Branding Switch Incorporates Changes in Vertical Flight

The helicopter industry is calling dibs on the upcoming boom in eVTOL aircraft, with the longstanding stakeholder group Helicopter Association International - HAI, usually - changing its name to the more broadly incorporative Vertical Aviation International, or VAI.

The change keeps them on the cutting edge of the rapidly evolving vertical flight ecosystem, guarding valuable market share before eVTOL operators have a chance to head off on their own to build an entirely new clubhouse. The resulting VAI retains all the associations, supports, and relationships of the existing Helicopter industry, and is now open to "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."

“VAI is the world’s preeminent membership association for the entire vertical aviation industry, dedicated to leading the evolution and expansion of vertical flight,” says Nicole Battjes, 2023–24 chair of the VAI Board of Directors. “By focusing on what unites us— the unique capabilities of all vertical flight aircraft—we will leverage our ability to protect access to airspace, elevate safety, and ensure communities around the world are strengthened by the power of vertical flight.”

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,” says 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.”

Their new site will accordingly change its branding, too, changing domains in "late summer 2024."

FMI: www.verticalavi.org