Due to the latest developments in regard to the spread of COVID-19, the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA are postponing the first edition of the European Rotors exhibition. The exhibition will not be held as planned from 10-12 November 2020, but will be pushed back to 16-18 November 2021. The organisers are already developing a concept for dedicated digital formats.

“The fact that COVID-19 cases are rising again so strongly across almost all of Europe has resulted in a negative domino effect,” says Peter Moeller, chairman of EHA. “With more than 100 confirmed exhibitors, a unique conference and training programme, and the always strong support from the industry and the national associations, we felt we were on track for the premiere of European Rotors. But with many European countries and regions, which are key markets for the show, becoming risk areas, it is very hard for attendees to travel to Germany due to the quarantine and travel regulations. Therefore, and because we feel responsible for the safety and health of our exhibitors and potential visitors, EHA and EASA together with key industry stakeholders of the rotorcraft community share the assessment that the health risks for our visitors and exhibitors are too high. It is with a heavy heart that we now need to take this serious step together after all the work we have invested and the overwhelmingly positive feedback and contribution we received from all sides of the industry.”

EASA, which is partnering with EHA for the European Rotors event, also regrets the need for the postponement. The training element of the Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium will also need to be postponed. However, EASA will maintain part of the Symposium agenda in a digital format, alongside some European Rotors sessions. “It is deeply disappointing that European Rotors will not be able to be launched as planned in 2020, but we need to accept the reality of the COVID-19 situation,” says David Solar, head of VTOL at EASA. “We hope nevertheless that many people will join us for the virtual events and discussions that will take place online.”

Dr. Frank Liemandt, show director of European Rotors, adds: “We were convinced until the end that we would be able to overcome the challenges we are facing due to the coronavirus. However, our ambition is to bring together the whole European community, and this is obviously not possible at the moment. Therefore we look forward to welcoming the rotorcraft branch next year from November 16 to 18 in Cologne. We will work hard with our partner Messe Friedrichshafen to make the live premiere in 2021 a huge success. In the meantime we are developing a concept to transfer parts of our planned programme into digital formats. Our aim is to provide the community with educational content, knowledge transfer and the latest market information over the next months. Details will be announced shortly.”