Helicopter operators from around the world have expressed their enthusiasm for International Heli Trade, a new annual event which will take place at the Geneva Palexpo Centre in Geneva, Switzerland from October 5-7, 2004.

Typical of the reaction being expressed, say the organisers, is that of Walter Minder of Airport Helicopter Basel. “An annual helicopter event in Switzerland, the country with the largest number of helicopters relative to the population,” said Minder, “is a great thing to look forward to. The Palexpo in Geneva, with its great facilities, situated right next door to the international airport, guarantees easy access for visitors from all over Europe. We will definitely be there.”

Comprising a trade exhibition, outside displays, aircraft demons-trations and a conference, International Heli Trade believes it can become Europe’s most prominent annual meeting place for the helicopter business.

The event will also feature Heli MRO, a tradeshow area with its own workshops and conference to provide coverage of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul. The idea of Heli MRO is to create a dedicated environment within the wider event, for exhibitors and visitors with a particular interest in this field.”

Said Minder: “Geneva gives easy access to international visitors by air, rail and road and it is particularly well-situated to attract attendees from the emerging Eastern and Central European countries as well as Western Europe and other overseas markets.

“The Geneva Palexpo centre offers extensive and purpose-built exhibition and conference facilities. The event will also use the airfield of Geneva International Airport which will be linked by a private pedestrian walkway especially for the occasion. Switzerland is a natural location for an event of this kind being acknowledged as a top international business destination.”

International Heli Trade will have a trade-only visitor policy and those in attendance will have the opportunity to take part in a series of free-to-attend workshops and seminars which will take place on

the exhibition floor.

Minder added: “The conference, which will run alongside the exhibition, will address the key business, regulatory and technical issues challenging the industry today. Another initiative from the show organisers is Europe’s first ever ‘Executive Summit’ for the helicopter industry, an invitation-only ‘think tank’ where senior managers will be able to exchange views in a confidential environment.

Bruno Lurati, managing director at Geneva Palexpo, is delighted with the response to the launch. He said: “The aerospace sector is of great importance to Geneva Palexpo and is one in which we have considerable expertise, as the continuing success of the EBACE show which takes place here every spring demonstrates.”