HAI Rebrands as Vertical Aviation International

The nonprofit trade organization says the new name is part of a ‘transformative journey.’

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 04:24 PM ET

Verified

This year’s event from included the announcement that Helicopter Association International (HAI) was rebranding as Vertical Aviation International. [Courtesy: VAI]

Key Takeaways:

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) has rebranded as Vertical Aviation International (VAI) after 75 years.
The rebrand reflects the evolving vertical aviation industry, encompassing new aircraft and technology beyond traditional helicopters to include all vertical or short takeoff and landing (VTOL/STOL) aircraft.
VAI aims to better serve the broader vertical aviation community and engage more effectively with legislators and regulators, with its annual conference now named VERTICON.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Helicopter Association International, the nonprofit trade organization founded 75 years ago, announced Tuesday that it had rebranded as Vertical Aviation International (VAI) due to the evolving vertical aviation industry.

Board chair Nicole Battjes and president and CEO James Viola said in a letter to VAI members that the name change was made to reflect the “wave of expansion” being ushered in by new aircraft and technology. They said the new moniker is part of a “transformative journey” but promised members the group’s commitment to the industry wouldn’t change.