SAF powers helicopters landing at Verticon event in Dallas

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) powered many of the more than 35 helicopters that flew into the Verticon event, which opens in Dallas, Texas today.

Renewable fuel is key to the development the helicopter industry, according to the organisers Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly known as Helicopter Association International.

This initiative is said to highlight the organisation’s commitment to sustainability in aviation and reducing the industry’s environmental impact. “By utilising SAF at Verticon, VAI aims to support operators’ adoption of cleaner energy solutions, promote industry-wide sustainability efforts, and demonstrate the viability of SAF in rotorcraft applications,” it said in a statement.

James Viola, president and CEO, VAI predicted that the future of vertical aviation depends on the industry’s ability to innovate and adopt sustainable solutions. “By using SAF at Verticon, we are taking a meaningful step toward reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for helicopter operations.”

Billed as the world’s largest vertical aviation event, Verticon 2025 has attracted more than 15,000 visitors from over 85 countries, according to the organisers. Over 600 exhibitors are appearing at this year’s show.

About 60 aircraft will be on display at the annual conference and exposition. More than 35 helicopters arrived by air at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in the city. Additional aircraft arrived by ground transport.

Meanwhile, our sister title Helicopter Investor is attending this year’s event in Dallas. Watch out for more reports later this week. And if you have a topic we ought to cover, please email Mike Stones ar [email protected].