International helicopter industry exhibition — Vertical Flight Expo & Conference 2019: business program

The inaugural Vertical Flight Expo & Conference (VFE) — from 5 to 7 November — is gearing up to host a packed conference programme where industry veterans and experts will offer insights and advice on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft industry.

VFE — formerly known as Helitech International — will welcome thousands of aviation buyers, operators and suppliers travelling from around the world at Farnborough International to discover the latest technologies and solutions driving safer, leaner, better VTOL missions. 

In fact, industry analysts forecast the helicopter market will grow at a CAGR of 2.92% during the period 2018 — 2023. In addition, one of the fastest-growing segments of the aviation sector — Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) — will be responsible for a £42bn uprise in GDP in the next ten years.

Amid cautious optimism, attendees can join hand-picked speakers as they step into the spotlight throughout the three-day event to deliver valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including the future of urban air mobility and infrastructure; how to financially navigate the changing market; and safety in UAVs, air space and air traffic management.

Exploring the ever-expanding aviation industry, VFE will offer visitors the full birds-eye view of the VTOL sector from fixed-wing commercial aircraft to the growing popularity and application of unmanned systems. Kicking off the first day, a panel of experts including Alastair Fallon of IBA Group Ltd, Alix Leboulanger of Avescent, Nadav Kesleer at Asian Sky Markets, and Clark McGlinn of Uplifting Advice will provide a Global Market Overview, with insights into how the industry will evolve over the next few years — particularly given recent restructures.

Meanwhile, in the event’s second conference theatre, Jim Payton, VP Customer Business, Rolls Royce will lead a series of short sessions in air mobility and infrastructure to address the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Robert Garbett, CEO of Drone Major – an official show partner for 2019 — will provide a global overview of future regulations and standards. Clive Lewis, Managing Partner of the ADS UAM Group will then offer insights into the current UK marketplace before Martin Dvorsky of MGM Compro provides an exclusive insight into propulsion systems — the keystone of every e-VTOL project.

With safety continuing to be high on the agenda, no stone will be left unturned in what promises to be a popular topic for discussion. Looking ahead to the future safety of the aviation industry, Robert Garbett will return with others to take visitors through the Lessons Learned from Gatwick: One Year On. The session will explore the safety loopholes breached by drones and the counter-measures being implemented throughout the world today.

The future generation of engineers and pilots will also take the spotlight at this year’s VFE when a dedicated Careers Day is launched on 7 November to offer military leavers, new license holders and professionals within the industry looking for a role change the chance to find out more about the opportunities within the aviation industry. 

The text/image source: official exhibition website Vertical Flight Expo & Conference 2019