Hillsboro Aviation
Hillsboro Aviation is a privately held Pacific Northwest aviation services company operating five integrated divisions — contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, FAA Part 145/AS9110 service center, FBO, and parts — serving federal agencies, charter customers, and aircraft owners from its KHIO headquarters.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersHillsboro, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Hillsboro Aviation does
Hillsboro Aviation, Inc. is a privately held, full-service Pacific Northwest aviation company founded in 1980 in Hillsboro, Oregon, and currently operating under owner/CEO Max Lyons from a 51,000 sq ft award-winning headquarters at Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO). The company runs five integrated divisions — Contract & Charter (utility, private charter, tours & excursions), Aircraft Sales & Management (authorized Airbus Helicopters reseller and Robinson Helicopter dealer), FAA Part 145/AS9110-certified Service Center (maintenance and avionics), FBO (Avfuel-branded fixed-base operator with Jet-A and 100LL fuel, hangar, and luxury amenities), and Parts Sales (including the proprietary Bell 205A-1++ / Bell UH-1 STC suite acquired via Heli-Trade in 2012). It serves federal agencies (USFS, NPS, BLM, BIA, DOD), private aircraft owners, charter customers, super-yacht operators, film/photo production, construction/utility clients, and tourism/recreation buyers with a fleet of 11 turbine aircraft (Airbus H145D3, Bell 205A-1++, Bell 407HP, Bell 407, MD 500E, Airbus H125), 30+ support vehicles, and 1.2M+ cumulative flight hours since 1980.
Hillsboro Aviation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hillsboro Aviation
- Legal name
- Hillsboro Aviation, Inc.
- Website
- https://hillsboroaviation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Hillsboro Aviation is a privately held Pacific Northwest aviation services company operating five integrated divisions — contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, FAA Part 145/AS9110 service center, FBO, and parts — serving federal agencies, charter customers, and aircraft owners from its KHIO headquarters.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hillsboro Aviation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Services
- NAICS
- Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind) (TLAFACAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Helicopter Passenger Services Operations & Dispatch (Brokerages/Platforms) (TLAFACAL), On-Demand/Charter Helicopter Passenger Services (THABAGAB), Crew & Offshore / Oil & Gas Personnel Charter Operators (THABADAI), VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH)
Keywords
Where Hillsboro Aviation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hillsboro
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Hillsboro Aviation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Aircraft Sales (New and Pre-Owned): Brokerage, consignment, and direct sales of new and used helicopters and airplanes, including acquisition assistance, appraisals, financing, insurance, and trade-ins. Authorized reseller for Airbus Helicopters and dealer for Robinson Helicopter Company. 1,000+ aircraft sold since 1980.
- Private Charter Services: On-demand executive/private charter services combining owned fleet with global network of certified operators. Charter quotes, empty-leg flights, and curated aircraft solutions for business and leisure travel.
- Contract and Utility Operations: Government and commercial contract services (firefighting, search and rescue, aerial survey, construction, film/photo/news, heli-skiing, natural resources) under Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contracts. Over 1.2 million hours flown since 1980.
- Aircraft Management: Recurring managed services for owned aircraft including flight operations, pilot staffing, maintenance coordination, dispatch, catering, detailing, hangar and office space. Described as 'in-house flight department' for owners.
- Maintenance and Avionics Services: FAA Part 145 Repair Station services: scheduled/unscheduled inspections, heavy maintenance, AOG emergencies, STC modifications, avionics installations, customizations, and CAD wiring. Authorized service center for Airbus Helicopters, Bell Flight, HondaJet, Cessna, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Robinson Helicopters, Lycoming, and Goodrich.
- FBO Services: Fixed-Base Operator services including fuel sales (Avfuel dealer, Jet-A and 100LL), hangar space, aircraft detailing, pilot services, exercise facilities, lobby, conference room, and ground transportation.
- Aircraft Parts Sales: Inventory of OEM parts and hardware; exclusive parts brokerage and consignment; AOG domestic and international shipping; exchange/overhaul; rotable pool; STC sales (Bell 205A-1++ and Bell UH-1). Export/import documentation services.
- STC Licensing and Upgrades: Licensing of proprietary Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the Bell 205 and Bell UH-1 helicopter series, including 212 Rotor System, T53-17A/B Engine conversion, and other aftermarket upgrades.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Quote-based pricing for all major services (charter, parts, maintenance, sales) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Empty leg one-way flights at discounted pricing |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Custom tours starting at 1 hour flight time, call for pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels7 records
Hillsboro Aviation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hillsboro Aviation is a full-service helicopter and airplane aviation company operating five divisions: Contract & Charter (utility missions, executive charter, tours/excursions), Aircraft Sales & Management (new and pre-owned helicopter and airplane brokerage, acquisition, and managed services), FAA Part 145 Service Center (maintenance and avionics for multiple OEMs), an award-winning Avfuel FBO at Portland-Hillsboro Airport, and Parts Sales including proprietary Bell 205A-1++ STC upgrades. Operations are supported by an 11-aircraft turbine fleet, AS9110 quality certification, and 24/7/365 AOG response.
Product overview
Hillsboro Aviation is a multi-division aviation services company (not a unified software product) operating five core divisions: Contract & Charter (with sub-offerings Private Charter, Tours & Excursions, and Utility services covering aerial survey, construction, film/photo/news, heli-skiing, natural resources, and search and rescue), Aircraft Sales & Management (helicopter and airplane sales, brokerage, acquisition, leasing, and aircraft management), Service Center (FAA Part 145 maintenance and avionics for helicopters, jets, turboprops, and pistons — an authorized service center for Airbus Helicopters, Bell Flight, HondaJet, Cessna, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Robinson, Lycoming, and Goodrich), FBO (award-winning Avfuel-branded fixed-base operator with hangar space and luxury amenities), and Parts Sales (including the proprietary Bell 205A-1++ / Bell UH-1 STCs & Upgrades program). The divisions are supported by a fleet of 11 turbine aircraft (Airbus H145D3, Bell 407HP, Bell 205A-1++, McDonnell Douglas 500E, Airbus H125, Bell 407) and AS9110 certification at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO) headquarters. The offering is platform-of-services architecture rather than a single software product, with the divisions interoperating operationally (e.g., aircraft purchased through Aircraft Sales can be maintained by Service Center, housed at the FBO, and supported with Parts Sales).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Contract & Charter Helicopter and airplane contract and charter services including utility missions (aerial survey, firefighting, search and rescue, construction, film/photo/news, heli-skiing, natural resources), executive private charter, and tours and excursions. Over 1.2 million hours flown since 1980 across the company's 11-aircraft turbine fleet.
- Aircraft Sales & Management Expert aircraft sales and management services globally with over 1,000 aircraft sold since 1980. Specializes in new and used helicopter and airplane sales, plus brokerage, acquisition, leasing, maintenance coordination, and pilot services. Authorized reseller for Airbus Helicopters and dealer for Robinson Helicopter Company.
- Service Center (Maintenance & Avionics) FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station (AS9110-certified) supporting comprehensive maintenance and avionics needs, from privately owned airplanes and helicopters to corporate fleet management. Includes avionics installations, unscheduled and scheduled services, heavy maintenance, AOG emergencies, ADS-B upgrades, and custom wiring. Authorized service center for Airbus Helicopters, Bell Flight, HondaJet, Cessna, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Robinson Helicopters, Lycoming, and Goodrich.
- FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) Award-winning Fixed-Base Operator at Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO) representing Avfuel and offering luxury services including hangar space, aircraft detailing, exercise facilities, conference rooms, pilot rest area, electric vehicle charging stations, Jet-A and 100LL fuel, courtesy cars, hotel reservations, and ground transportation. Available 24/7/365 with advance notice.
- Parts Sales Extensive aircraft parts inventory with dedicated shipping services for rapid AOG response 24/7/365 and support aircraft facilitating timely parts delivery. Maintains relationships with 55+ manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers, offering OEM parts and hardware, export & import documentation, exchange and overhaul, rotable pool, and exclusive parts brokerage.
- STCs & Upgrades (Bell 205A-1++ / Bell UH-1) Suite of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) upgrades for the Bell 205 and Bell UH-1 series helicopters inherited via the 2012 acquisition of Heli-Trade. Includes the 212 Rotor System (60% increased blade retirement life), T53-17A/B Engine STC, Nine Passenger conversion, T53 Engine Wash Kit, Centrisep Particle Separator, Vertical Reference Door, Left Hand PIC, Howell EGT/MGT system, Manual Start Fuel Switch, and Dual Electric Boost Pump.
- Private Charter Customized private charter service providing access to helicopters, turboprops, light jets, and midsize/long-range jets sourced from a global network of certified operators. Includes custom in-flight catering, Wi-Fi connectivity, ground transportation coordination, flexible scheduling, and empty-leg one-way flights at discounted pricing.
- Tours & Excursions Customizable Pacific Northwest helicopter and airplane tours including Mt. St. Helens tours, wine country tours, Columbia Gorge tours, Heli-Ski (in partnership with Sun Valley Heli-Ski covering 750,000 acres of Idaho terrain), and custom tours for corporate retreats, sales incentives, private events, VIP transport, and proposals. Minimum 4+ seats, starting at 1 hour flight time.
- Utility Operations (Aerial Survey, Construction, Film/Photo/News, Heli-Skiing, Natural Resources, Search and Rescue) Specialized aerial utility operations including aerial survey (LiDAR, power line, wildlife, timber, industrial), construction support (power line, HVAC, drill relocation, pole/tower setting), film/photo/news ENG, heli-skiing, natural resources exploration (firefighting, mineral, oil & gas, environmental research, agriculture), and search and rescue. IS-BAO Stage 3 certified.
- Airbus H145D3 (custom-configured utility/firefighting variant) Custom-configured Airbus H145D3 helicopter with 9-passenger capacity, 2.2-hour range, and 2,850 lb payload, purpose-built in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters over 10+ years for firefighting, human external cargo, and search-and-rescue missions. Currently in operation by Hillsboro Aviation and contracted to the U.S. Forest Service.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1.2 million flight hours since 1980
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Hillsboro Aviation
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Hillsboro Aviation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Hillsboro Aviation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Airbus Helicoptersflagship10+ year co-development partnership for the custom-configured H145D3 aerial firefighting platform. Airbus appointed Hillsboro Aviation as its first North American commercial sales agent in 2016, now an authorized reseller for the full commercial Airbus helicopter line and an authorized service center. Joint development of first-of-its-kind H145D3 for utility missions including firefighting, human external cargo, and search and rescue.
- Robinson Helicopter CompanycoreAuthorized dealer for Robinson Helicopter Company. Hillsboro Aviation sells new Robinson helicopters and serves as an authorized service center for the brand.
- Bell FlightcoreAuthorized service center for Bell Flight, supporting both Bell 205 and Bell UH-1 helicopter series. Hillsboro Aviation operates Bell helicopters in its own fleet and sells/appraises Bell models including Bell 206L3, 206B3, 206L-1, 407, 407HP, 505, and 205A1.
- Honda Aircraft Company (HondaJet)coreAuthorized HondaJet Service Center providing factory-trained expertise and genuine OEM support for HondaJet owners across the Northwest. Service includes routine maintenance, inspections, advanced repairs, and upgrades.
- Cessna / Textron AviationcoreAuthorized Cessna Service Center providing maintenance, avionics, and piston aircraft support. Hillsboro Aviation is also an authorized Cessna Caravan service center for turboprops. Cessna is a key parts partner.
- Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)coreAuthorized Beechcraft service center supporting King Air and Bonanza aircraft. Hillsboro Aviation also sells pre-owned Beechcraft aircraft (e.g., 1998 Beechcraft Bonanza).
- Cirrus AircraftcoreAuthorized Cirrus Aircraft service center for piston aircraft maintenance and avionics. Cirrus is also a key parts partner.
- Lycoming EnginescoreAuthorized Lycoming service center supporting piston aircraft engine maintenance. Lycoming is a key parts supplier.
- Goodrich (Collins Aerospace)coreAuthorized Goodrich service center and parts supplier for hoist and winch systems.
- Avfuel CorporationcoreAvfuel dealer at Hillsboro Aviation's FBO. Supplies Jet-A and 100LL aviation fuel. Avfuel is also positioned as a parts and service partner.
- Sun Valley Heli Ski (SVHS)coreLong-standing partnership providing helicopter skiing experiences in 750,000 acres of Idaho terrain. Hillsboro Aviation supplies the four-passenger Airbus H125 aircraft and pilots; SVHS provides the heli-ski operation including the only fly-in heli-ski lodge in the lower 48. Customers book via SVHS website.
- GarmincoreGarmin avionics products (GTX 345, GTX 335, GDL 88, GTN series, G1000, GFC700 autopilot, GMA 35c, GRA 55, GWX 75, etc.) are a key avionics brand installed and supported by Hillsboro Aviation's service center. Key parts partner.
- Helicopter Association International (HAI)minorMembership in the leading helicopter industry trade association. Max Lyons has held positions as Chairman of the Board for HAI.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Hillsboro Aviation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- PHI Aviation: PHI Aviation is one of the largest helicopter operators in North America, providing utility services including firefighting, EMS, and offshore transport. It is the closest direct peer to Hillsboro Aviation's utility and contract charter division given its federal firefighting focus and fleet scale.
- Erickson (Erickson Incorporated): Erickson is a diversified helicopter operator with deep roots in aerial firefighting, utility, and MRO. Its federal firefighting work, S-64 Aircrane fleet, and component repair business make it a close operational and competitive analog to Hillsboro's utility division.
- HeliStream: HeliStream is a Pacific Northwest-based helicopter services company offering sales, charter, MRO, and management — a directly comparable integrated helicopter services platform to Hillsboro Aviation's five-division model.
- Air Methods Corporation: Air Methods is the largest air medical transport provider in the U.S. and operates one of the largest helicopter fleets in the country. While primarily EMS-focused, its scale of helicopter operations, MRO footprint, and federal contracting experience overlap with Hillsboro's utility and contract work.
- Wilson Air Center: Wilson Air Center operates a network of upscale FBOs and offers charter, aircraft management, and MRO services. Its multi-division service model and aircraft management offering closely mirror Hillsboro Aviation's FBO and aircraft management divisions.
- West Star Aviation: West Star Aviation is a major U.S. business aviation MRO and FBO operator with multiple service centers. Its FAA Part 145 maintenance, avionics, and aircraft management capabilities overlap directly with Hillsboro Aviation's Service Center and aircraft management offerings.
Broad incumbents
- Atlantic Aviation: Atlantic Aviation is one of the largest FBO networks in North America, providing fueling, hangar, and aircraft services. As a broad incumbent, it competes with Hillsboro's FBO division at a much larger scale and is a relevant comparable for the FBO segment.
- Signature Flight Support: Signature Flight Support operates a global FBO and aviation services network offering fueling, hangar, MRO, and flight support. It is a broad incumbent comparable to Hillsboro's FBO and charter businesses, especially at multi-national customer touchpoints.
- Million Air: Million Air is a network of upscale FBOs and charter operators across North America. Its FBO, charter, and aircraft management services make it a relevant broad incumbent comparable to Hillsboro's FBO and private charter divisions.
Others
- Robinson Helicopter Company: Robinson is the world's largest manufacturer of civil helicopters and a key OEM partner of Hillsboro Aviation (authorized dealer and service center). It is a key supplier/distribution partner rather than a direct competitor, but a critical ecosystem comparable for Hillsboro's sales and service model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hillsboro Aviation social profiles
Digital presenceHillsboro Aviation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Hillsboro Aviation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hillsboro Aviation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Hillsboro Aviation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hillsboro Aviation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hillsboro Aviation
What does Hillsboro Aviation do?
Hillsboro Aviation is a full-service helicopter and airplane aviation company operating five divisions: Contract & Charter (utility missions, executive charter, tours/excursions), Aircraft Sales & Management (new and pre-owned helicopter and airplane brokerage, acquisition, and managed services), FAA Part 145 Service Center (maintenance and avionics for multiple OEMs), an award-winning Avfuel FBO at Portland-Hillsboro Airport, and Parts Sales including proprietary Bell 205A-1++ STC upgrades. Operations are supported by an 11-aircraft turbine fleet, AS9110 quality certification, and 24/7/365 AOG response.
Is Hillsboro Aviation a public or private company?
Hillsboro Aviation is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Hillsboro Aviation founded?
Hillsboro Aviation was founded in 1980. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Hillsboro Aviation based?
Hillsboro Aviation is headquartered in Hillsboro, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hillsboro Aviation make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Aircraft Sales (New and Pre-Owned) is the primary driver. The others are private Charter Services, contract and Utility Operations, aircraft Management, maintenance and Avionics Services, FBO Services, aircraft Parts Sales and STC Licensing and Upgrades.
Who are Hillsboro Aviation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are PHI Aviation, Erickson (Erickson Incorporated), HeliStream, Air Methods Corporation, Wilson Air Center and West Star Aviation. Broad incumbents are Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support and Million Air. Robinson Helicopter Company is listed as an others.
Does Hillsboro Aviation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hillsboro Aviation.
What industry is Hillsboro Aviation in?
Hillsboro Aviation's product category is Aviation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFACAH, Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind), with a secondary code of TLAFACAL, Helicopter Passenger Services Operations & Dispatch (Brokerages/Platforms). Its NAICS code is 481219 and its SIC code is 3812.