European Rotors to return to Cologne in 2025 with expanded agenda on urban air mobility and safety
Following its successful 2024 edition in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, EUROPEAN ROTORS is set to return to Cologne, Germany, from 17 to 20 November 2025. The event, widely recognised as Europe’s foremost gathering for rotorcraft and vertical aviation, continues to grow as a vital platform for operators, manufacturers, regulators, and service providers in the global vertical flight sector.
Owned by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and produced by European Rotors GmbH with support from Vertical Aviation International (VAI), EUROPEAN ROTORS combines a major exhibition with high-level conferences, educational programmes, and unmatched networking opportunities. The 2024 event in Amsterdam drew almost 5,000 professionals from over 80 countries, featuring more than 200 exhibitors and dozens of aircraft on display, alongside the EASA Rotorcraft Symposium—a key gathering for collaboration on safety and innovation.
Building on this momentum, the 2025 event promises a comprehensive showcase of helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, avionics, equipment, and emerging urban air mobility (UAM) technologies. Attendees will benefit from hands-on demonstrations and exposure to cutting-edge solutions driving the future of vertical flight. The conference programme will include panels and discussions led by global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. Core topics are expected to focus on technological advancements, regulatory developments, safety enhancements, and sustainability—reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to eco-friendly innovation and operational excellence.
Educational opportunities will remain a central feature, with specialist courses and workshops from leading flight academies and industry experts. These sessions cover pilot development, maintenance best practices, and evolving trends in vertical aviation. A notable change for 2025 is the introduction of an all-access standard ticket, which includes entry to the exhibition floor, all conference and education sessions, and, for the first time, the EASA Rotorcraft Symposium on Monday. This single-pass model simplifies attendance and enhances value, with early registration discounts available through mid-September.
The 2024 edition’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Vertical Flight,” underscored the sector’s focus on sustainability and regulatory progress. The EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium held during the event provided a unique forum to discuss operational safety improvements, certification requirements for eVTOL and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and advances in rotorcraft automation and training. These dialogues highlight how EUROPEAN ROTORS serves not only as an exhibition but also as a critical venue for regulatory engagement and the promotion of safety standards.
Fredrik Kämpfe, chairman of the European Helicopter Association, emphasised the event’s role as a “central meeting place for Europe’s rotorcraft and VTOL community” and expressed enthusiasm for welcoming the industry back to Cologne. He highlighted the importance of continuing the strong focus on safety, innovation, and growth, particularly as the sector adapts to new technologies and environmental challenges.
The 2025 event in Cologne will run from Tuesday through Thursday, with exhibition hours from 9 am to 5 pm, and a closing time of 5 pm on Thursday. The event’s official website provides continual updates on the agenda, logistics, and registration details, ensuring participants can plan to maximise their engagement with the diverse offerings.
For executives in associations, confederations, and trade bodies, EUROPEAN ROTORS remains a must-attend event. It not only facilitates critical industry networking but also offers insights into how organisations within the sector are serving their members through education, innovation, and regulatory collaboration. The event’s evolution reflects the dynamic nature of vertical aviation and its growing importance in Europe’s broader aviation landscape.