As of Feb. 27, 2024, the world’s leading association for the vertical aviation industry will be known by a new name. Helicopter Association International officially became Vertical Aviation International, or VAI, during the HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 Welcome Reception on Monday, Feb. 26. Why the name change? In a nutshell: to reflect our intention to become a more inclusive association that brings together all parts of vertical aviation—including helicopters. As the world’s vertical aviation fleet continues to expand and diversify, our industry is strengthening its ability to provide vertical flight’s unique benefits to communities around the world. And by embracing all vertical aviation as one united industry, we will increase the power of our advocacy on its behalf. Here’s what this change will mean for our members: HAI members will become VAI members, with the same access to their member benefits No changes are anticipated for member dues at this time The HAI Board of Directors and staff will now become the VAI Board of Directors and staff The board will review member classifications, the VAI bylaws, and other aspects of governance to ensure they align with the association’s strategic initiatives VAI will continue to provide connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for its individual and company members in the form of meaningful benefits and superior service. We have included below some additional information about the rebrand. However, if you still have questions, concerns, or comments about the rebrand, feel free to reach out to VAI President and CEO James Viola at president@rotor.org. We may have a new name, but member service is still our passion! Why did HAI rebrand to VAI? To be the world’s most vital membership association for vertical aviation, we had to expand our scope and influence to represent all forms of vertical flight. By joining together as a united industry, we’ll strengthen our ability to advocate for that industry with legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders so that communities around the world are strengthened by the power of vertical flight. Who made the decision to rebrand the association? The HAI Board of Directors decided to rebrand the association. In the Strategic Industry Plan unanimously approved by the board in October 2022, Strategic Initiative 1 directs the association to “unify the industry around a new vision of vertical aviation.” This rebranding is part of that strategy to become a more inclusive association that brings together all parts of vertical aviation. How were the new name, logo, colors, and other brand aspects chosen? The rebranding of our association, led by the Board of Directors over the past 18 months, has been purposeful and deliberate. Each element of the new brand—the name, vision, purpose, colors, tagline, and even the new name for our annual conference and trade show—was supported unanimously by the board. To assist in the process, the association engaged a marketing agency with expertise in rebranding associations. The board felt strongly that this effort should be driven by data, so the agency reviewed past data and conducted new research, including: Interviews with members and other industry stakeholders and other member outreach An analysis of the vertical aviation industry Surveys and secondary data research Brand workshops. Who should join VAI? VAI embraces all aircraft that are capable of vertical or short takeoffs and landings (V/STOLs). If you build, fly, fix, supply, or operate V/STOL aircraft, or if you work in or support vertical aviation in any way, you belong in Vertical Aviation International! Are helicopters still important to the association? Yes! VAI’s purpose is to fuel the growth of the vertical aviation industry, and the helicopters that perform so many essential missions to keep modern society running are not going anywhere. They have unique capabilities that can’t be duplicated by any other aircraft. Helicopters will continue to play an important role in serving communities around the world, and VAI is very proud to represent the people who build, operate, fix, fly, support, and supply them. Aside from the name, what else will change? Our members can expect VAI to provide the same services—connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for individuals and businesses—they currently receive. There’s complete continuity of leadership by the VAI Board of Directors and staff. We’re not eliminating any programs or services but instead have rebranded to grow. Membership is open to any company, pilot, maintenance technician, or aviation professional who builds, flies, fixes, supplies, or supports vertical aviation. Student memberships are available as well. What does the VAI tagline, Powering Up, mean? Powering Up is what VAI does for the vertical aviation industry. We empower all vertical aviation stakeholders to grow and succeed through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for businesses and individuals. What about HAI HELI-EXPO? We’re changing the name of HAI HELI-EXPO to VERTICON, and we hope you’ll join us for VERTICON 2025 in Dallas, Texas, Mar. 10–13! The show will still feature: Vertical aviation manufacturers and suppliers from all around the world, including the major airframe, engine, and technology OEMs A complete education program, including long-form education courses, shorter education sessions on safety and business topics, and manufacturer technical briefings Industry meetings, including with VAI working groups, on every topic important to the vertical aviation industry An industry job fair and Mil2Civ workshop Plenty of opportunities to expand your network and reconnect with old friends. Will my membership dues change? We have no plans to change VAI membership dues at this time. What about HAI’s publications, ROTOR magazine and ROTOR Daily? VAI will continue to publish the association’s quarterly magazine and daily e-newsletter. Updated and redesigned versions of each will be launched later this year. In the meantime, current subscribers will continue to receive the publications. Where should I go to get more information, renew my membership, or update my member profile? We’re working on a brand-new website, verticalavi.org, but it’s not ready yet. We expect to roll out the new website by August 2024, but don’t worry—in the meantime, you can use either the association’s new Web address, verticalavi.org, or its current one, rotor.org, to access your VAI member account. During our transition to the new website, both Web addresses will take users to the site currently in use.
