Advanced aviation conference opens at Royal Pines
While Mayor Tom Tate was announcing the potential for air taxis on the Gold Coast, a conference hosting leading advanced aviation figures has got underway at Royal Pines Resort in Ashmore.
The RotorTech 2026 Vertical Flight Exposition opened today, bringing together experts in the fields of rotary-wing aircraft, uncrewed systems and advanced air mobility for the country’s premier industry-only vertical flight event.
Combining traditional helicopter operations and emerging advanced air mobility and uncrewed technologies, the event has attracted 125 exhibitors from 11 nations.
It has also turned part of the resort’s golf course into a helicopter parking area.
The event is a collaboration between the Australian Helicopter Industry Association and the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems.
The three-day program includes a major industry exhibition, an integrated conference and a combined program of 41 education sessions.
A key feature of the conference is an aircraft and technology display, showcasing capability across emergency services, training, commercial and next-generation aviation systems.
Major companies involved include Aibus, Bell, Robinson Helicopter Company and Leonardo.
The display also includes the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter EC135, highlighting the critical role of rotary-wing aviation in search and rescue and emergency response operations across Australia.
Bell used the event to announce the commissioning of three Bell 429 helicopters by the Queensland Police Service for use in North Queensland.
The addition of the three new helicopters brings the total of Bell aircraft in the Queensland Police Service fleet to six.
The newly commissioned Bell 429 helicopters are equipped with high-resolution cameras and night vision capabilities.
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