Airbus Helicopter Rotocrafrt Safety Symposium.
Airbus Helicopters Hosts Symposium to Boost Rotorcraft Safety Awareness in India: New Delhi, October 31, 2025 — In a bid to strengthen safety standards within India’s rapidly expanding rotorcraft sector, Airbus Helicopters organized a comprehensive symposium focused on ‘Safety and Support & Services’ in New Delhi on Thursday. The event brought together key stakeholders in the helicopter industry, including regulators, operators, and aviation experts, to discuss critical issues around accident prevention, operational best practices, and the future of safety in India’s growing rotorcraft ecosystem.
The day-long symposium, inaugurated by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), featured high-level addresses by several leaders from Airbus Helicopters. Among the notable speakers were Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia; Florence Verlut, Head of Aviation Safety and Quality at Airbus Helicopters; Jérome Ronssin, Head of the Light Helicopters Programme at Airbus Helicopters; and Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters India and South Asia.
Safety at the Core of Airbus Helicopters’ Vision
The event was designed to foster an open dialogue between regulators and operators on ways to enhance safety and operational efficiency. In her keynote address, Florence Verlut emphasized Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to safety at every stage of helicopter operations. “At Airbus Helicopters, safety is at the heart of every decision we make – from helicopter design and production to maintenance, pilot training, and data analytics,” said Verlut. “Our philosophy is simple: to make every flight safer than the last. Through collaborative forums like this symposium, we are sharing lessons learned and fostering open dialogue with operators and regulators. Our focus is on creating a proactive safety culture and empowering every stakeholder in the ecosystem to play a role in preventing accidents.”
Key Discussions and Insights
Throughout the symposium, various sessions covered a broad spectrum of safety-related topics critical to the future of rotorcraft operations in India. These included discussions on accident statistics, safety management systems, flight data monitoring, decision-making frameworks, and best practices in aerial work. Participants shared valuable insights on real-world applications and operational challenges.
One of the standout elements of the symposium was the sharing of customer case studies and field experiences from Indian helicopter operators. These presentations highlighted several safety innovations being adopted across the sector — ranging from enhanced safety protocols for aerial work missions to advanced measures for emergency response operations. The case studies underscored the increasing focus on integrating new technologies and safety practices into everyday operations.
READ: CFM RISE Programme: Dust Ingestion Testing Marks Key Milestone in Engine Development
Airbus Helicopter Rotocrafrt Safety Symposium.
Collaborative Approach to Future Safety
The symposium concluded with a forward-looking session dedicated to discussing Airbus Helicopters’ plans for improving product safety and reliability in the coming years. Key members from the company’s leadership team outlined the roadmap for the future, with a focus on continued safety enhancements, operational mentorship, and product improvements. The company also emphasized its ongoing efforts to ensure that all helicopter operators in India have access to the best training, resources, and support services to uphold the highest safety standards.
Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India, also underscored the importance of collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, and operators in shaping the future of rotorcraft safety. “Safety is not just about technology; it’s about culture, training, and a shared commitment from everyone in the ecosystem to ensure the highest levels of operational integrity.”
A Growing Rotorcraft Ecosystem
India’s rotorcraft industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for helicopter services in sectors such as emergency response, defense, tourism, and offshore oil and gas operations. With this growth, however, comes the responsibility of ensuring that safety standards keep pace with the expanding fleet and diverse missions.
The Airbus Helicopters symposium comes at a critical juncture, as the Indian aviation sector seeks to meet growing demands while addressing potential risks associated with a rapidly expanding helicopter fleet. The event serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices, while also reaffirming Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to safety leadership.
As India continues to expand its rotorcraft capabilities, the importance of safety and training cannot be overstated. Events like the Airbus Helicopters symposium serve as important touchstones in creating a robust, collaborative safety culture, ensuring that the Indian helicopter industry remains one of the safest in the world. With continued focus on innovation and proactive safety measures, Airbus Helicopters is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of rotorcraft operations in India.
