27 February 2024
The world of vertical take-off and landing aircraft is changing and the Helicopter Association International, known to everyone as ‘HAI’, has rebranded itself as…. wait for it… Vertical Aviation International (VAI).
The rebrand comes as HAI/VAI’s annual trade show Heli-Expo comes to an end at the Anaheim Conference Centre in California, USA.
Nicole Battjes, chair of the VAI Board, announcing the change. Photo: HAI
Nicole Battjes, chair of the VAI Board of Directors, said, “VAI is the world’s preeminent membership association for the entire vertical aviation industry, dedicated to leading the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.
“By focusing on what unites us — the unique capabilities of all vertical flight aircraft — we will leverage our ability to protect access to airspace, elevate safety, and ensure communities around the world are strengthened by the power of vertical flight.”
The decision to rebrand stems from the rapid expansion and technological evolution occurring in the vertical aviation industry.
In addition to a new logo, VAI has renamed its annual conference and trade show as VERTICON. The first edition of that show will be in Dallas, Texas in March 2025.
Enjoy this short teaser for the official HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 Fly-in video. Stay tuned for the full video that will be released on our YouTube channel soon! Register for #haiexpo24 at https://t.co/swyDi9WqNA. pic.twitter.com/ybNsGNtDL0
— HAI (@HeliAssoc) February 26, 2024
HAI began as the California-based Helicopter Council in 1948, supporting six companies operating in what was then a brand-new industry. The association has evolved several times throughout the past 75 years to support the global helicopter industry.
“We rebranded to grow our membership, so it represents the expanding vertical aviation fleet,” added Battjes.
“The helicopters that provide so many essential services, including search and rescue, firefighting, and air ambulance, are not going away.
“No other aircraft can do what a helicopter does, and we are proud to represent them. Our goal is to enable new vertical flight aircraft to find their essential missions as well.”
