Chat with Us Chat with Us

Company Overview

a page arizona helicopter tour flies over lake powell

Since Papillon’s founding by Elling Halvorson in 1965, our commitment to our passengers has been unparalleled customer service and adventure beyond imagination – it's what has kept our company on top through the decades until this day. Papillon (the French word for “butterfly”) is the only company that flies the entire Grand Canyon, including areas untouched by man and inaccessible on foot.

The Vision of Papillon

"Creating memories for a lifetime with every flight."

Safety

Integrity

Teamwork

Accountability

Community

Experience

Papillon provides an unforgettable helicopter experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty and unique landmarks of the areas we serve. With a proactive commitment to safety and exceptional customer service, we aim to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Several helicopters parked at the Grand Canyon South Rim terminal
Established
1965
A close up of a Papillon Grand Canyon helicopter
Helicopters
45
Two Twin Otters used for Grand Canyon airplane tours at the South Rim
Airplanes
18
Passengers on a Grand Canyon ground tour pose at the canyon next to a Hummer vehicle.
Hummers
7
Sandstone walls inside Antelope Canyon tour
Destinations
10

With Papillon, you can discover spectacular sights of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and, of course, unforgettable views of the Grand Canyon. We travel to various regions of the Canyon and can even land at the very bottom!

Our broad catalog of tours also includes:

  • Hummer Grand Canyon ground tours
  • Hiking at the Grand Canyon
  • ATV ground tours
  • Smooth water float excursions on the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon
  • Las Vegas Strip helicopter tours
  • And more!

With nearly 50 helicopters and 200+ dedicated employees, we fly a quarter million passengers each year on daily Grand Canyon tours and other desert destinations at the most competitive price and within the safest environment possible.

TOPS Safety logo

Our company is the recipient of two Diamond Awards from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for excellence in maintenance and safety. Papillon has received these awards for both its Part 135 Air Carrier Operation and Part 145 Certified Maintenance Repair Station. Along with our Diamond Awards, Papillon remains the only air tour company serving both Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon to achieve the IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) Stage Three designation.

As a member in good standing of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters abides by flight safety rules and regulations that substantially exceed the regulations required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Awards and Recognition

What Our Guests Say About Us!

We fly 250,000+ people to the Grand Canyon and beyond every year! See what our passengers have to say about their once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters:

Venu K

February 27, 2024 via Google

Terrific experience flying over the Grand Canyon. The papillon team did a great job.

Joshua Carmody

February 25, 2024 via Google

Took the Imperial tour and loved it. You'll see the canyon in a way that is impossible from land, and much closer than it would be from an airplane. Employees are friendly and helpful. Easy and fun.

Leony la Roc

February 22, 2024 via Google

Great Service. Everything went well.
We had an awesome Trip.
I can recommed really to visit the grand Canyon by helicopter. The feeling is extraordinary and the view amazing. Of course it is more expensive than by bus but it is so much better. One of the best things I have ever done in my life.
Charles was a great pilot. Thanks