Helikopter - Droner står på programmet i år - Curt Lewis

Rotortech 2020 embraces unmanned flight

Rotortech 2020, the region's premier helicopter systems showcase and forum, will incorporate unmanned aerial systems in its exhibition and conference program for the first time when it moves to Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) next year.

With a comprehensive three-day industry conference program (free to registered delegates and trade visitors), Rotortech 2020 will feature helicopter manufacturer technical workshops, the Australian Helicopter Industry Association's annual conference and a Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) conference. It will also include an industry exhibition showcasing more than 100 helicopter and unmanned flight related companies.

For the first time, Rotortech 2020 will also feature an Australian Association for Unmanned Systems (AAUS) conference, unmanned vehicle exhibitors and updates on unmanned flight covering new technologies, safety aspects and potential business opportunities for existing helicopter operators.

Hosted by the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA), Rotortech 2020 will be conducted by not-for-profit Aerospace Australia Limited, which also conducts the biennial Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Victoria.

Australian Helicopter Industry Association president Ray Cronin said sessions on the proliferation of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles around the world would be a natural fit for the region's premier helicopter industry conference.

"Unmanned aerial vehicles are moving in to new roles in fields previously dominated by manned helicopters, from agriculture to emergency services, survey and aerial asset management," Cronin said. "These developments can create issues for existing helicopter operators, but they can also create business opportunities.

"Experience has shown that the most successful operators of unmanned aircraft are those who understand the task to which the unmanned vehicle is being applied. So existing helicopter operators are best placed to operate unmanned aircraft effectively, and above all safely, in fields previously dominated by manned helicopters, or in allied applications that may not even have been possible with manned helicopters in the past."

Cronin said Rotortech 2020 would provide a timely platform for discussion of industry issues.

"The success of Rotortech 2018 demonstrated that the Australian helicopter industry needs a forum to highlight both the challenges and successes in our industry," he said. "Operators face issues such as regulation and recruitment, but as an industry we are also advancing and adopting new technologies and new ways of doing business. Rotortech is the industry's own forum for sharing this information for the benefit of all."

The Rotortech 2018 conference and exposition held on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in May last year attracted an unprecedented 996 registered delegates and more than 80 industry exhibitors. Dramatic growth in demand has prompted a move to the RICC at Brisbane Showgrounds as a larger, more easily accessible venue for Rotortech 2020, to be held 16-18 June 2020.

"With a year to go before Rotortech 2020 we have 80 percent of our exhibition space allocated and 80 percent of those are returning exhibitors," said Rotortech 2020 CEO Ian Honnery.

"Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre is a superb venue that will provide increased exhibition space and conference facilities and capital city ease of access for Australian and overseas delegates. It will also allow exhibitors to land helicopters for display at the exposition site, which was a popular feature of Rotortech 2018."

The enhanced Rotortech 2020 program will include:

Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) Conference

MRO Forum supported by Australia's Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Business Association (AMROBA)

Expanded manufacturers workshops

STEM and careers program

Enhanced AHIA Awards and gala dinner

Innovation Awards

Drone flying demonstrations

New technology showcase

Rotortech 2020 will also include more promotional options for exhibitors:

Increased external helicopter display spaces

Helicopter display space on the expo floor

Greater area for networking functions

One-on-one meeting rooms