Company Overview

• Fleet Size: 48 aircraft
• Employee Count: Over 600
• Year Established: 1965
• Corporate Sales & Marketing: Based in Las Vegas, NV
• Corporate Accounting: Located in Boulder City, NV
• Aircraft Models: Bell 206L, 206B, Bell 407, A-Star 350B BA B2, MD900, EC130, deHavilland Twin Otter
• Partnerships: Grand Canyon National Park, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Defense, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Game and Fish, Tucson Electric Power, Bar 10 Ranch
• Airport Locations: Harry Reid International (LAS), Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), Boulder City Airport (61B), Grand Canyon West Airport (1G4), Page Municipal Airport (PGA)

History

Before ascending to the role of Chairman at Papillon Airways, Elling Halvorson was at the helm of a construction firm specializing in logistically challenging projects in remote locations. Faced with the daunting task of laying a pipeline across 13.5 miles of perilous canyon terrain, Halvorson’s team was the go-to choice. Recognizing the complexity of the task, Halvorson innovatively employed helicopters to transport massive pipe sections over a vertical mile into the Canyon. As workers and guests commuted to the site each day, the awe-inspiring vistas captivated them so much that they began to request special helicopter charters.

In 1965, the enterprise known as Grand Canyon Helicopters came into existence. Nowadays, operating under the name Papillon Airways Inc., the company maintains its primary base in Grand Canyon, Arizona. It offers a variety of aerial tours covering the Grand Canyon’s South and West Rims, as well as Las Vegas, Sedona, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. With tour durations ranging from a quick 30 minutes to full-day and overnight adventures that include ground activities, Papillon prioritizes maximizing flight time for guests to fully explore the Canyon’s natural wonders and scenic vistas.

At Papillon, the emphasis is on delivering an unparalleled experience through exceptional service. Named after the French word for “butterfly,” Papillon holds the unique privilege of being the only company authorized to fly over the entire Grand Canyon, including areas untouched by human activity and unreachable on foot. This sets a high bar for Papillon’s pilots, who are not only highly experienced but are also trained to navigate the Canyon in an eco-friendly manner, preserving its pristine state for future generations.
Commitment to Safety and Quality:

All pilots undergo rigorous training in line with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 135 regulations, specifically tailored for sightseeing operators. As the world’s leading helicopter tour company, Papillon goes the extra mile by offering amenities like award-winning customer service, individual stereo headphones with multilingual flight narration, and climate-controlled helicopters equipped with expansive viewing windows.
Additional Services:

Papillon also provides courtesy van pick-ups from most hotels in the Grand Canyon area and the Las Vegas Strip, transporting guests to their respective heliports. For corporate clients, associations, and event planners, Papillon offers customized charter tours that can include ground activities, transportation, and meals. Popular group packages feature exotic picnic locations, sunrise flights with breakfast stops, and golf outings. Over the years, Papillon has organized special events for major corporations like Allstate Insurance, Digital Equipment, Ford Motor Company, IBM, and many others.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its inception in 1965, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has earned the distinction of being the world’s oldest and largest aerial sightseeing company. Annually, we fly an estimated 600,000 passengers on tours that showcase awe-inspiring landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and, of course, the multiple rims of the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves on offering an unrivaled vantage point of one of the planet’s most magnificent natural wonders.

Innovations in Aerial Sightseeing

Our aircraft are purpose-built for sightseeing, featuring proprietary onboard upgrades developed and patented by Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. Designed for both comfort and optimal viewing, our helicopters are equipped with oversized windows perfect for sightseeing and photography. Additionally, all flights come with pre-recorded narration available in 16 languages, delivered through noise-canceling headphones.

More Than Just Flights

Your adventure with Papillon extends far beyond the skies. Our diverse tour catalog includes ground experiences like horseback riding, hiking, ATV and Hummer tours, as well as whitewater rafting adventures in the Grand Canyon. With us, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime as you explore the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.

A Commitment to Safety

As a member in good standing of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters adheres to safety protocols that go well beyond the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirements. This commitment to safety is not just a set of rules; it’s ingrained in our company culture, making customer well-being a top priority for every member of our team.

Terminals and Locations

Las Vegas

• Address: 5060 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89119
  Opened in 1997, our Las Vegas terminal at Harry Reid International Airport serves as a bustling hub for Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip tours. Conveniently located just a block away from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, this terminal offers luxury hotel transfers for most tours and features a small gift shop stocked with southwestern-themed merchandise.

Boulder City

• Address: 1265 Airport Rd., Boulder City, NV 89005
  Situated at the Boulder City Municipal Airport, this terminal was acquired in 2004 and serves as the departure point for some of our most sought-after tours, including the “Grand Celebration.” The facility is spacious and also caters to airline guests heading to the Grand Canyon’s South or West Rims.

South Rim

• Address: 3568 Airport Rd., Grand Canyon Village, Arizona 86023
  Located at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, our South Rim terminal is a marvel of modern heliport design. Designed with guest convenience in mind, it features a large gift shop, an espresso cart, quick photo processing, and a panoramic staging area that offers a nearly 180-degree view of arriving and departing aircraft. The terminal can comfortably handle over 1,000 passengers daily.

West Rim

• Address: Grand Canyon West Airport, Peach Springs, Arizona 86434
  Situated on the Grand Canyon’s remote West Rim, this terminal initially served as a refueling stop for flights from Las Vegas. Due to a surge in visitor interest, it has been expanded to offer a range of tour packages to the West Rim. Daily airplane service from Las Vegas—and soon from the Grand Canyon, AZ—makes this an affordable option for canyon exploration.

Hoover Dam

• Address: 18000 US-93, Boulder City, NV 89005
  Located adjacent to the Hoover Dam Lodge, this terminal is the starting point for all our awe-inspiring Hoover Dam helicopter tours. Positioned just 3.5 miles from the dam and amidst the grandeur of the Mojave Desert, it offers quick access to the powerful Colorado River.

Page, AZ

• Address: Page Municipal Airport, 238 10th Avenue, Page, AZ 86040
  Situated in the desert city of Page, Arizona, this terminal serves as the central hub for our Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge, and Tower Butte landing tours. It’s also conveniently located just minutes away from the stunning walls of Antelope Canyon.

Each of our terminals is strategically located to offer guests the most convenient and enriching experience possible, whether you’re looking to explore the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, or other iconic landmarks in the American Southwest.