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AmyWilder

European Rotors returned for a 2024 edition from November 4 to 7 in Amsterdam, hosting a bevy of orders, attracting more than 4,600 participants, and focusing on safety advancements and emerging technologies with a particular emphasis on eVTOL aircraft. Speakers at the event addressed pressing topics such as safety protocols and the integration of digital technologies into rotorcraft operations.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the European show jointly organized by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA, with the support of Vertical Aviation International, appears to have settled into a rhythm, drawing a steady stable of attendance, exhibitors, and announcements, including those regarding new orders.
“The 2024 edition of European Rotors was a great success,” said EHA board chair Fredrik Kämpfe. “The exhibition floor was filled with enthusiastic people, and the feedback we received was very positive.” Kämpfe pointed to the educational program, Career Day, and the large turnout for workshops and best practice sessions as indicative of the event’s success.
There were more than 230 booths and 18 helicopters displayed in the exhibition hall. A key part of the event is that it is held in tandem with an EASA Safety Symposium, which addresses regulatory compatibility and urban air mobility, as well as workshops on rotorcraft safety and efficiency.
Networking opportunities also were a major draw, with industry leaders and regulatory bodies engaging face-to-face, organizers maintained. “We held a technical briefing here at the show that was significantly stronger and more detailed due to being in-person,” said EHA vice chair Thierry Couderc.
The show further hosted a flurry of orders, with announcements covering dozens of new helicopters—along with support and training deals—from companies including Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Bell.
Østnes Helicopters, which is the official distributor for Airbus in the Nordic countries, signed a contract for 10 Airbus H125s. These will join a fleet of more than 150 examples of the single-engine model in the region.
Also announced was a framework agreement between Airbus Helicopters and French operator Airtelis, which is buying up to five H145s. These helicopters will be operated by its subsidiary Oya Vendée Hélicoptères, which provides support flights for the offshore wind industry.
Leasing group GDHF signed a framework agreement with Leonardo to add 10 more AW189s to its portfolio. It expects the twin-engine aircraft to be deployed in the energy industry support sector, with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2029.
UK-based Offshore Helicopter Services is expanding its North Sea fleet through a deal to buy a pair of AW139 intermediate twins. These aircraft are set to enter service in the second quarter of 2026.
Italy's National Fire Corps inked an agreement to boost its mountain rescue and firefighting fleet with an order for specially-equipped AW139 helicopters. Deliveries will start in 2025, adding to an existing fleet of 28 of the type.
Bristow Group signed a long-term support and training agreement with the manufacturer covering its AW139 and AW189 helicopters. This will involve a new AW139 full-flight simulator to be installed at the operator’s base in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is adding four more AW189s to its fleet in 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, during the Air Medical Transport Conference this week in Salt Lake City, Leonardo signed an agreement for Utah-based Intermountain Health to acquire a new AW109 GrandNew twin. The operator is also leasing an Enhanced Training Device Virtual Extended Reality system.
Global Medical Response (GMR) has ordered 28 Airbus helicopters (six H125s, five H130s, and 14 H135s), which will bring its air medical fleet to nearly 200 Airbus helicopters.
In addition, GMR signed a purchase agreement for 15 IFR-configured Bell 407GXi helicopters to Global Medical Response (GMR) and options for nine more.
For Bell, the show represented a milestone. The company announced the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe, to be delivered to Adam Fawsitt, along with another three 505 purchase agreements. All four helicopters are for private operators.
Also during the show, Rotortrade launched a certified preowned helicopter program in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines. Under the partnership, helicopter broker Rotortrade and the turbine engine manufacturer will help buyers ensure the health of the Safran engines in their newly purchased helicopters.
The certified pre-owned program will include a pre-purchase inspection conducted by Safran experts; a technical report and certificate of compliance to document the engine’s condition; a six-month or 50-hour warranty; credit of up to €21,000 (about $22,000) toward the Safran by-the-hour maintenance program; and access to free training.
In other news, Rotortrade is joining the Fred North Helicopter Safety Mentorship program as a founding partner. The mentorship program “solidifies the long-standing relationship between Fred North and Rotortrade, highlighting their shared commitment to improving safety standards within the helicopter industry,” according to Rotortrade.
Implementation of the program, led by Fred and Peggy North, will see seasoned pilots act as ambassadors who will “carefully vet and recruit a pool of mentors who will guide young pilots, providing them with the knowledge, support, and tools needed to build successful and safe careers in aviation.” Plans call for the expansion of the program worldwide, as well as the development of an online platform where young pilots can be paired with mentors.
After a Covid-related postponement, EHA—working with EASA and VAl—debuted the European Rotors as a show and safety conference in 2021. Organizers were encouraged that the initial event still drew more than 150 exhibitors from 36 countries despite the pandemic delay, and it laid the groundwork for the future of the event. Organizers opted to rotate the event annually but have Cologne, Germany—home to EASA headquarters—as the anchor location, hosting it roughly every other year.
In fact, the 2025 edition has been scheduled there, from November 17 to 20, and it is already taking shape. “We have registered a record number of exhibitors and sold square meters of exhibition space,” Kämpfe said.
—AIN staff contributed to this report.

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