Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has appointed François Lassale as its next president and CEO, following a global search for a proven leader to guide the association through its next phase of growth and influence.

With more than 35 years of experience in military, public service and commercial aviation in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Lassale brings operational expertise, strategic vision and an international perspective to his new role. In North America, he is known for his work with US military, air medical, public safety, utility and offshore operators, and he has deep ties across the US rotorcraft community.

His career includes service as a military aviator, senior roles in commercial and civil helicopter and fixed-wing operations, and leadership positions with HeliOffshore, the safety-focused association for the global offshore helicopter industry. He also has been an active volunteer for aviation organisations such as the Flight Safety Foundation, the European Helicopter Association and the National Business Aviation Association, and he recently served as special advisor to the VAI board of directors on international issues.

“François is the right leader at the right time for VAI,” says Rick Kenin, chairman of the VAI board of directors and COO of transport for Boston MedFlight, an air ambulance operator in the US Northeast. “As our industry evolves to include both traditional rotorcraft and powered-lift technologies, his safety-first mindset, ability to unify diverse voices and focus on delivering results will position VAI to lead the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.”

Kenin noted the board was particularly impressed with Lassale's clarity of vision and grasp of this pivotal moment for the vertical aviation industry. “François understands that VAI must not only navigate this period of transformation, we must define it. With his operational and executive background, history of industry advocacy and leadership, and global experience, VAI under François's leadership will be the most trusted voice uniting the vertical aviation community and driving sustainable growth.”

Lassale most recently served as CEO of SGi, an Indonesian operator, and then as group managing director and CEO for a three-company aviation group, overseeing helicopter operations and an aircraft leasing company in Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. In that role, he delivered operational efficiency, financial stability and innovative partnerships, including agreements to introduce sustainable electric VTOL solutions.

“I am honoured to join VAI at this pivotal moment for vertical aviation,” Lassale says. “Our industry is undergoing transformative change, from technology adoption and airspace integration to evolving safety standards and workforce needs. VAI has a critical role to play in guiding that evolution, advocating for our members and ensuring vertical aviation remains safe, innovative and economically viable. In my first months, I'll be listening closely to our members across the United States and internationally to validate a focused set of priorities for VAI.”

Emphasising his commitment to collaboration, Lassale continues: “I believe in listening first to understand the needs of our members, partners and stakeholders, and then working together to create solutions. My priorities will be to strengthen VAI's voice in policy, continue to elevate the industry's safety culture and increase the value we deliver to our global membership.”

In addition to his operational and strategic accomplishments, Lassale has long been an advocate for safety and regional cooperation within the industry. He recently led the development of VAI's inaugural Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference, to be held in Bali in May 2026, aimed at advancing safety and operational standards across the region.

“François understands that success for any organisation results from providing people with the environment and resources that empower them, and that principle will serve our members well,” Kenin adds.

Lassale will assume his role at VAI this autumn, following completion of standard US work-authorisation formalities now in process.

“NBAA has long enjoyed an exceptionally strong relationship with VAI, and we look forward to continuing that relationship with François Lassale,” states NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His experience as an operator and association leader will serve VAI and the general aviation community well.”