Future takes flight at Rotortech 2026

This year’s edition delivered record participation across multiple measures, highlighting the event’s growing international profile and the broader expansion of the rotorcraft and advanced air mobility industries.

Organisers confirmed Rotortech 2026 featured 125 exhibiting companies – an increase of 11.6 per cent on the previous event – alongside representatives from 21 nations. Sponsorship support also surged, with 24 sponsors participating, representing a growth of 200 per cent compared with 2024.

The event also hosted 41 conference and speaker sessions across the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) Conference and Advanced Air Mobility Summit programs, alongside 21 static aircraft and technology displays, 12 networking events and five media partners.

A major focus of the final day was workforce development and industry engagement, with 52 students from Benowa State High School’s aerospace program participating in Rotortech’s Careers Day initiative.

Year 11 and 12 students met directly with aviation and aerospace industry representatives to explore career pathways spanning aviation, engineering and advanced aerospace technologies.

Students from the two winning schools in the National Student Challenge also travelled from Townsville and Maroochydore to participate in a joy flight over the Gold Coast, giving them a rare firsthand experience.

Rotortech 2026 also highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between traditional helicopter operations and the emerging advanced air mobility sector, with significant crossover between the AHIA Conference and the Advanced Air Mobility Summit, presented by the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems.

The convergence reflected broader industry trends towards integrated airspace management, shared capability development and new operational models across the vertical flight ecosystem.

With attendance records broken for the third consecutive event, organisers said the exposition demonstrated both the maturity of the established rotorcraft industry and the accelerating development of next-generation air mobility technologies.

AMDA chief executive Justin Giddings said the success of the event reflected the continued strength and transformation of the sector.

“Rotortech 2026 has reflected the strong momentum across Australia’s vertical flight industry, with record participation from exhibitors, delegates and partners. This growth demonstrates a sector that is not only expanding, but increasingly converging around a shared vision for the future of air mobility,” he said.

The exposition would, Giddings added, continue evolving alongside the rapidly changing industry landscape.

“As the sector expands and diversifies, Rotortech will grow with it. Our focus is on ensuring the event remains the central platform for connection across the industry, supporting its long-term trajectory in Australia and beyond.”

Rotortech was held every two years and had become Australia’s flagship event for the vertical flight industry, bringing together organisations involved in helicopters, uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility technologies.

The event was delivered in partnership with major conference stakeholders including the Australian Helicopter Industry Association and the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems, and served as a key forum for manufacturers, operators, regulators, researchers and service providers from across Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Beyond showcasing new aircraft and technologies, Rotortech played an increasingly important role in supporting workforce development, regulatory engagement and procurement opportunities, while strengthening Australia’s aviation capability and preparedness for the future.

The next Rotortech Vertical Flight Exposition will be held at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre from 16–18 May 2028.