The inaugural editions of Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia, held from 18 to 20 April 2017, received very strong reception and participation from the breadth of leading industry companies and experts, regulators, top executives and academics, establishing them as key touchstone events for the industry.

The inaugural editions hosted over 3,000 trade attendees from 52 countries, of which 24 percent attendees were from overseas. The attendees engaged in high-quality discussions on industry challenges, showcased innovative solutions, and forged strategic partnerships to unlock and drive the industry’s growth potential in the region.

“Home to Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event, and now to Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia, Singapore has established its leading position in providing key strategic platforms for the global fixed wing, rotary wing and unmanned systems industry participants to converge, forge partnerships and tap into the region’s growth potential,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director, Experia Events. “We are very encouraged by the positive response to the inaugural events and the fact that industry players are looking at Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia as must-attend events with its offering of business collaborations, industry knowledge and networking opportunities. We will continue to have a pulse on the industry and bring more exciting dimensions to the future editions.”

“We are very thrilled to see that the attendance at the Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia 2017 is concentrated around the innovations in the industry, especially as both industries start to converge. Participating at the events as founding sponsors reaffirms our commitment to the industries in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Christophe Nurit, Regional Executive Asia Pacific, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company.

– Contributing to the vibrancy of Singapore’s Aviation Landscape

The robust networking and business opportunities that the inaugural Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia have provided for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond make it a critical part of the ecosystem of Singapore’s aviation and aerospace industry, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry and opening doors to key markets for local and global companies alike.

“Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia are very targeted events that have allowed us the opportunity to interact with a myriad of audience who represent the industry’s entire ecosystem,” said Lu Weiyao, Co-Founder and Technical Director, Flare Dynamics Pte Ltd. “The level of exposure that we have attained by participating in the events have gone through the roof and we are certain that from the leads generated at the events, we will be able to expand our network further.”

Additionally, networking programmes such as the VIP Buyers Programme facilitated strategic meetings with public sector representatives from Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei as well as leading industry players such as BP, Shell Aviation, PT Derazona Air Service, Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing, PhilJets Group, Thai Helicopter Services, Waypoint Leasing among others.

“Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia have established a unique platform for us to meet with high-level executives and manufacturers as well as learn more about the industry trends and forecasts for the region,” said Thierry Tea, CEO, PhilJets Group. “As we continue to grow and expand, the events give us an edge into this dynamic industry.”

– Catalyst for Strategic Partnerships Across the Region

Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia also saw the announcement of several significant collaborations, affirming its position as an effective strategic platform of choice for leading industry companies, solutions providers and innovators from across the industry.

Announcements made at the inaugural events include the Airbus Helicopters and SingPost partnership for drone delivery trials. The project, named “Skyways”, aims to develop an aerial drone delivery system for urban environments like Singapore. An initial trial involving transporting small packages using a drone around the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus is expected to take place in early 2018.

“It is a well-organised event. We are happy to meet various customers, partners and suppliers at this event, to share ideas and discuss opportunities to grow the market in this region. We hope to see even more participants from the various mission systems for a more sustainable showcase,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region, Southeast Asia & Pacific, Airbus Helicopters.

Bell Helicopter also had leveraged the events to solidify several partnerships and deliveries across key markets such as Indonesia, India and Vietnam. Tata Steel Group has purchased a second Bell 429 helicopter to support their steel production operations. Air Pacific Utama (PT APU) also signed a purchase agreement of the first Bell 407GXP and Customer Advantage Plan (CAP), the first Asia-based customer to sign for the new service solution, at Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia.

“We are pleased with the response to the first edition of the biennial Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia exhibition,” said Sameer A. Rehman, Managing Director, Bell Helicopter Asia Pacific. “We were able to celebrate multiple successes during the exhibition as well as showcase our emerging product technologies and share our vision for the future of rotorcraft.”

Rotorcraft Asia 2017 and Unmanned Systems Asia 2017 are organised by Experia Events with the support of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the Defence Science and Technology Agency, International Enterprise Singapore, the Ministry of Transport, Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

The second edition of Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia, held from 16 to 18 April 2019 at Changi Exhibition Centre, will continue to demonstrate industry relevance to exhibitors and visitors by anticipating market trends, introducing new features as well as offering exhibitors the opportunity to present their latest and most innovative technologies to potential buyers.