Heli-Expo Shows Growth for 6th Consecutive Year
March 11, 2013
Aisles still were bustling and talk of new contracts was in the air on the closing day of the Heli-Expo 2013 that took place March 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Produced by Helicopter Association International, the annual show for the helicopter industry featured 736 exhibitors on nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space and attracted 20,393 attendees, many of whom were here to check out 60 beautiful choppers.
“Las Vegas has been a great city for us,” said Chris Dancy, director of communications and public relations for HAI. “We’ve set records in just about every category. It’s our sixth consecutive year of growth.”
Dancy noted that the helicopter industry weathered the economic downturn better than most parts of the aviation industry. The off-shore transport segment is particularly strong, as demand for oil continues to rise and distances from shore to new oil rigs are increasing.
“In the Gulf of Mexico, they move 10,000 people a day,” Dancy said. “Medium to heavy twins (helicopters) are going gangbusters.”
As usual, the show attracted a large international contingent, with Russian, European and Chinese consortiums having a large presence on the showfloor.
“This show has really become the one place in the world to come and see pretty much everything the civilian helicopter market has to offer,” Dancy said.
First-time exhibitors’ pavilion, new this year, received positive feedback. Show management is considering developing other pavilions for future shows.
The buzz on the floor was that along with off-shore, the markets for commercial, law enforcement and search and rescue helicopters are improving.
Rapid growing economies are upgrading their fleets. Top players are investing major resources in innovation and are on the quest to produce safe, smart high-performing machines while maintaining competitive costs of ownership.
“I just saw the automated rig approach at Sikorsky for offshore oil rigs. It practically lands itself. It’s incredible,” said first-time attendee David Johnston with Dreamhost.com. “This show is like big boys heaven.”
Aviation industry consultant Eddie Morris with Nighthawk Consulting also had a positive experience at the show. “Our clients are seeing new growth,” he said. “I can’t speak for all segments, but what we’re very optimistic about what we’re seeing.”
Exhibitor Pam Jenkins with United Rotocraft said that their company is poised for a strong year and the leads generated at the show will keep them busy for several months ahead.
“It’s been awesome,” she said. “Business has never really slacked off for us so we’ve never had to let people go but now we are actually bringing in new contractors because of all the new aircrafts coming in. The show is breaking records and it’s our goal to break records too.”
Heli-Expo 2014 will be held Feb. 24-27 in Anaheim.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
Add new comment