VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO)

Day 1 of VERTICON 2025 was nothing short of spectacular! For one week, VERTICON stands as the global hub of vertical aviation, bringing together industry leaders, groundbreaking innovations, and exciting new partnerships. Here are the highlights: ? The reveal of the Robinson R88 Robinson Helicopter Company ?? Nearly 50 aircraft on the show floor ?? Rotor-blown wing technology from Sikorsky ?? Joby Aviation on the show floor ?? Skyrise—revolutionizing safe and easy piloting Skyryse ?? Game-changing new partnerships ?? Hundreds of education sessions and more! Stay tuned for more updates from the world’s largest vertical flight event!

Welcome to your Day 2 recap from #VERTICON2025—where business, innovation, and industry excellence take center stage! ? Highlights from Day 2: ?? AMC Competition Winners – Celebrated on the show floor! ?? VAI Safety Zone – An immersive training environment dedicated to elevating safety culture. ??? Salute to Excellence – This year honoring four Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. ?? Bell and Air Method – A big day for business, securing dozens of Bell 407GXi helicopters. ?? Leonardo – Kicking off strong with a dozen helicopter orders, including five from UK-based Gama-Aviation. VERTICON is the ultimate destination for business deals, networking, and top-tier industry education. Watch now to relive the action-packed moments from Day 2! ??

While VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) is known for the big reveal and splashy announcements, it's also known for bringing together our industry's top leaders, experts, innovators, and legal minds to share their insights and guidance on the issues and topics that matter most to Vertical Aviation International members and all industry stakeholders. Awesome to catch up with my friend to the North BETA TECHNOLOGIES' Kyle Clark after he was on a panel about the challenges and uniqueness of industry unification. It was also a real treat to meet a pro like Greg Campbell (Director of VA Dept. of Aviation) and talk at length about his experiences and how different states are preparing (or not) for the future of vertical flight. Coming out of several of today's panels it is crystal clear that industry needs to continue to serve as a vital resource and partner for the remaking of our airspace, industry collaboration during competition is critical, and investing in our current infrastructure now to prepare for the future should be the priority for lawmakers and decision makers.

VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) rolls on! Kicked off a very busy day at the annual membership breakfast where on behalf of Vertical Aviation International members and staff, Mark Schlaefli and the VAI Board presented James Viola a Robinson R44 tail rotor (signed by the entire organization) in appreciation for his contributions during his leadership of VAI. Verticon means meeting new and interesting people and having fun with colleagues and old friends. Stopped in to see my friends at Leonardo, paused for a minute with my Joby Aviation pal Ryan Naru along with Matthew Broffman, before finally running into my main West Coast man Chuck Street (VAI West Coast Regional Rep) at Robinson's big R88 announcement. The connecting power of Verticon on full display!

GAMA is very lucky to have James Viola! Jim has been a huge asset to Vertical Aviation International and will be an incredible ally to the helicopter/vertical community in his new role. Thanks for your service Jim!????

James Viola: Today, we launch the VAI Member Online Community, an online platform for you to connect, engage, and learn with fellow VAI members. On it we can connect with you, you can connect with your fellow members AND share important resources. https://lnkd.in/eNESra4j

#Verticon2025: Bell is excited to announce today at Vertical Aviation International Verticon 2025 that Air Methods has signed a Master Purchasing Agreement for up to 27 aircraft, including fifteen IFR-configured Bell 407GXis with an option to purchase an additional twelve aircraft in the future. This agreement comes on the heels of Air Methods’ recent signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429. Get the news: https://lnkd.in/g99nfZMQ

It’s day one at #Verticon2025! The Bell 525, Bell 429, Bell 407GXi, Bell 505, and Bell 412 EPX are on display. Come see them up close at Verticon booth #10053 and meet our team!

By Mark Huber Airbus Helicopters revealed the latest addition to its light twin family this morning at VERTICON 2025. The H140 builds on the design of the existing H135 series but adds a bigger cabin, larger windows, five-bladed main rotor system, T-tail, and optimized Fenestron. The first aircraft should be available in 2028, according to Airbus CEO Bruno Even, who said the new helicopter was designed in close collaboration with customers. The aircraft borrows heavily from Airbus’s existing product line, according to the company. Specifically, the five-bladed main rotor system architecture, tail boom, and electronic master boxes were adapted from the larger H145 D3 and the door-handle design was gleaned from the H160. The rear-door opening was made larger and the tail boom raised to enable easier loading of air ambulance patients through the clamshell doors. Loading was also top of mind in the decision to remove the tail boom–mounted horizontal stabilizer and opting for a T-tail. The T-tail also improves aircraft performance, enabling up to 176 lb. of additional lift at hover. The new bearingless main rotor system provides a smoother ride, according to the company. The flat-floor cabin is completely open, as opposed to having a divider between it and the cockpit area. Power comes from a pair of Arrius 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).

James Viola: "Today, we launched the VAI Member Online Community, an online platform for you to connect, engage, and learn with fellow VAI members.?We can connect with you. You can connect with your fellow members and share important resources." VAI's Emerging Professionals Community meeting at VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) https://lnkd.in/eNESra4j