Helitech has announced plans to stage an event in Spain in 2006. Exhibition director Sue Bradshaw says she has found the perfect airfield site for an exhibition and conference, five miles from the centre of Madrid, and has finalised arrangements to establish a new show there in October.

“With a 20 year track record in England”, she says, “the show is well-established and we have no intention of altering its unique character. However, the helicopter industry moves fast and, if you do business in southern Europe, the UK is not always the best place.

“Some of our exhibitors are keen to target continental operators, and we also think the time is right for Helitech to grow into an annual event. We have found the perfect venue at Cuatro Vientos airfield, a mixed police and GA traffic field with no scheduled services to restrict exhibitor or visitor flying requirements.

“In October, many summer contracts in southern Europe will have ended and there will be lessons to learn and equipment to be procured for 2007.”

The event, which will take place between October 3 to 5, is expected to focus on topics of increasing importance to civil and military helicopter operators around the world, but details are yet to be finalised, Bradshaw noted.