“We want to continue with the successful strategy we started in 2021,” said Dr. Frank Liemandt, show director, strategy and conferences of European Rotors, when explaining what visitors can expect to see at this year’s event in Cologne, Germany, from Nov. 8 to 10.
In 2021, no other show brought the European rotorcraft industry together. Operators, regulators and industry gathered in one place to discuss ideas and opportunities and to speak directly to one another.
Liemandt said the feedback from all attendees was positive, with many commenting on the high-quality discussions that took place that later led to new opportunities. One minor criticism he received was that there was simply too much to see and do.
“People loved the show and the concept we developed,” he told Vertical. “Visitors didn’t find the event too commercial, so they could take their time and visit every stand. Exhibitors were able to meet potential clients and discuss their latest products on display.”
The number of exhibitors for 2022 has grown, with more than 180 booked. The scope of the conferences will be increased, which has meant an additional show day for attendees. Liemandt refers to Monday, Nov. 7 as a “training day.”
“It’s one of the lessons we learnt from last year, in we had the three show days running at the same time as the conferences,” he said. “Many people were reluctant to sit all day in a training conference instead of walking the show. So, by separating the training day before the show begins, I think this will work perfectly.”
Everyone who books a paid training course will automatically receive a three-day pass for the show, which Liemandt said will attract more visitors. “The training day briefings will cover everything from refresher maintenance training to performing effective SAR [search-and-rescue] operations,” he added.
The feedback on these briefings and conferences has seen Liemandt decide to book the entire conference hall in Cologne. This will allow workshops and customer briefings to continue throughout the show.
“It’s all about providing the latest information and giving yourself the chance to update yourself, whether you’re a pilot or an engineer,” says Liemandt. “It’s all about growing the show this year, in terms of exhibitors, the number of days the show is on, and what we can offer the industry as a whole.”
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has a symposium on innovation within the rotorcraft market. A similar event takes place in the main display hall at the same time.
Liemandt is keenly aware that this year’s event needs to include discussions on industry recovery, and this has led to topics such as leasing and financial support for operators being a key focus. A partnership with Helicopter Investor has been formed, with a discussion panel for visitors to engage with and receive advice.
A post-pandemic recovery is underway across the industry, but operators told Liemandt discovered they were concerned about future manpower. This has led to the creation of a “career day” for the next generation of pilots, whether PPL or CPL, and flight schools will be on hand to explain the processes involved. Engineering companies will also be present for those seeking to become engineers within the rotorcraft industry.
“It’s just to make sure those involved see the industry as a niche, but it’s a niche with a strong future,” said Liemandt.
“There will be plenty of highlights and I know visitors like their hands-on demonstrations — we’ll have hoist demonstrations in the hall. People love this aspect, so we have more hands-on training planned for this year.
“There will be a rotor safety zone, for which we have an R44 from Elite Flight, which will involve daily training — especially for those with a PPL,” he continued. “They can be shown how to conduct a proper efficient pre-flight check. The idea is to attract more private pilots where they can learn more about the safety aspects simply by hands-on training.”
Organized by European Helicopter Association and EASA, the show deals with the topics most relevant operators.
“We had to extend the HEMS presentations to one-and-a-half days to meet all the outside requests,” said Liemandt. “We want to create a show that deals with the concerns of operators, where they can approach me with an idea for a presentation and I am happy to accept their proposal.”
The organizers at European Rotors have avoided marketing-style presentations at the show, with Liemandt keen to ensure the helicopter community learns something from the event. It’s a passion that comes across clearly when he discusses anything related to European Rotors.
“This show is a dream come true for me. Besides the Pope, I have to say I have the nicest job in the world!” he said.
“I have been in the industry a long time and, to grow an idea from scratch based on my strategy and concept and to have the helicopter operators wanting to be part of it, it’s just superb,” he continued. “Throughout the show, we’re on hand to support exhibitors and help them meet potential clients. The networking is simply amazing.”
For more details and to book tickets for European Rotors 2022, visit: www.europeanrotors.eu
