Europe’s leading event for the rotorcraft community is now less than three months away and the organisers of Helitech International have released the first glimpse of its new seminar and workshop programme for the 2016 event.

Taking place in Amsterdam from 11-13 October, Helitech International – run in association with the European Helicopter Association (EHA) – will provide helicopter operators, MRO service providers, engineers and pilots with sessions that cover advanced technical information, as well as updates on the latest trends and safety regulations.

Brand new content

New to this year’s event will be the Operators Forum, where operators from across the globe can network with like-minded individuals and discuss the evolving rotorcraft industry and ways of improving missions. Held over a working lunch on Tuesday 11 October, and moderated by a leading industry expert, attendees will be able to set the agenda by submitting topic preferences in advance of the event.

Another new feature will be the Technical Workshops that will offer interactive briefings on different types of technology, fit outs and missions. Delivered by leading businesses, including OEMs who will be exhibiting at Helitech International, such as Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Bell Helicopter, the sessions will enable attendees to garner actionable insights before making purchasing decisions.

Presenting the latest insights

The event will also feature new Insight Seminars, where helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue operations (SAR) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be in the spotlight. On the first day of Helitech International 2016, HEMS operators will be able to hear about future trends in emergency medicine and the impact they will have on air ambulances and mission equipment.

Gillian Jenner, Editorial Director of Conferences and Seminars at Helitech International, commented: “Pre-hospital emergency medical services are evolving and this will inevitably lead to changes in the way helicopter air ambulances, across the globe, operate. The types of medicine that need to be carried and the care that needs to be given will be on the agenda at the event and our speakers will be helping the rotorcraft industry respond to the changing landscape.”

Attendees will also be able to learn how rotorcraft businesses are integrating UAVs and systems into their operations, to provide a complementary suite of services. As part of the agenda, leading experts will highlight how the exciting and growing virtual and augmented reality sectors are currently being utilised to bring added benefits to operators.

Helicopters are no longer seen as a luxury and there is an ever increasing focus on delivering a quick return on the investment. As a result, Helitech International will also provide attendees with sessions devoted to helping operators create efficiency gains.

Developing new strategies

To help the rotorcraft community to plan for the future, Helitech International’s Business Leaders Forum will provide a platform to discuss the most pertinent business and strategy issues facing their operations.

Throughout the session on Wednesday 12 October, business leaders will be joined by experts from across the rotorcraft supply chain. Those in attendance will be able to hear speakers highlight key market insights and opinions on issues set to impact the industry’s future.

The European Helicopter Association’s view

On the opening day of Helitech International 2016, visitors will be able to attend a series of seminars hosted by the EHA. As part of the programme, the European Aviation Safety Agency will update attendees on the organisation’s progress and its achievements to-date.

During the afternoon session, the EHA will host an interactive session designed to tackle some of the helicopter operators’ main concerns. Age 60, refuelling, aerial work, oxygen requirement and pilot licences will all be covered and attendees will be able to raise questions and provide feedback on each topic.

Delivering safer operations

While the number of helicopter-related accidents has decreased over the years, safety remains hugely important and will form a key part of this year’s programme. The final day will feature the Safety Workshop, hosted by the European Helicopter Safety Team (EHEST) and the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), that will enable operators to discuss the changing landscape of safety awareness as new and evolving threats emerge.

John Hyde, Event Director of Helitech International, added: “This year’s event is all about inspiring the rotorcraft industry and challenging the way businesses think. There are numerous challenges facing operators, such as the unpredictable future of the oil and gas market. The programme that we have put together will provide a wealth of information that will enable businesses throughout the helicopter supply chain to identify growth areas and develop new strategies to secure their long term futures.”