In response to the rapidly expanding vertical aviation industry, Helicopter Association International (HAI) has changed its name to Vertical Aviation International (VAI).
As the trade association representing the global vertical aviation industry, VAI is open to all manufacturers, operators, suppliers, vendors, pilots, maintenance technicians, and aviation professionals who serve or support aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing, association officials explained.
By widening its focus to encompass all vertical aviation, the association will expand its advocacy with legislators and regulators and provide a forum where all sectors of vertical flight can collaborate on shared challenges, such as vertical aviation infrastructure, certification of new technology, and the safe integration of that technology into the airspace, officials noted.
“Vertical aviation is an essential part of modern life, providing communities with security, connection, and prosperity. Our aircraft fly places others cannot go and accomplish missions that others cannot do,” said James Viola, VAI president and CEO. “VAI’s purpose is to fuel the growth of the vertical aviation industry by providing connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for our members’ success.”
The decision to rebrand stems from the rapid expansion and technological evolution occurring in the vertical aviation industry, officials explained. In addition to a new logo, VAI has renamed its annual conference and trade show VERTICON. The first edition of that show will be held in Dallas in March 2025.
The association is in the process of building a new website, verticalavi.org, which will be launched in late summer 2024. In the meantime, visitors can go to Rotor.org.
HAI began as the California-based Helicopter Council in 1948, supporting six companies operating in what was then a brand-new industry. The association has evolved several times throughout the past 75 years to support the global helicopter industry.
This is a wise change for the organization, except that the 1980s called and want their logo designs back. It does not say cutting-edge to me at all.