Helitrans

What Helitrans does

Helitrans AG is a privately held Swiss helicopter services company founded in June 1990 and headquartered at EuroAirport Basel (Zone Nord, 4030 Basel). It operates from a single base with a small core team of approximately seven to eight staff under majority owner and CEO Dries Vander Straeten, who also serves as Chief Flight Instructor. The company is dual-certified, holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC 3043) for commercial flights and a DTO (0335) for its flight school, which allows it to operate both revenue services and certified pilot training from the same regulatory platform.

The operating fleet consists of Guimbal Cabri G2 training helicopters (Helitrans was the first operator of this type in Switzerland), Robinson R44 four-seat piston helicopters and an Airbus Helicopter H120 (formerly EC120) five-seat turbine. This fleet supports a diversified service portfolio organized around three pillars: (1) pilot training from PPL(H) through CPL(H), including night, mountain, type and external-load ratings plus FAA-to-EASA license conversion; (2) passenger services — trial flights (CHF 550–1,140), regional city and Jura tours (CHF 75–650), longer scenic flights over the Alps and Swiss lakes (CHF 950–1,290), VIP/charter shuttle within a 500 km radius, and luxury Heli-Reisen to France, Paris and Tuscany; and (3) commercial services — heavy external-load cargo transport up to 4,500 kg, aerial inspection of gas and power lines, and aerial photography/video production services (in partnership with Kiwi Aerial Shots). Gift vouchers starting at CHF 100 and an online shop form the consumer-facing e-commerce layer, supported by Google AdWords campaigns with conversion tracking.

Revenue is generated entirely through per-flight, per-hour or quote-based transaction fees across seven customer segments: private individuals and tourists, business and corporate clients, aspiring pilots, utility/infrastructure companies, construction and industrial firms, corporate event organizers and film/media producers. The company is self-funded, with no disclosed institutional investment or external capital, and operates on a small, capital-intensive asset base with accident-free operations for over 20 years. Geographic reach is centered on northwest Switzerland, with cross-border operations into Alsace (France) and southwest Germany, and the stated goal of being the leading helicopter transport company in that region.

Name

Helitrans

Legal name

Helitrans AG

Website

https://helitrans.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Helitrans AG is a privately held Swiss helicopter services company based at EuroAirport Basel, operating pilot training (DTO 0335), scenic and VIP flights, heavy cargo transport, infrastructure inspections and aerial photography under AOC 3043 across northwest Switzerland, France and Germany since 1990.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Helicopter Aviation Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing (TLAFABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB), Helicopter Passenger Services (TLAFAAAE)

Keywords

• Helicopter charter services
• Helicopter pilot training
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Heavy load transport
• Aerial inspection services

Headquarters

HQ city

Basel

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Sightseeing and Scenic Flights: Per-flight revenue from tourists and private customers purchasing scenic flights over Basel, Jura, Alps, and other Swiss destinations. Prices range from CHF 75 to CHF 1,290 per person depending on flight duration and destination.
2. Pilot Training Services: Revenue from flight training including PPL(H), CPL(H), night flying ratings, mountain ratings, type ratings, external load operations, and FAA-EASA license conversion. Training is priced per flight hour and course module.
3. Gift Vouchers: Prepaid gift certificates starting at CHF 100, redeemable for all flight offerings. Provides upfront cash flow and drives future bookings.
4. Heavy Cargo and Transport Services: Commercial cargo transport services including installation flights for equipment like antennas, HVAC units, masts, cranes, artwork, and construction materials. Revenue based on job complexity and flight time.
5. Infrastructure Inspection Services: Aerial inspection services for gas and power lines, providing high-resolution visual data for utility companies to ensure supply security.
6. VIP and Shuttle Transport: Premium helicopter shuttle services for business clients, offering fast point-to-point transport within a 500 km radius at speeds up to 200-230 km/h.
7. Corporate Events: Custom helicopter experiences for team events, departments, or entire companies. Packages tailored to specific client requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Helitrans AG is a helicopter services company operating from EuroAirport Basel that delivers three core service lines: (1) regulated pilot training (PPL(H), CPL(H), night, mountain, and type ratings) under DTO 0335; (2) passenger helicopter experiences including scenic tours, Alpine flights, trial flights, VIP shuttle, and luxury heli-travel; and (3) commercial services under AOC 3043 covering heavy external load cargo transport up to 4,500 kg, aerial inspection of gas and power lines, and professional aerial photography.

Product overview

Helitrans AG is a helicopter services company based at Basel EuroAirport offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation services since 1990. The company operates as a unified service provider organized around three core pillars: (1) Flight training programs including PPL(H), CPL(H), night flight ratings, mountain ratings, and type ratings on Guimbal Cabri G2, Robinson R44, and EC120; (2) Passenger services including trial flights (Schnupperflüge), regional city tours, Switzerland-wide tours (Alps, lakes), gourmet flights, VIP/charter flights, and helicopter travel experiences; and (3) Commercial services including cargo/load transport, infrastructure inspections (gas/power lines), and aerial photography/film services. The company fleet consists of Guimbal Cabri G2 (two-seat training), Robinson R44 (four-seat), and Airbus H120/EC120 (five-seat turbine). Safety certifications include DTO 0335 for flight school and AOC 3043 for commercial flights, with an implemented Safety Management System and over 20 years accident-free operation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Helicopter Pilot Training (PPL(H) and CPL(H) programs, with night, mountain, type, and external load ratings) Accredited helicopter pilot training delivered under DTO 0335 and examined by BAZL, covering Private Pilot License (PPL(H)) with theory and practical components, Commercial Pilot License (CPL(H)) requiring at least 185 flight hours, and add-on ratings including night flight (NIT), mountain rating, type ratings on Cabri G2 / Robinson R44 / EC120, load transport (external load) training, and FAA-to-EASA license conversion. Targeted at aspiring helicopter pilots from beginner through professional levels.
• Stadtrundflug (City Tour) Helicopter city tour over Basel, Alsace, and the Swiss Jura lasting approximately 25 minutes, priced at CHF 290 per person for individual tourists and leisure travelers.
• Dreiländerflug (Three Countries Flight) Scenic flight crossing France, Switzerland, and Germany with views of the Goetheanum, the Dom of Arlesheim, and the Fernsehturm; approximately 35 minutes; CHF 390 per person.
• Jurarundflug (Jura Tour) Tour flight via Laufental, Passwang, Waldenburg, and along the Rhine back to EuroAirport; approximately 45 minutes; CHF 490 per person.
• Grosser Jurarundflug (Large Jura Tour) Extended Jura tour covering Alsace, Delémont, Chasseral, and the Solothurn region with a mountain restaurant stop; approximately 60 minutes; CHF 650 per person.
• Fondueflug (Fondue Flight) Gourmet Jura round trip paired with a fondue meal at a mountain restaurant, combining a scenic helicopter flight with Swiss culinary experience; approximately 45 minutes; CHF 550 per person.
• Alpen-Rundflug (Alps Tour) Full-day alpine tour departing Basel via Bielersee, Neuenburgersee, and Murtensee into the Alps past Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau with a Kemmeribodenbad stop; approximately 90 minutes; CHF 1,050 per person.
• 3-Seen-Rundflug (Three Lakes Tour) Scenic flight over Neuenburgersee, Murtensee, and Bielersee down to the Solothurn region; approximately 80 minutes; CHF 950 per person.
• 7-Seen-Rundflug (Seven Lakes Tour) Extended multi-lake scenic flight covering Hallwilersee, Baldeggersee, Zürichsee, Zugersee, Sempachersee, and additional lakes via Wangen-Lachen; approximately 2 hours; CHF 1,290 per person.
• Bürgenstock Flight Scenic flight to Bürgenstock with Lake Lucerne views and the Vierwaldstättersee; approximately 90 minutes; CHF 1,050 per person.
• Gasthaus zum Gupf Flight Gourmet scenic flight to the Bodensee region with a stop at an 18 GaultMillau-point Gasthaus zum Gupf and Säntis views; approximately 105 minutes; CHF 1,150 per person.
• Schnupperflug Cabri G2 (Trial Flight, Guimbal Cabri G2) Introductory trial flight on the two-seat Guimbal Cabri G2 training helicopter with a flight instructor on dual controls; CHF 550 per person. Available from age 16, flight time can be credited toward future pilot training.
• Schnupperflug Robinson R44 (Trial Flight, Robinson R44) Introductory trial flight on the four-seat Robinson R44 helicopter; CHF 790 per person. Available from age 16, with flight time creditable toward future pilot training.
• Schnupperflug EC120 (Trial Flight, EC120 Colibri) Introductory trial flight on the five-seat EC120 Colibri turbine helicopter; CHF 1,140 per person. Available from age 16, with flight time creditable toward future pilot training.
• VIP-Flüge (VIP and Charter Flights) Private helicopter shuttle and charter service for businesses and executives within a 500 km radius at speeds of 180-230 km/h, using Robinson R44 (3 passengers) and EC120 (4 passengers) aircraft. Quote-based pricing.
• Lastenflüge (Cargo and Load Transport) External load helicopter transport with lifting capacity up to 4,500 kg, used for transporting antennas, HVAC units, masts, crane and lift motors, signage, artwork, windows, construction materials, and for snow/dust removal via rotor downwash. Serves construction, industrial, and urban logistics customers.
• Inspektionen (Aerial Inspections) Aerial inspection of gas and power lines using high-resolution visual recordings from the air, providing data traceability and precise analysis for utility companies ensuring supply security.
• Aerial Shots (Film and Photography Flights) Professional aerial photography and videography services using experienced pilots and a diverse helicopter fleet equipped for film and photo production. Targets film, television, and commercial production companies.
• Events (Corporate Helicopter Events) Helicopter-based corporate event services for team events, department gatherings, and company occasions, including helicopter displays and unique event attractions. Custom packages quoted per project.
• Heli-Reisen (Luxury Helicopter Travel) Luxury helicopter travel services to destinations including golf courses in France, Paris, and Tuscany wine regions, providing bespoke European aerial tours and travel experiences.
• Gift Vouchers (Gutscheine) Gift vouchers (Gutscheine) redeemable for any Helitrans flight offering, starting at CHF 100, providing an introductory entry point to scenic tours, trial flights, and other services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Accident-free operations for over 20 years
• +3 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bristow Group: Global helicopter operator serving offshore oil & gas, search & rescue, and utility customers with a much larger fleet. Comparable industrial/utility helicopter operations at a vastly different scale.
• Jet Aviation: Large Swiss-headquartered business aviation services company offering VIP aircraft management, charter, and completions. Comparable VIP/charter customer base but vastly broader scope and aircraft types.
• CHC Helicopter: One of the world's largest helicopter operators offering offshore, search & rescue, and emergency medical services. Comparable aerial work services and certifications, but operates at global scale.

Direct peers

• Air Glaciers: Swiss helicopter operator headquartered in Sion offering passenger transport, mountain flights, work/cargo operations, and aerial work across the Alps. Comparable service mix and Swiss base profile.
• Lions Air Group AG: Swiss aviation group providing VIP, charter, and ambulance flights with multiple aircraft types. Comparable on-demand charter and VIP shuttle services targeted at corporate clients in Switzerland.
• Mountain Flyers: Swiss flight training organization and helicopter operator based at Bern/Belpmoos offering PPL/CPL helicopter training and charter flights. Comparable training school + charter combination operating in Switzerland.
• Swiss Helicopter AG: Switzerland's largest helicopter operator with multiple regional bases offering charters, sightseeing, training, and cargo services. Directly comparable multi-service helicopter portfolio competing in the same Swiss market.
• Heli-Alps SA: Swiss helicopter company providing charter, sightseeing, mountain rescue support, and aerial work in the Alpine region. Comparable capacity profile and customer segments in scenic/Alpine helicopter services.

Regional players

• SkyWork Airlines: Former Swiss regional fixed-wing airline serving business routes from Bern and Basel. Operates in overlapping Swiss regional aviation market with comparable VIP/business traveler focus, but in fixed-wing rather than rotorcraft.
• Heli Bernina: Helicopter operator in the lower Engadin/Grisons region of Switzerland offering scenic and charter flights. Comparable offerings in different Swiss geography, serving overlapping but not identical catchment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCinNT8bjqPVL9-VkUd2KV_w
• Facebookfacebook.com/helitrans.ch
• Instagraminstagram.com/helitrans_switzerland
• Xx.com/Helitrans
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/helitrans-ag

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

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 Helitrans