SKY Helicopters Inc.

What SKY Helicopters Inc. does

SKY Helicopters Inc. is a privately held Canadian helicopter tour operator founded in 2011 by Andrew Westlund and headquartered in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, with a secondary departure point in downtown Vancouver. The company operates a fleet of six helicopters, primarily Airbus H125 and Robinson R44 airframes, and employs approximately 12 people; it is part of the Westlund Group. Its core offering is direct-to-consumer helicopter experiences ranging from 10–20 minute Discovery Flights to 30–90 minute BC backcountry tours, Vancouver city tours, Coast Mountain landing tours, and bespoke offerings such as backcountry beer tastings, private champagne flights, proposals, and elopements, alongside custom charters and transfer flights.

Underlying the consumer experience is a technical stack that distinguishes the business from typical tour operators: an in-house thermal/infrared scanning program using FLIR sensors, an ESRI-based GIS mapping program, and a partnership with ASAP Geomatix for high-resolution aerial imagery. These capabilities support a separate commercial-services vertical covering forestry support, wildfire management, and aerial imagery work.

The business model combines high-volume DTC tour ticket sales (sold direct with merchandise and gift certificates via Shopify) and a smaller B2B commercial services line. Pricing spans from approximately $200 for entry-level discovery flights to several hundred dollars per person for premium experiences, with bespoke private charters at the top of the range. Demand is seasonal and tourism-dependent, but two departure points and hotel/tourism partnerships extend the catchment across Metro Vancouver and inbound visitor flows.

Name

SKY Helicopters Inc.

Legal name

SKY Helicopters

Website

https://skyhelicopters.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SKY Helicopters Inc. is a private Canadian helicopter tour operator based in Pitt Meadows, BC, offering backcountry, city, and experiential flights to tourists from two departure points, plus commercial aviation services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Helicopter Tour Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (48121)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Scenic & Sightseeing Helicopter Tours (THABAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD), Helicopter Resort & Remote Destination Transfers (TLAFACAF), VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH)

Keywords

• Helicopter tour services
• Aerial tourism experiences
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Commercial aviation services
• Backcountry helicopter adventures

Headquarters

HQ city

Pitt Meadows, BC

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Helicopter Tour Experiences: SKY Helicopters generates primary revenue through selling helicopter tour experiences to consumers. Tours range from short discovery flights (10-20 minutes) to extended backcountry adventures (90+ minutes), including city tours, mountain flights, champagne flights, beer tasting tours, proposals, and elopements. Pricing is per person with private options available at premium rates. Additional revenue from airport fees (3.5%) and GST (5%).
2. Merchandise Sales: The company operates a Shopify e-commerce store selling branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, rain jackets), accessories (scarves, touques, keychains), and specialty items (champagne flutes, golf balls). Merchandise ships only within Canada.
3. Gift Certificates: Experience gift certificates sold with one-year validity from purchase date. Monetary value cards have no expiration date.
4. Commercial Services: Government and commercial contracts for forestry, wildfire management, infrared scanning, aerial imagery, vertical reference services, crew transport, and backcountry infrastructure implementation. Works with provincial governments, BC Parks, reforestation companies, and BC wildfire unit crews.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SKY Helicopters is a Vancouver-based helicopter tour operator selling aerial sightseeing experiences and private charters over British Columbia's Coast Mountains and Vancouver. Its fleet of Airbus H125 and Robinson R44 helicopters departs from Pitt Meadows (SKY Hangar) and downtown Vancouver Heliport, offering consumer tours from short discovery flights to 90+ minute backcountry landings, plus commercial aviation services for forestry, wildfire management, aerial imaging, and crew transport.

Product overview

SKY Helicopters operates as a premier helicopter tour company offering a diverse portfolio of aerial adventure experiences. The core product portfolio centers on sightseeing helicopter tours ranging from introductory Discovery Flights (10-20 minutes) to extensive backcountry adventures (up to 90+ minutes), with key offerings including BC Backcountry Tours, Vancouver City Tours, Coast Mountain Landing Tours, and specialized experiences like Beer Tasting, Champagne Flights, and Wedding/Proposal packages. The company provides both public shared tours and private charter options, departing from two locations: SKY Hangar at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport and Vancouver Harbour Heliport. Supplementary services include transfer flights, hotel pick-up shuttles, and an event venue (SKY Hangar). The fleet operates Airbus H125 and Robinson R44 aircraft with commercial pilots. The company also offers commercial aviation services for forestry, wildfire management, and aerial imaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SKY Hangar: Event venue located at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport for fundraisers, weddings, parties, and networking events with prep kitchen, event lighting, heated floors, sound and video system.

Products and services

• Discovery Flight Experiences Introductory 10 or 20-minute helicopter flights for first-time flyers over the Fraser River or coastal mountains, including a hangar tour and walk-around of the aircraft. Targeted at first-time flyers and curious visitors.
• BC Backcountry Helicopter Tours 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute scenic helicopter flights over BC's remote wilderness showcasing waterfalls, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Targeted at tourists and adventure seekers.
• Vancouver City Helicopter Tour 30-minute helicopter flight departing Pitt Meadows with hotel shuttle service, offering aerial views of Vancouver's skyline, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and North Shore Mountains. Targeted at visitors wanting an overview of Vancouver.
• Coast Mountain Landing Helicopter Tours 45, 60, 75, or 105-minute flights that include a 15-minute backcountry landing at remote glacier peaks and panoramic coast mountain locations. Targeted at adventure tourists seeking exclusive landings.
• Backcountry Beer Tasting Helicopter Tour 60-minute combined helicopter flight and 30-minute backcountry landing experience with complimentary West Coast craft beer tasting. Targeted at adults and groups seeking a themed wilderness experience.
• Private Champagne Flights Luxury private 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute helicopter experiences with champagne service in a private helicopter, departing from Pitt Meadows or Vancouver Heliport. Targeted at couples seeking romantic luxury experiences.
• Backcountry Helicopter Proposals Romantic proposal packages featuring backcountry mountain landings, complimentary champagne service, and a SKY Romance Gift Box with branded champagne flutes. Targeted at couples planning marriage proposals.
• Backcountry Helicopter Elopements Intimate wedding ceremony experiences in secluded BC Coast Mountains with 30-50 minute flights, 60-minute landing, private helicopter, and all aviation fees included. Targeted at couples planning elopement ceremonies.
• Transfer Flights – Pitt Meadows to Downtown Vancouver 15-minute scenic helicopter transfer service between Pitt Meadows Airport and Downtown Vancouver with optional hotel pickup. Targeted at travelers needing fast or scenic point-to-point transport.
• Custom Tours & Charters Personalized helicopter adventures with customizable destinations including West Coast Vancouver Island flights, Okanagan Winery tours, Whistler Sea to Sky tours, and multi-day Canadian Rockies charters. Targeted at premium customers and groups seeking bespoke itineraries.
• Commercial Aviation Services Government and commercial aviation services including forestry support, wildfire management, infrared scanning, aerial imagery, vertical reference operations, crew transport, and backcountry infrastructure implementation. Targeted at provincial governments, BC Parks, reforestation companies, and BC wildfire unit crews.
• SKY Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise line sold via Shopify store including logo sweatshirts, t-shirts, ball caps, scarves, touques, keychains, champagne flutes, golf balls, Helly Hansen rain jackets, and water bottles. Shipping within Canada only.
• SKY Hangar Event Venue Event venue space at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport featuring a prep kitchen, event lighting, heated floors, and sound/video systems, available for fundraisers, weddings, parties, and corporate networking events. Targeted at event organizers and corporate clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 10% of attractions worldwide (TripAdvisor)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Westlund GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of SKY Helicopters. SKY Helicopters was established in 2011 by Andrew Westlund as part of the Westlund Group of Companies. The goal was to bring new experiences to Westlund Group clients and contribute to BC's growing tourism industry.
• Helly HansenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBranded merchandise partner. SKY Helicopters offers Helly Hansen Voss rain jackets with SKY logo as part of merchandise line.
• Red BullminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand collaboration with internationally recognized energy drink company for marketing and brand association.
• Fairmont HotelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with luxury hotel brand for guest referrals and experience partnerships.
• Porsche CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand collaboration with luxury automotive brand for cross-promotional activities.
• LululemonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand collaboration with athletic apparel company for marketing and brand partnerships.
• Maui JimminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEyewear brand partnership for promotional collaborations.
• TripAdvisorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel review platform partner. Company receives annual Certificate of Excellence and Travellers' Choice Award recognition.
• Destination VancouverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial tourism marketing organization for Vancouver. Collaborates on promoting Vancouver and BC to domestic and international visitors.
• Destination BCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvincial tourism marketing organization. Works collaboratively to promote British Columbia tourism.
• Destination CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational tourism marketing organization. Collaborates to promote Canadian tourism experiences internationally.
• TIABC (Tourism Industry Association of BC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry association for tourism businesses in British Columbia.
• Canucks Autism NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual ELEVATE fundraiser event partner. SKY Helicopters hosts exclusive themed events to support CAN programs across BC.
• ASAP GeomatixcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for high-resolution aerial imaging. Provides unprecedented GIS resolutions and industry-leading custom solutions for commercial imagery projects.
• BC Provincial GovernmentcoreOthersGovernment partner for wildfire management, forestry work, and environmental surveys. SKY has relationships with provincial governments to assist in wildfire suppression and forestry operations.
• Downtown Vancouver HotelsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partners providing guest referrals and complimentary shuttle pickup service for SKY Helicopter tour guests.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Maverick Helicopters: Larger helicopter tour brand operating across Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Maui, and NYC with a polished sightseeing product. Comparable to SKY on consumer helicopter tour model, premium branding, and luxury experience positioning.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Established Hawaiian helicopter sightseeing operator offering scenic and adventure tours across multiple islands. Comparable to SKY on tour portfolio, fleet scale, and tropical/scenic destination tourism positioning.

Others

• Destination Canada: National tourism marketing organization partnering with SKY to promote BC helicopter experiences. Adjacent/ecosystem player rather than a competitor; relevant as a shared marketing channel and demand-generation partner.

Direct peers

• Highland Helicopters: BC helicopter operator with charter and utility work in the Lower Mainland and surrounding regions. Comparable in fleet profile and BC operating territory.
• Alpine Helicopters: BC-based helicopter operator offering charter, tourism, and utility services across the province. Comparable to SKY on tour/charter mix and BC mountain operating environment.
• Helijet: British Columbia-based helicopter operator offering scheduled passenger services, charter, and scenic flights out of Vancouver and Victoria. Directly comparable to SKY on geography, fleet mix (twin-engine helicopters), and passenger/charter offering.
• Pacific Western Helicopters: BC helicopter charter and tourism operator offering tours, charter, and specialty services across southwestern BC. Directly comparable on helicopter tour product, charter model, and BC geography.
• Blackcomb Helicopters: Whistler-based helicopter tour and charter operator running sightseeing, glacier, and backcountry experiences. Comparable to SKY as a BC helicopter tourism competitor targeting similar high-spend visitors to the Coast Mountains.

Regional players

• Niagara Helicopters: Long-running Canadian helicopter tour operator at Niagara Falls offering scenic flights. Comparable to SKY on the helicopter sightseeing model but serves a different (Ontario) tourism geography.
• Harbour Air Seaplanes: BC-based scheduled and charter seaplane operator offering tours, transfers, and scheduled service out of Vancouver Harbour. Comparable to SKY on Vancouver tourism, downtown departure point, and short-haul scenic flight product.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheSkyhelicopters
• Facebookfacebook.com/Skyhelicopters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sky-helicopters-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/skyhelicopters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 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 SKY Helicopters Inc.