Corporate Helicopters

What Corporate Helicopters does

Corporate Helicopters of San Diego is a privately held, full-service helicopter company founded in 1998 and headquartered at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF) in San Diego, California, with operations spanning Southern California, the Western United States, and Baja California, Mexico. The company operates a diversified portfolio of rotary-wing aviation services, including per-seat scenic tours, on-demand private charters, aerial cinematography for film and television productions, FAA Part 61 flight training, helicopter sales as an authorized Airbus dealer (with financing and insurance services), and FAA Part 145 maintenance and repair as an authorized service center for both Robinson and Airbus helicopters. Its fleet includes Robinson R44 Raven II, Eurocopter AStar, Bell LongRanger, and Bell JetRanger helicopters, supplemented by mission-specific equipment such as RED Epic camera systems, custom camera mounts, LiDAR-based aerial mapping equipment, and an in-house flight simulator.

Revenue is generated across six streams: per-seat tour transactions (transaction-fee pricing, typically $248-$474 per person with package experiences reaching $4,800), private charter bookings for executives and VIPs (transaction-fee), flight instruction and simulator time (professional services), commission-based helicopter sales (transaction-fee), aerial filming for studio and commercial productions (professional services), and FAA-certified maintenance and parts (professional services). Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via an online booking platform (Peek), a 1-800 number, email, and on-site walk-ins at MYF, augmented by event-driven marketing at motorsports events, premieres, and seasonal promotions, and digital marketing through organic social, a quarterly newsletter, blog content, SEO-optimized tour pages, and TripAdvisor presence.

Customers span individual tourists and special-occasion consumers (proposals, anniversaries, family experiences), corporate executives and VIPs requiring private air transport, film and television production studios (with credits on hundreds of productions including Titanic, The Abyss, Master and Commander, Collateral, Armageddon, and Top Gun Maverick), government and defense contractors requiring external-load operations under 14 CFR 133, and aspiring helicopter pilots. Regulatory anchors include ARGUS Gold safety rating, FAA Part 145 Repair Station approval, FAA Part 135 air carrier certification, and 14 CFR 133 external load authorization, while commercial moats include dual authorized service center status with Airbus and Robinson and a multi-decade production credit portfolio.

Name

Corporate Helicopters

Legal name

Corporate Helicopters of San Diego

Website

https://corporatehelicopters.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Corporate Helicopters of San Diego is a private, full-service helicopter operator at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport offering tours, charters, aerial filming, FAA Part 61 flight training, helicopter sales, and maintenance across the Western US and Mexico.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Helicopter Aviation Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Air Transportation (481)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB), Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing (TLAFABAH), VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH)

Keywords

• Helicopter charter services
• Aerial filming services
• Scenic helicopter tours
• Helicopter flight training
• Helicopter maintenance repair

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Helicopter Tours: Scenic tours of San Diego and surrounding areas with multiple pricing tiers based on duration and included amenities. Standard tours range from 30-60 minutes with per-person pricing from $248-$474. Package tours include romance experiences, winery tours, golf getaways, and custom group tours.
2. Private Charter Services: On-demand helicopter transportation throughout Western US, California, and Mexico. Serves celebrities, government officials, corporate executives, and general public. Pricing based on destination, helicopter type, and flight duration.
3. Flight Training: FAA Part 61 flight training programs including private pilot license, advanced training, and helicopter flight simulator access. Revenue from instruction fees and simulator time.
4. Helicopter Sales: Authorized AIRBUS dealer selling new and pre-owned helicopters. Includes customization, financing, and insurance services. Company facilitates helicopter transactions and earns commissions on sales.
5. Aerial Filming Services: Professional aerial cinematography for film, television, commercials, IMAX films, and music videos. Services include aerial coordination, camera helicopter provision, and production support.
6. Maintenance & Repair: FAA Approved Part 145 Repair Station providing maintenance services. Robinson Authorized Service Center and Airbus Authorized Service Center. Parts sales and major inspections.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Corporate Helicopters is a San Diego-based full-service helicopter company offering scenic aerial tours, private charters, aerial filming for film/TV production, FAA Part 61 flight training with simulator access, helicopter sales as an authorized Airbus dealer, and FAA Part 145 maintenance and repair services. The company operates a diverse fleet (Airbus AStar, Bell LongRanger, Bell JetRanger, Robinson R44) from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and serves Southern California, the Western US, and Mexico.

Product overview

Corporate Helicopters is a full-service helicopter company operating from San Diego, California. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of helicopter services organized into two main categories: tour experiences (including Beaches and Bays, The Unforgettable, and Surf & Turf Tours) and commercial aviation services (charters, aerial filming, flight training, utility operations, maintenance, and sales). The tour products range from basic 30-minute scenic flights to premium experiences like the Winery Lunch Tour and Golf Getaway Tour. Commercial services include private charters throughout the Western US and Mexico, aerial production for film/TV, FAA Part 61 flight training with simulator, utility operations (powerline patrol, aerial crane, LiDAR mapping), maintenance/repair (FAA Part 145, Robinson and Airbus authorized service centers), and new/pre-owned helicopter sales. The company operates a diverse fleet including Airbus AStar, Bell LongRanger, Bell JetRanger, and Robinson R44 helicopters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Corporate Helicopters Flight Training Academy (CHFTA): FAA Part 61 flight training academy offering helicopter flight training, advanced flight training, and flight simulator services.

Products and services

• Beaches and Bays Tour Approximately 30-minute introductory scenic helicopter flight over Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Torrey Pines and Sea World. Targeted at tourists and visitors seeking aerial sightseeing of San Diego. Price starts at $248 per person with a 2-person minimum.
• The Unforgettable Tour Approximately 42-minute scenic helicopter tour that includes the Beaches and Bays route plus Del Mar Racetrack, Ocean Beach Pier, Torrey Pines, and Rancho Santa Fe. Targeted at tourists seeking a longer aerial experience. Price starts at $336 per person with a 2-person minimum.
• Surf & Turf Tour Approximately 60-minute comprehensive helicopter tour including all Beaches and Bays and Unforgettable tour attractions plus Miramar Air Station, Lake Hodges, Fairbanks Ranch, and Rancho Santa Fe. Price starts at $474 per person with a 2-person minimum.
• Romance in the Air Tour Private romantic helicopter tour over San Diego including a bottle of champagne, ideal for marriage proposals and anniversaries. Approximately 30 minutes. Price starts at $312 per person with a 2-person minimum.
• Winery Lunch Tour Helicopter flight from San Diego to Temecula Valley including 2.5 hours at Callaway Winery with wine tasting and lunch, plus coastal helicopter tour on return. Approximately 4 hours total. Price is $2,499 for up to 4 passengers.
• Golf Getaway Tour All-inclusive helicopter golf adventure to Rams Hill in Borrego Springs including roundtrip helicopter flight from San Diego and full round of golf with breakfast or lunch. Seasonal October through July. Price is $4,800 for up to 4 passengers.
• The Pilot Experience Interactive experience with 30-minute ground and safety school plus 30-minute flight where customers actually get to fly the helicopter themselves. Limited to 1 person maximum. Price is $474.
• San Diego City Lights Tour Night tour of San Diego's city lights featuring coastline, Mission Bay, Petco Park and other iconic sights. Approximately 36 minutes in duration.
• Taste of Baja Tour One-day exclusive trip to Baja, Mexico including flight over coastline and visit to El Cielo Winery in Valle de Guadalupe with return flight featuring helicopter tour of Guadalupe Valley.
• Custom & Group Tours Custom-designed helicopter tours for specific locations, sunset and night tours, and large groups. Can accommodate 50+ passengers via multiple helicopters. Quote-based pricing via contact.
• Seasonal Tours Limited tours for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas holiday lights, and other special occasions throughout the year.
• Private Helicopter Charters Direct, private helicopter flights with professional captains for executives, celebrities, politicians, and corporate clients. Operates from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport with access to multiple helicopter configurations and serves the Western US and Mexico.
• Charter Destinations Charter flights to destinations throughout Southern California, Western US, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico including Big Bear, Coachella Valley, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Ensenada, Tijuana, Puerto Peñasco, and Valle de Guadalupe.
• Aerial Surveys Helicopter-based land and real estate research surveys providing aerial photography and perspective for reviewing rural, remote property, and construction projects, with extensive coverage in Mexico.
• Government & Defense Helicopter Services Custom helicopter service contracts for government agencies, defense contractors, and large corporations, including external load operations (FAA certified under 14CFR 133), utility projects, and private charters for government officials.
• Aerial Filming Services Complete aerial filming services for movies, television, and commercials including aerial production, stunts, video and demo reels, RED Epic camera systems, custom camera mounts, and real estate aerial filming. Production credits include Titanic, Top Gun, Armageddon, and hundreds of other productions.
• Aerial Photography Services Specialized aerial photography from helicopters providing thousands of images for publications, land surveys, and professional photographers with doors removed and customized routes.
• Helicopter Flight Training FAA Part 61 flight training with wholly-owned helicopters, flight simulator, on-site maintenance center, and experienced staff. Offers introductory lessons, private pilot license training, and advanced flight training. Operated under the Corporate Helicopters Flight Training Academy (CHFTA) sub-brand.
• Helicopter Utility Services Professional helicopter fleet providing powerline and pipeline patrol, external load operations, aerial crane lifts, aerial mapping with LiDAR technology, HVAC lifts, and crew transport services for industrial and utility clients.
• Helicopter Sales Sales of new and pre-owned helicopters including Airbus (authorized seller), American Eurocopter, and Robinson helicopters. Offers helicopter trade-ins, equipment sales, financing, and insurance services.
• Helicopter Maintenance & Repair FAA Approved Part 145 Repair Station offering maintenance, repair, and parts services. Authorized Service Centers for both Robinson and Airbus helicopters. Includes major inspections (12-year) and radar altimeter services.
• Mexico Helicopter Services International helicopter transportation to Mexico including flights, tours, aerial filming, land surveys, and off-road racing event support. Handles permits and specialized equipment for Baja California operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of successful productions in film, television, and commercials with aerial filming services

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AIRBUS (Authorized Dealer)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate Helicopters is one of the select companies authorized by AIRBUS to sell new helicopters. The company assists customers in customizing orders through delivery of new AIRBUS helicopters. Pre-owned AIRBUS helicopters can also be modified to customer specifications.
• Robinson Helicopter Company (Authorized Service Center)coreTechnology or IntegrationCorporate Helicopters operates as a Robinson Authorized Service Center, providing maintenance, repair, and parts services for Robinson helicopters.
• Airbus Helicopters (Authorized Service Center)coreTechnology or IntegrationCorporate Helicopters operates as an Airbus Authorized Service Center, providing maintenance, repair, and parts services for Airbus helicopters.
• NORRA (National Off Road Racing Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate Helicopters has been the provider of choice for aerial support services for the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally, a 5-day international off-road motorsports event. Services include emergency evacuation plans and enhanced media relations including photography and videography.
• Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating base at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a small airport that provides advantages including no crowds and private departure/arrival experiences.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Blade Air Mobility: Urban air mobility company offering on-demand helicopter and seaplane charters and scheduled flights across major US cities. Comparable helicopter charter and scheduled service, though at significantly larger scale and with public-market capital.
• Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Grand Canyon helicopter tour and air tour operator offering scenic flights, charter, and grand canyon excursions. Comparable consumer-facing helicopter tour and charter business in a major US tourist market.
• HeliFlite: Northeast US private helicopter charter operator serving executives and individuals with point-to-point flights. Comparable on-demand private helicopter charter business model.
• Sundance Helicopters: Las Vegas-based helicopter tour operator offering Grand Canyon, Vegas Strip, and sunset tours. Comparable helicopter tour and charter operator serving a major US tourism market.
• HeliNY: New York-based helicopter tour and charter company offering doors-off sightseeing flights and private charters. Comparable tour and on-demand charter service in a major urban tourist market.
• Ascent Helicopters: Regional helicopter operator offering tours, charter, flight training, and aerial services in the Pacific Northwest. Comparable multi-service helicopter business model (tours + charter + training).
• Maverick Aviation Group: Las Vegas-based helicopter tour and charter operator offering scenic tours, VIP charters, and aerial services in a tourist destination. Highly comparable multi-service helicopter business model to Corporate Helicopters.
• Liberty Helicopter Tours: New York City-based helicopter tour and charter operator offering Manhattan skyline tours and corporate/private charters. Comparable tour-plus-charter business model in a major US metro market.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Hawaii's largest helicopter tour company offering scenic tours across the islands. Comparable consumer helicopter tour business with a destination-tourism focus and similar pricing-per-passenger model.

Broad incumbents

• PHI Aviation: Large US helicopter operator providing air medical, offshore, and utility services. Comparable vertical-lift operations and external-load capability (FAA Part 133), but a much larger incumbent serving a broader customer base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CorporateHelicopters
• Facebookfacebook.com/corporatehelicopters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/corporate-helicopters-of-san-diego
• Instagraminstagram.com/corporatehelicopters
• Xx.com/Corpheli

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Corporate Helicopters