America's largest Grand Canyon aerial tour operator.
Founded
1965
Headquarters
Boulder City, United States
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is the world's largest aerial sightseeing company, specializing in helicopter and fixed-wing tours over the Grand Canyon. Founded in 1965, the company has carried tens of millions of passengers over its decades of operation, offering tours departing from Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Grand Canyon's South and West Rim areas.
Papillon operates a large fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, providing a range of tour options including air-only flights, landing tours on the canyon floor, and combination air-ground-river excursions. The company is headquartered in Boulder City, Nevada, and is a major employer in the region.
As a prominent tourism operator, Papillon holds air carrier certificates and operates under FAA oversight. The company has long been recognized for its safety record and customer service, serving both domestic and international tourists visiting one of the world's most iconic natural landmarks.
Hubs & network
Papillon primarily operates from Boulder City Municipal Airport (BVU) near Las Vegas and Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) at the South Rim.
Fleet
Papillon operates a mixed fleet of Airbus EC130 and AS350 helicopters alongside fixed-wing Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft for its sightseeing tours.
Notable facts
- ›Papillon is widely recognized as the world's largest aerial sightseeing company by passenger volume.
- ›The company was founded in 1965 and has carried tens of millions of passengers over the Grand Canyon.
- ›Papillon offers unique landing tours that bring guests to the canyon floor near the Colorado River.
- ›The airline holds IATA code HI, though it operates exclusively as a sightseeing and tourism carrier.
- ›Tours depart from multiple locations including Las Vegas, the South Rim, and the Grand Canyon West (Hualapai lands).
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
