Cologne, Germany — 20 November 2025 – EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 concluded after four days of exhibitions, training, and industry dialogue, cementing its position as the central meeting place for Europe’s rotorcraft and VTOL community. The event, 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), attracted 5,478 attendees—an increase of 17.5 percent over 2024—and featured 266 exhibitors and 23 aircraft at Koelnmesse in Cologne.

This year’s edition brought operators, manufacturers, institutions, and service providers together around key themes of safety, sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, and workforce development. The programme emphasised operational excellence and regulatory advancement, reflecting the sector’s move from discussion to delivery.

Fredrick Kämpfe, Chairman of EHA, said the growth of EUROPEAN ROTORS mirrored the development of the rotorcraft sector:

“What we witnessed this year in Cologne was an ecosystem ready to tackle challenges together. EUROPEAN ROTORS 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, highlighted the practical benefits of the event:

“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.”

Key Highlights of EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025

Opening Ceremony
The event opened with a ceremony attended by Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, North Rhine-Westphalia Minister Oliver Krischer, and Cologne’s Lord Mayor Torsten Burmester, alongside representatives from EHA, EASA, and the German Helicopter Association (DHV). Speakers emphasised the rotorcraft and VTOL sector’s role in mobility, safety, emergency response, and sustainable aviation.

Innovation Showcase
The exhibition featured sustainable propulsion, digitised operations, advanced training systems, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concepts. The EASA Rotor Safety Zone provided hands-on instruction for pilots and operators.

EASA Rotorcraft Symposium
The symposium brought together regulators, industry leaders, and technical experts for briefings on certification, new aircraft technologies, safety, operational challenges, cybersecurity, and mental health.

Education and Career Programmes
Technical workshops, best-practice sessions, and Career Day connected students and young professionals with training providers and recruiters.

Networking and Business Development
Exhibitors used the show to launch products, announce partnerships, and engage with the media through structured press conferences.

Kämpfe noted the event’s growing strategic significance:

“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
The next edition is scheduled for 30 November – 3 December 2026, with exhibits open from 1–3 December, at EUREXPO Lyon, France. Further details and programme highlights are available at www.europeanrotors.eu.