Home / About / Who We Are Who We Are VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, advocating for safety, professionalism, innovation, and economic viability worldwide. For more than 75 years, Vertical Aviation International has championed and amplified the voice of the global vertical aviation industry. We build community, help forge standards, create education and initiatives that strengthen the industry, and promote and celebrate its progress. Today, VAI is evolving and expanding, just as our industry is exploring new territories in vertical mobility. The vertical aviation fleet is becoming more diverse. VAI is committed to welcoming and representing every single member of the community: all the people and organizations that build, fly, fix, operate, and supply those aircraft. Together, we will strengthen communities worldwide and unlock the unlimited potential and power of up. Our Purpose To fuel the growth of the vertical aviation industry through connection, education, advocacy, and safety so that communities around the world are strengthened by the power of vertical flight. Our Vision To be the world’s most vital membership association leading the evolution and expansion of vertical flight. Our Values Trust We are committed to working tirelessly for our members. And in order to lead with confidence and integrity, we persistently prioritize clarity and accuracy. Passion We truly love what we do and are thrilled to share that enthusiasm with others, celebrating the extraordinary things our members do to make a positive impact on society. Service Our members are the heart of VAI. They are mission driven, so we are driven to empower them, working collaboratively with them to address their needs. Innovation We are tenaciously forward thinking as we build off past successes and craft new ways of working. Inclusion We represent the entire vertical aviation industry—all sizes, skill sets, ages, and genders. We are strengthened by our internationality and strive to build partnerships that expand the industry’s diversity globally. Safety Safety is paramount. We must be vigilant in modeling the highest standards for everyone to follow—being meticulous and precise from design and manufacturing to each safe landing. Our work is guided by the VAI 2023–25 Strategic Initiatives: 1 Unify the industry around a new vision of vertical aviation and continually promote community compatibility. 2 Engage all stakeholders in the global value chain to help create a favorable environment that helps the entire industry thrive and prosper. 3 Elevate safety culture throughout the value chain by providing leading-edge training and certification programs to continually sharpen flight and technical skills throughout the industry. 4 Develop business resources that help companies elevate operational performance by providing resources to streamline paperwork and business operations for small- and medium-size companies. 5 Develop a pathway that helps attract and maintain the best workforce in the world. Our History Since its inception in 1948, VAI has been instrumental in shaping the growth and development of the vertical aviation industry. VAI has a rich history of working for the industry’s collective benefit through advocacy, collaboration, valuable resources, and pioneering innovation. Over the last seven decades, VAI has enhanced the professionalism, economic viability, and safety of helicopter operations worldwide, creating a sense of community and shared purpose across the industry. Today, we are the world’s most influential trade association and the leading voice of the vertical mobility community worldwide. Our Impact 16.5K+ VAI members 250+ industry volunteers serving on 15 industry advisory councils 18 associations/advisors in the VAI International Partnership Program 36 US and international regulatory/standards boards on which VAI participates 15K attendees and 625 exhibitors representing 87 countries at HELI-EXPO 2024 View our 2023 Annual Report Our Leadership Meet the VAI Board of Directors and VAI executives and staff who lead and execute the strategy, mission, initiatives, and programs that advance the vertical aviation industry. Learn more Our International Partnership Program The affiliate organizations of the International Partnership Program are working together to enhance safety, collaborate with regulatory and legislative authorities to advance industry objectives, and promote the economic viability of the vertical aviation industry worldwide. Learn more Become a member Join VAI
