Helicopter Association of Southern Africa names new president The Helicopter Association of Southern Africa (HASA), one of 17 associations that participate in the VAI Global Program, has appointed André Coetzee as president, succeeding Sanjeeth Sewgolam. Coetzee holds ratings on more than 45 helicopter types and has accumulated over 16,000 hours flying. He is a registered professional engineer and currently serves as executive chairman of Henley Air. Coetzee also holds an aircraft maintenance engineer and ATP (helicopter) licenses and acts as a designated flight examiner (Class I) on behalf of the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Sewgolam is Airbus Southern Africa’s head of aviation safety for Africa and the Middle East. During his time as HASA president, Sewgolam worked with helicopter service providers to resolve regulatory challenges related to operations. He also worked with the Vertical Aviation Safety Team and expanded the organization’s representation at VERTICON 2025 in Dallas, Texas. In addition, he solidified an agreement to collaborate with VAI during the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo, which takes place Sep. 16–20, 2026, in Tshwane. “We look forward to working with André to help advance the goals of the helicopter community in Southern Africa,” says VAI President and CEO François Lassale. “We are also incredibly appreciative for Sanjeeth’s service in leading the organization during a period of growth and strengthened international collaboration.”
