Heli-Expo breaks records

Janice Wood | Airshows & Fly-Ins, Associations, General Aviation News | February 19, 2012

The Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo 2012 concluded Feb. 14 in record-breaking fashion. By the time show ended Tuesday afternoon, 19,239 people had walked through the doors, breaking the old record of 17,995 — set in 2009 — by more than 1,200.

The show also broke the record for the number of exhibitors with more than 650 and maxed out a 1 million square foot convention facility. In addition, the annual job fair drew more than 1,000 people interested in a career in helicopters — also a record.

“Heli-Expo is already the largest helicopter trade show in the world,” said HAI President Matt Zuccaro. “But it would not be possible without the strong support of the entire helicopter industry — both our exhibitors and our attendees — year after year. For that, I’m very thankful.”

There were 60 aircraft on display on the show floor. More than 40 of them flew into and out of a temporary heliport set up with the support of the City of Dallas Department of Aviation and the FAA. Others were trucked in.

The mood in the hall was extremely upbeat among both exhibitors and attendees. Airframe manufacturers reported very strong orders during the show, HAI officials said.

“For four years in a row, now, Heli-Expo has grown in size and number of exhibitors,” said Zuccaro. “We’re looking forward to next year’s show in Las Vegas.

Heli-Expo 2013 will be held March 4-7, 2013, in Las Vegas, with courses, seminars, and meetings on March 4 and the exhibit hall open March 5-7.

Helicopter Association International is a professional trade association representing more than 3,000 members around the globe in more than 70 nations. HAI’s members safely operate more than 5,500 helicopters approximately 2.5 million hours each year.

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