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!

The 2023 edition of Helitech 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 26th |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 26th |11:00am

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.

Keynote Theatre 1

MARK BALSDON - NATS

Head of New Airspace Users Business Development and Account Management

Empowering the Future of Airspace tues 26th |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)

Policy Specialist – Vertiports

Vertiports - Regulating Novel Aerodromes weds 27th |11:00am 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

Phil’s career began as an Avionic engineering apprentice at the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard Fleetlands in Gosport Hampshire. Career highlights include: Project engineer for the Joint SAR Helicopter Procurement; Managing through life support of 20+ MOD UAV capabilities which provided surveillance and information superiority for the RAF, RN and Army; Project managed the introduction of new technology into UK Search and Rescue Helicopters; Responsible for overseeing the transition of UK Search and Rescue helicopters; Winner of the 2019 International Maritime Safety Organisation Award for Innovation in Search and Rescue

PHILIPP SCHARTAU - MCKINSEY

Associate Partner

Unlocking AAM Market Success tues 26th |12:30pm Keynote Theatre 1

DAVE DREWITT - THALES weds 27th |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.

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 26th |14:00pm Keynote Theatre 2

Generating Coherence of Army Open and Specified Class RPAS tues 26th |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.