News European Helicopter Association (EHA) Chairman Fredrik Kämpfe visited the headquarters of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), where he met with VAI President and CEO François Lassale and the VAI management team for wide-ranging discussions on the future of the two associations’ collaboration and the strategic priorities facing the vertical aviation sector. The visit reflects the close working relationship the two associations have built through EUROPEAN ROTORS, which has grown into Europe’s leading vertical aviation event since its founding in 2021. The recent extension of the EUROPEAN ROTORS partnership through the Milan 2027 edition, which included the commitment from both organizations to extend the collaboration through 2032, underlines the strength of that collaboration and both associations’ long-term commitment to the show’s continued success. The next edition of EUROPEAN ROTORS takes place in Lyon, France, 30 Nov to 3 Dec 2026. The discussions also focused on the broader value of connecting VAI’s global membership network, which represents vertical aviation operators, manufacturers, and professionals across more than 60 countries, with EHA’s deep European base. Together, the two associations aim to give the sector a more unified global voice in the policy, legislative, safety, regulatory, and sustainability issues that increasingly cross borders. The two associations already coordinate closely on international regulatory matters, including the safe integration of BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone operations, electronic conspicuity, and the development of practical right-of-way rules for airspace shared by crewed and uncrewed aircraft. With vertical aviation evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, new missions, and rising sustainability expectations in complex regulatory environments, EHA and VAI are committed to an ongoing strategic dialogue about where the industry is headed, ensuring that innovation and safety advance together and that the sector speaks with coordinated leadership rather than a fragmented voice. “EUROPEAN ROTORS has shown what EHA and VAI can build when we work as true partners. Continuing this relationship lets us extend that same spirit of collaboration to the bigger questions facing our industry: safety, sustainability, and the future of vertical flight, for members on both sides of the Atlantic.” François Lassale, President and CEO, Vertical Aviation International “Vertical aviation’s challenges and opportunities do not stop at Europe’s borders. My visit to VAI confirmed how much our two communities share, from safety and the future workforce to the regulatory questions that will define the next decade of vertical flight. EHA values the partnership we have built with VAI through EUROPEAN ROTORS and as institutional partners, and we look forward to deepening our strategic dialogue so the sector speaks with one coordinated voice. Together, we continue shaping vertical flight, safely and sustainably.” Fredrik Kämpfe, Chairman, European Helicopter Association About EHA: European Helicopter Association The European Helicopter Association (EHA) brings together Europe’s rotorcraft and vertical flight community, uniting operators, manufacturers, suppliers, national associations, and industry partners. Together with European institutions, regulators, and international partners, EHA supports safe, sustainable, and competitive rotorcraft and VTOL operations through policy engagement, operational expertise, and industry collaboration. EHA co-owns EUROPEAN ROTORS together with EASA. Shaping Europe’s Vertical Flight – Safely, Sustainably, Together. www.eha-heli.eu About Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is a global membership association representing the vertical flight industry, dedicated to the advancement of helicopters and other vertical lift aircraft as safe, effective tools that save lives, benefit society, and support economic growth. VAI represents vertical aviation operators, manufacturers, and professionals in more than 60 countries, advancing the safe and sustainable growth of the global vertical flight industry. www.verticalavi.org Media Contacts EHA: Isabel Collins, Communications, isabel.collins@eha-heli.eu VAI: Raffaele Vitelli, CAE, Vice President, raffaelev@verticalavi.org
