EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 Strengthens Europe’s Vertical Flight Industry in Cologne
EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 wrapped up on 20 November after four days of exhibitions, training, and safety-focused dialogue that firmly established the show as the central meeting place for Europe’s rotorcraft and VTOL community. The show, owned and co-organised by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), managed by European Rotors GmbH, and produced by Vertical Aviation International (VAI), drew 5,478 attendees (17.5 percent increase over 2024) and featured 266 exhibitors and 23 aircraft at Koelnmesse in Cologne.
This year’s edition showed real progress — with operators, manufacturers, institutions and service providers aligned around safety, sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, and the future workforce. The show also delivered a broad programme shaped around operational excellence and regulatory advancement.
Fredrick Kämpfe chairman of EHA, emphasised that the show’s continued growth reflects the industry’s overall development.
“Our community is shifting decisively from discussion to delivery. What we witnessed this year in Cologne was an ecosystem ready to tackle challenges together. That is the true strength of EUROPEAN ROTORS — it brings the entire sector together, including the regulator, with a shared focus on action. This momentum is vital as we work towards a more competitive industry and advance sustainability across rotorcraft operations.
Stefano Fico, Head of EASA’s General Aviation and VTOL Department said “There are always tangible benefits when the rotorcraft community works together. The EASA Rotorcraft Symposium and EUROPEAN ROTORS provided the opportunity for regulatory authorities, manufacturers, operators, suppliers and other organisations to discuss practical actions to address the key strategic challenges and operational safety issues.”
The 2025 edition marked the show’s fifth year and highlighted its steady growth, stronger industry participation, and the value it brings to Europe’s rotorcraft community.
Key Highlights
Opening Ceremony
EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 opened with a high-profile Opening Ceremony at Koelnmesse, attended by Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, Minister Oliver Krischer of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lord Mayor of Cologne Torsten Burmester, alongside senior representatives from the European Helicopter Association (EHA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the German Helicopter Association (DHV). In their remarks, the speakers stressed the vital role of the rotorcraft and VTOL sector in supporting mobility, safety, emergency response, and sustainable aviation across Europe.
Innovation Showcase
Attendees engaged with displays covering sustainable propulsion, digitised operations, advanced training systems, and evolving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concepts. Demonstrations in the EASA Rotor Safety Zone offered practical, hands-on instruction that drew strong participation from pilots and operators.
EASA Rotorcraft Symposium
A cornerstone of the event, the symposium brought regulators, industry leaders, and technical experts together for briefings on certification, the integration of new aircraft technologies, the rotorcraft safety landscape, operational challenges, cybersecurity and mental health.
Education and Career Programmes
Technical workshops, operator best-practice sessions, and Career Day programming connected students and young professionals with training providers and industry recruiters.
Networking and Business Development
Companies used the show as the moment to unveil products, announce partnerships, and close deals. Press conferences hosted by exhibitors ensured structured engagement with media throughout the week.
Kämpfe highlighted the event’s growing strategic relevance, “EUROPEAN ROTORS is now a must-attend event for anyone serious about the future of vertical flight. The connections formed here, and the rich exchange of operational experience and technical insight, make it the defining VTOL gathering in Europe.”
EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026
Planning is already underway for EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026.
30 November – 3 December 2026 (Exhibits Open 1 – 3 December)
EUREXPO Lyon
Lyon, France
For more information on programme highlights, photos, and next year’s event details, visit www.europeanrotors.eu.
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