iscoverAustralia’s signature vertical flight exposition, RotorTech, is updating for 2026 to match the industry it supports.
With over half its exhibition space already reserved, the RotorTech Vertical Flight Exposition is once again on track to showcase the latest in Australia’s helicopter, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and uncrewed flight industries when it lands on the Gold Coast in May 2026.
Formerly known as the RotorTech Helicopter and Uncrewed Flight exposition, RotorTech has adopted its new Vertical Flight Exposition tag for 2026, to reflect the growth and diversification of uncrewed aerial systems and AAM in Australia and the region.
RotorTech 2024 saw 112 exhibitors and more than 2300 visits by the cream of Australia’s vertical flight industry, with 10 helicopters, two full-size AAM mock ups and technology displays on show outdoors next to the world-class golf course at the RACV Royal Pines Resort.
Australian industry peak bodies, the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) and Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) delivered specialist conferences, including the AAUS Advanced Air Mobility summit, covering subjects from regulation and safety to new technologies, aerial firefighting and workforce development. Both organisations will return for RotorTech 2026.
Australia has always been at the forefront of helicopter operations, with one of the world’s largest fleets and leading-edge advances in aeromedical, search and rescue and aerial firefighting operations and technologies. Australian organisations are now proving just as inventive in the new fields of uncrewed aerial systems and AAM.
“When AMDA Foundation delivered its first RotorTech in 2018, vertical flight meant helicopters, as uncrewed aerial systems were yet to achieve their commercial potential,” said Foundation CEO Justin Giddings.
“But with the rapid maturing of the uncrewed aerial systems industry, technologies that were on the drawing board a decade ago are now earning a living every day as part of Australia’s commercial aviation industry.
“And with the advent of Advanced Air Mobility, the technologies on the drawing board and in flight test today hold out the prospect of an exciting future.”
There are still a great many roles for which only a helicopter will do, but uncrewed aerial systems and AAM are also creating new applications across everything from search and rescue to agriculture, survey and law enforcement.
“They are part of the conversation going on in industry, so they need to be part of RotorTech moving forward, with a name that reflects the whole community,” Justin Giddins said.
The 2026 RotorTech Vertical Flight Exposition will run from 6-8 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland.
Find out more at www.rotortech.com.au
