The 2026 edition of the RotorTech Vertical Flight Exposition has concluded following a highly successful week of engagement and collaboration across the global vertical flight sector, reinforcing its position as Asia Pacific's premier rotorcraft and advanced air mobility gathering.

Held on Australia's Gold Coast, the final day of RotorTech 2026 sustained strong activity across the exhibition floor, with continued engagement across static aircraft and technology displays, as well as ongoing business development and networking across the venue.

Across the week, the event achieved record participation and strong growth across all key metrics: 125 exhibiting companies (up 11.6 per cent from 2024); 21 nations represented; 24 sponsors (up 200 per cent from 2024); 41 conference and speaker sessions across the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) Conference and AAM Summit programmes; 21 static aircraft and technology displays; 12 networking sessions and events; five media partners; two major conference stakeholders; and 52 Careers Day students.

The final day of the event welcomed 52 students from Benowa State High School's aerospace programme as part of Careers Day. Year 11 and 12 students engaged directly with industry representatives to explore future pathways across aviation, engineering and aerospace careers. In addition, the two winning schools from the National Student Challenge travelled from Townsville and Maroochydore to participate in a joy flight over the Gold Coast, providing a unique industry experience.

This year, RotorTech underscored the increasing convergence between traditional helicopter operations and the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, with strong crossover between the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) Conference and AAM Summit programme, presented by the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems. This alignment reflects a broader shift toward integrated airspace planning, shared capability development and evolving operational frameworks across the vertical flight ecosystem.

With record attendance achieved for the third consecutive edition, RotorTech continues to demonstrate sustained sector growth and increasing international engagement, reflecting both the maturity of the rotorcraft industry and the accelerating development of next-generation air mobility solutions.

AMDA CEO Justin Giddings says the 2026 event reflected the continued strength and evolution of the sector.

“RotorTech 2026 has reflected the strong momentum across Australia's vertical flight industry, with record participation from exhibitors, delegates and partners. This growth demonstrates a sector that is not only expanding, but increasingly converging around a shared vision for the future of air mobility,” he comments.

He said the event would continue to evolve alongside the industry: “As the sector expands and diversifies, RotorTech will grow with it. Our focus is on ensuring the event remains the central platform for connection across the industry, supporting its long-term trajectory in Australia and beyond.”

The next edition of RotorTech Vertical Flight Exposition will be held at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane from 16–18 May 2028.