13 December 2023
EUROPEAN ROTORS SHOW 2023
The latest annual European Rotors show took place in Madrid, Spain in late November 2023, attracting more visitors, more exhibitors and more helicopters than in Cologne in 2022. The Gallagher Specialty Aerospace team were delighted to welcome a number of clients and other businesses to our stand, as well as taking the opportunity to catch up on the news and views from many organisations across the rotor wing sector.
With so many different strands to the global rotor wing community, there are both global challenges as well as regional and local factors, but it is clear that some issues affect almost every commercial rotor wing organisation.
Shortages of pilots and engineers
A perennial issue, the pressure across all aviation sectors for qualified pilots and engineers shows no sign of lessening – in fact, the challenges continue to grow as operators of all shapes and sizes scramble to compete for (almost) any crew and engineers. The cost to qualify as a pilot merely intensifies the problems and any flight training initiatives such as the Bristow / Helicentre Leicester UK apprenticeship programme can become recruitment hot spots for other operators to dip into.
Global Supply Chain Issues
The new normal across the global aerospace sector and rotor wing operators are not immune from the risks of counterfeit parts that have typically affected the fixed wing aerospace sector, whilst post-COVID-19 supply chain disruption and shifting geo-political factors continue to affect Operators business models in terms of the cost of parts as well as being able to maintain operational (serviceable) capacity to provide services to customers.
Technology
It is hard to consider any aspect of the aerospace sectors that is not undergoing fundamental change that can be attributed to technology - whether it is the opportunity for greater virtual reality simulator training; AI pushing the boundaries of R&D further and faster; alternative fuel sources or simply the diversity of future aerial platforms. The future of the vertical lift sector will undoubtedly become a mix of different platforms and technologies – recent analysis by the HAI identified 32 different generic categories of missions that some form of vertical lift aircraft undertake and it is clear that the future vertical lift airspace will comprise a hybrid mix of conventional helicopters, UAMs, AAM, e-VTOL aircraft etc.
Regulation and Certification
“The problem with aviation” according to David Solar, EASA Head of GA and VTOL “is that it’s a very big subject” is never truer than when considering the thorny issues of certification and regulation for manufacturers, operators and regulators alike. Commercial pressures to launch new models or upgrades or UAV/AAM aircraft, backed by venture capitalists keen to see a return on their investment, compete with the demands and needs of existing airspace users, safety experts and environmental initiatives.
However, there are also many reasons for optimism for rotor wing operators.
- The General Aircraft Manufacturers Association (GAMA), reported helicopter deliveries were up by 30.4% in the first half of 2023;
- Renewed activity in the offshore support sector, partially driven by western European countries needs to seek alternative energy supplies including the increase investment in renewal energy supplies, following the invasion of Ukraine;
- The continuous evolution of possible uses for vertical flight operations, whether conventional helicopters or new aerial platforms;
- Continued progress on safety and survivability across all forms of vertical flight;
- A resurgent MRO sector, supporting the continuing increase in flying hours.
The Gallagher Specialty Aerospace team continue to work closely with our clients across the global aerospace sector, helping to develop insurance and risk management options to enable operators, manufacturers and support organisations to operate with the assurance of fit-for-purpose insurance and risk managements solutions.
Keeping abreast in this dynamic sector is vital to supporting our clients, many of whom are at the cutting edge of vertical flight sector. The European Rotors Show in Madrid was simply the latest landing pad for the industry and an opportunity for us to connect with clients and meet new players. Our Aerospace colleagues globally are always available to meet and discuss how we can support our clients, whether informally or at events such as HAI in Anaheim, California between 26 – 29th February 2024 and even the next European rotors show, in Amsterdam in early November 2024.
The Walbrook Building 25 Walbrook London, EC4N 8AW
Let's talk
Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 119013.