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Apr 25th, 2011
Papillon Airways, Inc. Announces Record-Breaking Year, Boasting Nearly 40 Percent Revenue Increase for 2011's First Quarter.
For Immediate Release:
LAS VEGAS (April 2011) – Travelers aren’t letting anything it seems get in their way of seeing the great wonders of the world. Just ask Papillon Airways, Inc. Known as one of the world’s largest “flightseeing companies,” Papillon posted a nearly 40 percent increase for the year’s first quarter over 2010. What’s more - March 2011 posted an astounding 80 percent increase.

Why are sales so brisk, making for the highest sales in Papillon’s nearly 50-year history?

“We think of customers first, always,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon. “Any way the guest wants to experience the Grand Canyon or any of our other locations, whether it is by helicopter, airplane or coach, we have a mode of transportation that fits their desire, budget and timeframe. Customers reacted strongly when we did away with packages last year, allowing them to customize their tours any way they saw fit. Combine that with rebounding international travel to Las Vegas, as evident with new non-stop flights to the U.K. and more, it’s made for a quarter that has surpassed any of our expectations.”

This spring, the company also recently announced exclusive, new private tours originating from McCarran International’s Papillon terminal. These tours, which take place aboard one of Papillon’s three helicopters based at the terminal, showcase the grandeur and beauty of not only the Grand Canyon, but also the Las Vegas Strip. Guests receive round-trip complimentary limousine service from most major Strip and downtown hotels, accentuated by Papillon’s uniquely personalized service. The tours are available in 10 languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish via digital audio narration.

More brand-new tours will be announced later this spring.

In late 2009, Papillon eliminated all existing packages. In their place: a new, simplified way to experience the Grand Canyon where consumers build tours from a base price then add on experiences according to their particular desires. Since Papillon implemented the new streamlined structure on Nov. 1, 2009, overall company sales instantly soared by 62 percent within the first 30 days. Under this new pricing structure, guests booking tours select whether 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.

On average, there are 650 take-offs and landings per day. Approximately 3,500 passengers experience a Papillon tour every day, averaging to 465,000 people annually. This year, Papillon will also be adding to its more than 70-aircraft fleet due to increasing customer demand. By the end of 2011, three new EC-130 helicopters along with one new Cessna caravan aircraft will be purchased.

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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