Our Story
Papillon's story begins over 50 years ago. At that time, founder Elling Halvorson owned a construction company known for taking on challenging and often dangerous projects. His company had been tasked with building a pipeline through the Grand Canyon. In order to move and place large amounts of pipe across the gorge, Halvorson used the most efficient method he could imagine: helicopters. Curiosity got the best of both construction employees and locals alike, and it wasn't long before they began asking for rides over the canyon. Halvorson immediately saw an untapped market and began developments for a new business venture. In 1965, Papillon Airways was born.
Today, our company has evolved into the world's largest and longest-running air tour operator. Our tour offerings have grown to include flights throughout the entire Grand Canyon - as well as landings on the canyon floor and to southwest destinations like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Our tours range from short flights to all-day excursions, overnight trips, and everything in between. Activities extend beyond just aerial travel and include guided tours on horseback, ATV adventures, Hummer excursions, and river rafting.
As a member of The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), Papillon abides by flight safety rules and regulations that substantially exceed those required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
