Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) have signed a letter of intent and initial engagement agreement to explore a vertical lift industry event for Australia and the broader Southeast Asia region.

Under the agreement, signed on 4 August 2026, the two organisations will work to design and structure an event to succeed AHIA's current show arrangements once their contract expires. The event, referred to provisionally as the New Australian Vertical Lift Event pending a final name and brand identity, is intended to join VAI's portfolio of vertical flight events, which includes Verticon in the United States and European Rotors in Europe.

Julian Fraser, CEO, AHIA, says: “This partnership will expand our capacity to deliver greater value to our members, supported by VAI's global expertise, resources and reach.”

François Lassale, president and CEO, VAI, adds: “We look forward to building an event the region can be proud of.”

With the agreement in place, VAI and AHIA will assess the format, location and commercial framework for the proposed event. Further details, including the event's name, location and timing, are expected as development work continues. European Rotors, VAI's established European event, moves to Lyon, France, from 30 November to 3 December 2026, with its partnership recently extended through the Milan 2027 edition and a broader commitment to run the show through 2032.