KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Helitech Expo has curated a line-up that meets the needs of the global helicopter market. With pressure on the rotorcraft industry following the rise in drone adoption, we have made a commitment to address the concerns surrounding drone adoption as well as how utilising rotorcraft and UAV resources can have a positive impact on industries such as emergency services, military & defence and more!

2023 will provide an array of sessions discussing the future of air transport and how this could be a pivotal moment to enhance the helicopter sector.

DAVE STEPANEK - BRISTOW GROUP

Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer

Overcoming the Hype - Ushering AAM into an Operational Reality tues 11:45am | Keynote Theatre 1

From the very beginning of aviation, successful operations require a pragmatic step-by-step process, especially when new technology is introduced. Advanced Air Mobility is truly a revolutionary new technology. Bristow will outline how we plan to introduce this revolutionary technology and intersect it with our 7 plus years of evolutionary safety management and operational experience. Additionally we will discuss how we must set the scene for the public’s expectations and acceptance.

DARRYL ABELSCROFT - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

Deputy Director, Future of Aviation

Future of Flight: A Shared Vision Between UK Government and Industry tues 11am | Keynote Theatre 1

Through the Future of Flight Industry Group (FFIG), Government and Industry are codesigning an action plan to realise a shared vision for the future of the UAS and AAM sectors in the UK. Darryl will set out the work here to date, the vision and outcomes the group are looking to deliver, and how you can get involved.

MARK BALSDON - NATS

Head of New Airspace Users Business Development and Account Management

Empowering the Future of Airspace tues 13:15pm | Keynote Theatre 1

Mark Balsdon, Head of Customer Services, Airline and Airspace Directorate shares how NATS is embracing transformative technologies that will pave the way for new airspace users, and ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation converge to create a sustainable and technologically empowered airspace ecosystem.

JEREMY (JAM) HARTLEY - UK CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (CAA)

RPAS Safety & Oversight Manager

Vertiports - Regulating Novel Aerodromes weds 11am | Keynote Theatre 1

This seminar will give an overview of the many considerations on regulating vertiports and discuss present and future challenges. It will also give insight on how the CAA is working to ensure the timely integration of safe vertiport design into existing aerodromes, with a view towards future infrastructure developments.

PHIL HANSON - MARITIME & COASTGUARD AGENCY

Aviation Technical Assurance Manager

Coastguard Aviation

Outline of UK Coastguard Aviation - Current and Future weds 12.30pm | Keynote Theatre 1

Phil’s career began as an Avionic engineering apprentice at the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard Fleetlands in Gosport Hampshire. Career Highlights include: Implementing business change in the Defence Aviation Repair Agency; Working in MOD airworthiness policy; Management and development of UAV research programmes for the MOD; Project managing the implementation of interim Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter contract in introducing new technology.

PHILIPP SCHARTAU - MCKINSEY

Associate Partner

Unlocking AAM Market Success tues 12:30pm | Keynote Theatre 1

What does it take for Advanced Air Mobility to become part of everyday life? Looking at technology, infrastructure and mobility ecosystems.

DAVE DREWITT - THALES

Head of Sales and Business Development, Flight Avionics UK

Sharing Skies - Enabling Safe & Secure Drone Operations

The challenge is how to speed up the development of and then implement the key technologies, procedures, and processes the industry will need to usher in a new generation of exciting drone services. All at a scale that makes economic sense. And all in a way that’s safe, secure and, of course, mitigates the potential for maliciously operated drones to negatively impact society.

CRAIG PALMER - BRITISH ARMY

Commander Surveillance Group tues 14:00pm | Keynote Theatre 2

Generating Coherence of Army Open and Specified Class RPAS tues 11:00am | Keynote Theatre 2

RPAS are revolutionising the battlefield and the British Army is fielding Open and Specified class RPAS at scale and pace. Their operation is increasingly an allarms sport and the Army is generating an appropriate governance and assurance regime, underpinned by cultural growth, to enable their safe and effective operation.