Henley Air
Henley Air is a South African turnkey helicopter solutions provider operating from Rand Airport, Germiston, serving corporate, mining, construction, and tourism clients across nine service lines including charters, scenic flights, pilot training, maintenance, drone inspections, and HEMS air ambulance.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersGauteng, South Africa
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Henley Air does
Henley Air (Pty) Ltd is a South African turnkey helicopter solutions provider headquartered at Rand Airport in Germiston, Johannesburg, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henley Group Holdings. Founded in 1998 with a single Bell JetRanger, the company has grown into a diversified aviation services group operating a diverse fleet spanning Robinson R44, Bell 206/407/222/230, AS350 B2, Dauphin AS 365, and Augusta 119 MK11 aircraft. Core operational footprint includes three hangars covering 7,300 square meters and four national operational bases enabling 24/7 helicopter operations across South Africa. The group holds South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Approved Air Operator Certificate (AOC N569D/G576D), Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) accreditation, and SACAA drone operator licensing with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approval.
The company operates across nine distinct revenue streams organized into multiple wholly-owned sub-brands: helicopter charter and scenic flights for corporate and leisure clients (core transaction-fee revenue); Henley Air Flight Training (HAFT), a fully licensed Air Training Organisation offering PPL through ATPL and specialized ratings; Henley Air Technical (HAT) providing in-house maintenance and avionics support; Henley Component Repair & Overhaul (Henley CRO) for Bell airframe components; Henley Air Drone Solutions operating SACAA BVLOS-approved industrial inspections; ROCKET Air Ambulance and ROCKET Air Rescue delivering 24/7 HEMS services from three bases; Kids' Flight pediatric air ambulance; the Henley Aeronautical Institute of Learning; plus facility services including hangarage and Ducks Country House venue hire. Primary customer segments are mining and construction enterprises, corporate/executive charter clients, hospitals and emergency medical partners, flight training students, industrial inspection buyers (solar, transport, cell tower), and leisure/tourism consumers. Recent strategic moves include selection as GE Aerospace's launch customer for the Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System Next Generation (RADS-NG) in February 2024, BARS accreditation in June 2023, expansion into pediatric air ambulance, and establishment of new training and component repair divisions in 2024-2025.
Revenue mechanics combine transaction-based pricing for charters and scenic flights, subscription/managed-service arrangements for HEMS standby and facility hire, professional services fees for drone inspections and maintenance contracts, and recurring tuition for pilot training programmes. Distribution is direct via the company website (henleyair.co.za), phone (+27 11 827 5503), email ([email protected]), and field sales targeting enterprise mining, construction, and corporate accounts with long-standing service contracts. The company maintains an active digital presence across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube alongside a live webcam platform (HenleyCams) for brand engagement, while marketing partnerships with six restaurant and venue partners extend the scenic flight experience. Henley Air Group has not disclosed external institutional investment, private equity involvement, or a public listing, operating as a privately-held enterprise led by Group CEO Boeta Dippenaar, COO Ane du Preez, and Group Executive Chairman André Coetzee.
Henley Air firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Henley Air
- Legal name
- Henley Air
- Website
- https://www.henleyair.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Henley Air is a South African turnkey helicopter solutions provider operating from Rand Airport, Germiston, serving corporate, mining, construction, and tourism clients across nine service lines including charters, scenic flights, pilot training, maintenance, drone inspections, and HEMS air ambulance.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Henley Air industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Helicopter Charter & Aviation Services
- NAICS
- Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Flight Training (611512), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD), Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD), Helicopter Crew Change & Offshore Passenger Transfers (Oil & Gas / Wind) (TLAFACAH)
Keywords
Where Henley Air is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gauteng
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices4 records
Markets served
Henley Air business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Helicopter Charter Services: Bespoke charter solutions for corporate and leisure travel, including private executive transfers, holiday destinations, and customized flight solutions. Revenue generated per flight hour with pricing based on aircraft type and mission requirements.
- Scenic Flights: Pre-packaged helicopter experiences over Johannesburg with options ranging from 15-minute CBD flights to 1-hour flights covering Kyalami Race Track and Mall of Africa. Additional revenue from restaurant stop partnerships and professional photography packages.
- Flight Training: Full range of helicopter pilot programmes including PPL, CPL, ATPL, and specialized ratings (Night, Instrument, Multi-Engine, Instructor, MCC, NVIS/NVG). Training conducted at fully licensed ATO at Hangar 6, Rand Airport.
- Drone Solutions: Industrial inspection services using specialized drone technology for solar, construction, development planning, transport infrastructure, mining, and cell tower inspections. Revenue from service contracts and per-project engagements.
- Specialized Helicopter Operations: Corporate contracts, game capture and counting, aerial inspections, high-value asset transfers, helicopter sling operations for firefighting, construction, and animal relocation.
- HEMS and Air Ambulance: Emergency medical services standby for events and ROCKET Air Ambulance (fully licensed, unaffiliated, independent air ambulance) and ROCKET Air Rescue serving mines and construction industries. Kids Flight charitable service for pediatric emergency transport.
- Maintenance Services (Henley Air Technical): Specialized helicopter maintenance services, avionics, and engine support to factory standards. Line maintenance, Henley Component Repair & Overhaul (Henley CRO) for Bell helicopter components including Categories A, B, and C.
- Facility Services: Hangarage with 24/7 surveillance, ground handling, professional cleaning, exclusive customer lounge, executive boardroom, and venue hire at Ducks Country House for meetings and events up to 30 delegates.
- Vehicle Tracking: Vehicle tracking operations and services under Team Leader Conrad Mouton.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Scenic Flight Packages |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Scenic Flight Photography Surcharges |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Charter Services |
| Subscription | Monthly | Facility Hire |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Henley Air product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Henley Air is a South African rotor wing aviation operator based at Rand Airport, Germiston, providing turnkey helicopter charter, scenic flights, specialised helicopter services (including HEMS, sling operations, and game capture), SACAA-licensed drone inspection with BVLOS approval, helicopter maintenance (Henley Air Technical), and licensed Air Training Organisation pilot programmes (Henley Air Flight Training). Operations span three HEMS bases and four national operating bases, supported by three hangars covering 7,300 square meters and a diverse Bell/Airbus/Augusta fleet.
Product overview
Henley Air is a premier turnkey helicopter solutions provider in Africa offering a diversified portfolio of interconnected aviation services. The core offerings include helicopter charters and scenic flights for corporate and leisure clients, complemented by specialised services such as corporate contracts, game capture, aerial inspections, and helicopter sling operations. The company operates the ROCKET sub-brand for air ambulance and air rescue services, including South Africa's first Kids' Flight children's air ambulance. Supporting the flight operations is Henley Air Flight Training (a fully licensed ATO), Henley Air Technical (in-house maintenance), and drone solutions with BVLOS capabilities. The fleet encompasses various Bell and Airbus helicopter types, all maintained at the Rand Airport facility spanning three hangars covering 7300 square meters. Additional services include hangarage, customer facilities, and vehicle tracking.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Henley Air Technical (HAT): Specialised helicopter maintenance services providing in-house line maintenance, avionics and engine support to exact factory standards for Bell helicopters.
- Henley Air Flight Training (HAFT)
- ROCKET Air Ambulance
- ROCKET Air Rescue
- Kids' Flight
- Henley Component Repair & Overhaul (Henley CRO)
- HenleyCams
Products and services
- Helicopter Charters Bespoke helicopter charter services for corporate and leisure travel, operating from Rand Airport in Germiston near Johannesburg CBD and OR Tambo International Airport. Customisable solutions for executive transfers, corporate trips, and holiday getaways.
- Scenic Flights
Quantifiable outcome
- 24/7 emergency medical helicopter service coverage across South Africa
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Henley Air
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Henley Air technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Henley Air partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GE AerospacecoreHenley Air selected as launch customer for GE Aerospace Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System Next Generation (RADS-NG). The system will be used across Henley Air's fleet including Bell 222 UT, Bell 206 and 206L, Bell 407, Dauphin AS 365, and Augusta 119 MK11. RADS-NG enables proactive vibration measurements and real-time benefits in enhancing engine and component life with reduced flight time and fuel savings.
- Casalinga RestaurantminorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- The Cradle BoutiqueminorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- De Hoek Country HotelminorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- Kloofzicht Lodge & SpaminorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- Aviators Brewing Co.minorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- Black Horse BreweryminorRestaurant partner for scenic flights offering helicopter-accessible dining experience. Part of restaurant stop packages for scenic flight customers.
- Ducks Country HouseminorVenue partnership offering off-site conference and event space for Henley Air clients. Located in Henley on Klip, accommodates up to 30 delegates for day events or 7 for overnight sessions with 4 en-suite rooms and 3 exclusive cabins.
- ROCKET Air AmbulancecoreFully licensed, unaffiliated, independent air ambulance service under Henley Group Holdings umbrella. ROCKET Air Rescue delivers tailor-made solutions to mines and construction industries. Also includes Kids Flight charitable pediatric air ambulance service.
- South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)coreGovernment regulatory body providing Air Operator Certificates (AOC N569D/G576D) and drone operator licensing with BVLOS approval.
- Henley Group HoldingscoreParent company providing strategic direction and shared services across Henley Air, Henley Air Technical, Henley Air Flight Training, and ROCKET Air Ambulance.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Henley Air competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Starlite Aviation: African helicopter charter, training, and MRO provider operating across multiple African countries. Highly comparable to Henley Air given overlapping charter, training, and maintenance offerings on a similar African geographic footprint and fleet profile.
- Solenta Aviation: Africa-based helicopter charter and aviation services operator serving industrial and corporate clients. Closely comparable given parallel offering of charter, training-adjacent, and MRO services across the African continent.
Broad incumbents
- Bristow Group: Global helicopter operator serving offshore energy, government, and HEMS markets. Relevant incumbent comparable for Henley Air's industrial helicopter and HEMS/ROCKET offerings, though at materially larger scale and with global geographic reach.
- CHC Helicopter: Global helicopter services company with offshore, HEMS, and search & rescue operations. Comparable as a multi-segment helicopter operator with overlapping charter/HEMS capabilities, though much larger and operating predominantly in offshore energy.
- Avincis: European helicopter services company (formed from merger of Babcock Mission Critical Services and Avincis Aviation) with HEMS, offshore, and government operations. Comparable as a multi-segment helicopter services platform combining charter, MRO, and emergency medical services.
- PHI Aviation: International helicopter operator serving offshore, HEMS, and utility markets. Comparable operator in helicopter transport and HEMS with overlapping industrial and emergency medical service offerings.
Regional players
- Federal Air: South African charter aviation company with historical helicopter charter operations. Comparable for executive and corporate charter overlap in the same Johannesburg market and direct competition for similar South African corporate clientele.
- Netcare 911 HEMS: South African emergency medical services operator with HEMS capabilities. Comparable as a regional competitor in helicopter air ambulance operations and a primary alternative for hospital systems and emergency service contracts.
Emerging players
- 43 Air School: South African flight training organization. Comparable for Henley Air Flight Training offerings on pilot licensing, though primarily fixed-wing focused - illustrates the regional competing training infrastructure Henley must differentiate against.
- Rocketmine: African commercial drone services company specializing in mining, agricultural, and industrial drone operations. Comparable as an emerging competing industrial drone operator on the same African continent with overlapping mining and infrastructure inspection use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Henley Air social profiles
Digital presenceHenley Air compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Henley Air financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Henley Air leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Henley Air subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Henley Air funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Henley Air 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 Henley Air
What does Henley Air do?
Henley Air is a South African rotor wing aviation operator based at Rand Airport, Germiston, providing turnkey helicopter charter, scenic flights, specialised helicopter services (including HEMS, sling operations, and game capture), SACAA-licensed drone inspection with BVLOS approval, helicopter maintenance (Henley Air Technical), and licensed Air Training Organisation pilot programmes (Henley Air Flight Training). Operations span three HEMS bases and four national operating bases, supported by three hangars covering 7,300 square meters and a diverse Bell/Airbus/Augusta fleet.
Is Henley Air a public or private company?
Henley Air is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Henley Air founded?
Henley Air was founded in 1995. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Henley Air based?
Henley Air is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Henley Air make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Helicopter Charter Services are the primary driver. The others are scenic Flights, flight Training, drone Solutions, specialized Helicopter Operations, HEMS and Air Ambulance, maintenance Services (Henley Air Technical), facility Services and vehicle Tracking.
Who are Henley Air's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Starlite Aviation and Solenta Aviation. Broad incumbents are Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, Avincis and PHI Aviation. Regional players are Federal Air and Netcare 911 HEMS. Emerging players are 43 Air School and Rocketmine.
Does Henley Air have an API?
No public API is recorded for Henley Air.
What industry is Henley Air in?
Henley Air's product category is Helicopter Charter & Aviation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFACAB, On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate), with a secondary code of THABAFAD, Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators. Its NAICS code is 4812 and its SIC code is 4522.