The global commercial helicopter market is expected to experience 3.08% growth by 2023 according to a recent report(1). However this modest expansion obscures the fact that demand for new platforms in emerging markets will soar within the period 2013-23.

Latin America is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate of almost 15% for commercial helicopters until 2023, whilst China, India, Australia, Japan, the UAE and Qatar are amongst a number of regions set for a comparable increase. For this reason, Helitech International 2014 – developed in association with the European Helicopter Association – is experiencing record re-booking rates as stakeholders look to secure new business.

Key rotorcraft suppliers including Russian Helicopters, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland have already secured locations at Helitech International 2014, which will take place at Amsterdam RAI from 14-16 October 2014.

Since the 2013 show closed, and a full 10 months before Amsterdam RAI opens its doors, 64% of the exhibition floor has been re-booked for 2014. The unprecedented popularity has been prompted by, amongst other attributes, Helitech International’s emergence as the largest international, dedicated helicopter exhibition and conference in Europe. The event represents every tier of the supply chain and has enjoyed prolific growth in recent years.

“Following our success at last year’s show, we were keen to re-sign for 2014”, said Trevor Pritchard Director of Public Affairs at Vector Aerospace UK a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. “The event provides an ideal opportunity to showcase our renowned MRO capabilities to the civil rotorcraft community, following years of success in meeting the exacting standards of the military sector”.

In 2013, 220 exhibiting companies representing 26 countries attended the event alongside 5,600 attendees – making it 30% larger than the previous edition, which was itself 11% larger than in 2011. “The statistical data proves that Helitech International has enjoyed perpetual success within recent years”, said Exhibition
Director John Hyde. “Despite the recent economic downturn, the event has flourished on account of its unique ability to act as a hub for the rotorcraft industry and provide a convivial environment which prime contractors and niche suppliers attend en masse. For 2014, Amsterdam RAI is an ideal location as it offers exceptional links to the rest of Europe and further afield”.

Significantly Helitech International 2013 also recorded a 20% increase in the number of international attendees, which has prompted both pre-existing and first-time exhibitors to commit to the show.

“Helitech’s growing presence internationally makes it a must-attend event, and we are looking forward to meeting stakeholders from a number of emerging markets”, said Mr Pritchard.

In conjunction with a busy show-floor, the Helitech International conference will once again open its doors to exhibitors and visitors. The wide-ranging programme will cover industry trends and address current and future challenges for the rotorcraft industry.