helitech South America, to be held at the Air Force base Campo de Marte in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 5th-7th November 2002.

Sao Paulo has a high dependency on helicopters to combat traffic congestion and risk to personal safety. The city has over 200 heliports and helipads dedicatated to public dro-off and pick-up.