Meet Papillon Group:

Helicopter company has metamorphosized into tourism giant

Brenda Halvorson is president and CEO of Papillon Group, which operates a helicopter tour business and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Describe your business.

Papillon (French for “butterfly”) is a helicopter tour company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

What is your most popular excursion?

The Grand Canyon is a top destination for domestic and international visitors. We love being able to provide them with a breathtaking experience.

What sites do customers see on the helicopter tours?

Papillon Group

Address: 1265 Airport Road, Boulder City

Phone: 702-736-7243

Website: papillon.com

Hours of operation: Flights begin departures as early at 5 a.m. and conclude around sunset. Tours are available 364 days of the year (closed Christmas Day).

Owned/operated by: The Halvorson family

In business since: 1965

We fly the entire Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk, to Grand Canyon National Park and up to Page and Lake Powell. Customers have more than 40 tours from which to choose.

How do you handle customers who are afraid of heights?

Even those hesitant to fly are willing to put their trust in us and their fears aside to see the Grand Canyon from this perspective. Flying in a helicopter is a thrilling experience. We also offer motorcoach tours for those who prefer to see the Grand Canyon from the ground.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, by nature, is a transient city. With 400 of 600 employees based in Southern Nevada, attracting talent dedicated to this area can be a challenge. We are lucky to have so many loyal and long-term employees.

How has your business evolved since it began in 1965?

Our fleet has increased from two helicopters to more than 75 helicopters and airplanes. Our tours have become “bucket list” items for visitors.

What is the best part about doing business here?

Las Vegas is an international destination, and we travel the world to attract new customers in addition to being ready to serve the existing 40 million annual visitors. We are fortunate to have wonderful partnerships with local organizations such as McCarran International Airport, Boulder City Airport, Clark County, the city of Las Vegas, Boulder City and the LVCVA.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

We have successfully adapted to evolving environmental standards, such as implementing quiet technology.

How can Nevada improve its business climate?

Lowering the sales tax rate and reducing registration fees would be a great start. Customers don’t always realize the amount products are taxed by the time they reach the market.

What have you learned from the recession?

The recession validated our focus on international customers, who helped get us through those times. As the economy continues to rebound, we are seeing domestic visitation rise as people re-engage with the experiences we have to offer.

Tags: The Sunday
Tourism

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