Associations Will Reportedly Collaborate On Multiple Initiatives

Helicopter Association International (HAI) has announced a new level of partnership and collaboration with the European Helicopter Association (EHA).

This agreement solidifies a long-term relationship between the two associations for the international VTOL industry, recognizing their aligned values and missions and formalizing their ability to collaborate on initiatives and programs. The agreement will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

EHA and HAI made the announcement at the 2021 EUROPEAN ROTORS VTOL Show and Safety Conference in Cologne, Germany, on Nov. 16. EHA produced the show in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Peter Moeller, chairman of EHA, which represents the helicopter community in 11 European countries, made the announcement at the event-opening press conference, asking James Viola, president and CEO of HAI, to join him on stage.

In announcing the partnership, Moeller said, "The European Helicopter Association and Helicopter Association International share common priorities, interests, and goals in promoting safety, professionalism, and innovative advancements within the industry, as well as driving to improve the economic viability of the VTOL sector. Recently, our two associations have been looking at ways we can more closely work together by taking advantage of collaborative opportunities that draw on the best of each organization-those programs that we have already determined to be successful-so that we are able to work more efficiently in supporting our members and the industry."

"This partnership strengthens the already-close relationship between HAI and EHA and represents our commitment to work together to meet our aligned goals. We both want to see a VTOL industry with zero accidents that is able to continue its work on behalf of society while being economically vibrant, growing, diverse, and sustainable," said Viola. "By combining our resources and efforts, we will see increased efficiencies that will in turn help HAI and EHA to make a greater impact. We firmly believe our members and the international VTOL community will benefit from this agreement."

The EHA and HAI teams have already combined efforts on several projects. On the international level, the two are both active in the Vertical Aviation Safety Team and within HAI's International Partnership Program; at the regional level, HAI supported EHA in marketing and operational support as it organized the first edition of EUROPEAN ROTORS.

FMI: www.rotor.org, www.eha-heli.eu