Partnership Dedicates New Space On Grounds For Helicopters and VTOLs

The Experimental Aircraft Association announced that next year’s AirVenture, the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” will be showcasing the vertical lift segment of the industry in partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

Starting with next year’s event, aircraft including helicopters and VTOL aircraft will have a dedicated space in AirVenture’s Aviation Gateway Park. The space will also feature other elements such as new and emerging technologies as well as recruitment for new jobs in the industry.

Ren Scott, EAA Vice President of Business Development, Sales, and Events explained, "The ability to work with Robinson Helicopters and VAI to give EAA members and AirVenture visitors a closer look at the world of vertical flight is a significant step forward. While we've always had a welcome rotorcraft presence at our annual convention, this new partnership will enable us to showcase more GA and commercial helicopters as well as the many fascinating innovations happening in the world of vertical lift."

To emphasize and get the word out about the new vertical lift area, EAA will be promoting the space through its communication channels as well as attending events like VAI’s Verticon in Atlanta in March 2026.

EAA will also establish more helicopter landing and parking areas around the event grounds with easier access to camping.

VAI was formerly known as the Helicopter Association International and was renamed VAI in 2024, and at the same time its signature annual event was renamed from HAI Heli-Expo to Verticon.

FMI:  www.eaa.org/ , verticalavi.org/