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Oct 11th, 2010
Papillon Airways, Inc. Announces Banner Year for Company, Boasting 30 Percent Revenue Increase over 2009.
For Immediate Release:
Top Tour Company Attributes International Visitation, New Pricing Structure
Among Factors for Rising Sales

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 2010) – Robust international visitation to the Grand Canyon and a spike in sales after creating simple pricing are two reasons Papillon Airways, Inc., the worldwide leader in “flightseeing” tours is experiencing a nearly 30 percent increase in overall revenue over 2009.

“We’re concluding our traditional heavy season (July through October), but this year proved to be particularly successful,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon.

In late 2009, Papillon eliminated all existing packages. In its place: a new, simplified way to experience the Grand Canyon where consumers build experiences from a base price then add-on experiences as they desire. Since Papillon implemented the new streamlined structure on Nov. 1, 2009, average pricing dropped by 20 percent but overall company sales instantly soared by 62 percent within the first 30 days. Since then, sales attributed to this new structure resulted in an overall 28 percent increase in sales since the first quarter of 2010.

Under this new pricing structure, guests booking tours select if they would like to travel by helicopter, airplane or bus. From there, they have the options to upgrade, whether it be traveling during sunset or adding adventure components such as ATV, jeep, pontoon tours or walking on the Grand Canyon’s Skywalk, the transparent walkway composed of glass and steel extending 70 feet beyond the rim with a nearly 4,000 foot drop below to the canyon floor. The guest now has all of the control over the tour they ultimately experience.

For examples of pricing: for helicopters, base-price tours begin at $153 per adult; for airplane, price begins at $127 per adult or via motorcoach for $140 per adult. To upgrade to a sunset tour or Skywalk tour, guests add $40. To add Baja jeeps, horseback riding, ATVs or kayaking, the add-on price is $129.

International visitation proved to be a primary factor in sales. In 2010, Papillon hosted nearly 290,000 international guests to Grand Canyon compared to approximately 200,000 in 2009. This proved to be instrumental in boosting the company sales since international and overseas guests comprise 65 percent of all bookings.

This year Papillon also launched new initiatives and partnerships with concierge throughout the Las Vegas Strip.

Papillon serves more than 450,000 guests each year with 45,000 daily take offs and landings. In spring 2009, the company unveiled its $9 million dollar Boulder City Aerocenter. This marked the official debut of this ultramodern terminal now housing all of the company’s Nevada operations under one roof including Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines and Canyon Flight Trading Company.

For more information or reservations, go to www.papillon.com or call (888) 635-7272.
About the Company:
Founded in 1965, Papillon Airways, Inc. (French for “butterfly”) and Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines since 1929 are the largest “flightseeing” companies in the world, with nearly 70 state-of-the-art helicopters and airplanes, specifically designed to reveal panoramic views beyond imagination. The Halvorson family recently acquired Kenai Helicopters (now known as Grand Canyon Helicopters), Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches and Scenic Airlines. These companies are one of the few that fly the entire Grand Canyon including the South and West rims, in addition to tours of Las Vegas, Page/Lake Powell and Monument Valley. Tours afford maximum flight time, enabling guests to fully discover Grand Canyon’s great wilderness and scenic attractions. During busy months, the Halvorson companies fly more than 3,500 passengers daily. For more information, go to www.papillon.com.
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