In a gesture symbolising their developing partnership, Helicopter Association International (HAI) has branded an office at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia with the European Helicopter Association (EHA) logo. This space in the Washington, DC suburbs will provide EHA and its members with a location to work and hold meetings when in the area.

“While providing EHA with an office may not seem significant, it is symbolic of the strengthening relationship between our two organisations,” says HAI president and CEO James Viola.

“We have identified many areas of mutual interest where our associations can work together,” adds EHA chairman Christian Műller. “Having a physical space for use by EHA staff and our members when in Washington is much appreciated, and I believe it will be well used.”

HAI will serve as the primary service provider for European Rotors 2022, the VTOL show and safety conference. HAI will be responsible for marketing the show and for providing both exhibitor and attendee services. European Rotors 2021 featured 160 exhibiting companies, 4,500 visitors and an exceptional educational programme. The 2022 show will take place in Cologne, Germany in November, jointly organised by EHA and EASA.

“The feedback we got from our debut at last year's show and the overall concept was extremely positive. This is directly reflected in the bookings for our second edition: we already have about 70 companies confirmed,” says show director Dr Frank Liemandt. “Leading OEMs will participate, including Airbus, Bell, Leonardo and Safran, who are members of our EHA steering committee. Other participants include Aerometals, Boeing Global Services, Pratt & Whitney, Robinson Helicopter Company and RUAG, just to name a few.”

“The key to producing this exceptional event is collaboration,” says EHA executive director Isabella Abbate. “EHA's partnership with HAI joins two experienced, talented organisations with a proven history of producing well-attended shows of the highest calibre. Additionally, our steering committee, consisting of EHA's industry national helicopter association representatives and EASA, is already a strong team, made even more capable by the unique network HAI brings to the table.”

To highlight and support the individual rotorcraft and VTOL business in different European regions, EHA will begin alternating locations to other venues in Europe for the 2023 and 2024 editions. Starting in 2025, the show will rotate between Cologne one year and other European cities the next.