Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has selected a helicopter industry veteran with deep global operations, safety, and military experience, François Lassale, as president and CEO. Lassale succeeds James Viola, who left the association earlier this year to become president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
Lassale brings 35 years of military, public service, and commercial aviation experience in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to his new role. The association highlighted his operational expertise, strategic vision, and international perspective in announcing his appointment.
Serving as an aviator with the Royal Air Force, Lassale has held senior roles with both commercial and civil helicopter operators and fixed-wing operators, most recently as CEO of Indonesian operator SGi and as group managing director and CEO for a three-company aviation group, overseeing helicopter operations and aircraft leasing in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. He has served with companies including The Presidential Flight, Royal Jet, and DHL UK.
Further, he has held leadership roles with the global offshore helicopter safety organization HeliOffshore and has been involved in organizations including the Flight Safety Foundation, European Helicopter Association, and National Business Aviation Association. Lassale additionally has been active with VAI, serving as special advisor to the board of directors on international issues.
“François is the right leader at the right time for VAI,” says Rick Kenin, chairman of the VAI board of directors and COO of transport for Boston MedFlight. “As our industry evolves to include both traditional rotorcraft and powered-lift technologies, his safety-first mindset, ability to unify diverse voices, and focus on delivering results will position VAI to lead the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.”
Kenin also praised his vision for the future. “François understands that VAI must not only navigate this period of transformation—we must define it. With his operational and executive background, history of industry advocacy and leadership, and global experience, VAI under François’ leadership will be the most trusted voice uniting the vertical aviation community and driving sustainable growth.”
Lassale noted that he plans to meet with members across the U.S. in the upcoming months to set focused priorities. He added that the industry is undergoing transformative change, with new technologies, airspace integration, evolving safety standards, and workforce needs. “VAI has a critical role to play in guiding that evolution, advocating for our members, and ensuring vertical aviation remains safe, innovative, and economically viable.”