VAI Announces Dates for Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference
Rotortrade named Founding Partner of 2026 Bali conference.
Alexandria, VA (Nov. 12, 2025) —Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces its inaugural Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference (SAASC), to be held May 27–29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Bali in Sanur, Indonesia. The event will gather operators, policymakers, manufacturers, and safety professionals from across the region to strengthen collaboration and share best practices in vertical aviation safety.
Attendee registration opens in Jan. 2026 at verticalavi.org/saasc. Housing at the VAI discount is already available, as are exhibit and sponsorship opportunities.
VAI also announces Rotortrade as the Founding Partner of the 2026 SAASC.
“Safety is the foundation of everything we do,” says François Lassale, president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International. “This conference will focus on practical, locally relevant solutions to the safety challenges faced by operators in Southeast Asia. We’re proud to have so many of the industry’s key stakeholders—including Rotortrade, Airbus, Bell, Willis Aviation and Space, GDHF, and Aerius Leasing—step forward to help shape this important event. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for other organizations interested in being part of the regional safety conversation.”
The three-day conference will feature plenary sessions, technical workshops, and interactive sessions addressing topics such as human factors, decision-making, safety culture, data monitoring, and leadership accountability. Sessions will be led by global and regional experts, including representatives from civil aviation authorities, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to Lassale, the agenda has been designed to reflect the diversity of Southeast Asia’s vertical aviation community. “This region presents unique operational conditions—tropical weather, complex terrain, and rapid growth in both traditional helicopter and emerging powered-lift operations,” he says. “The SAASC gives safety leaders a platform to connect, learn, and apply tools that will make a difference in their daily operations.”
Lassale notes the conference’s focus on program takeaways that will be immediately applicable to local realities and operational needs. “It will be incredibly valuable for the region’s vertical aviation community to come together to collaborate to elevate operational safety. We’re out to help create something that works—for the region, by the region,” says Lassale.
The event will include regulator roundtables, collaborative workshops, regional operator spotlights, and lessons-learned panels, alongside opportunities for networking.
Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly Helicopter Association International (HAI), is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Throughout its 76 years of fueling industry growth through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for its members’ success, VAI has leveraged the power of vertical flight to strengthen communities worldwide. The association welcomes all facets of the vertical aviation industry, including manufacturers, operators, suppliers and vendors, pilots and maintenance technicians, and other aviation professionals. For more information about VAI, please visit: https://verticalavi.org.
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