Aero Center Grand Opening

Papillon Airways Inc. has once again raised the bar in sightseeing air and ground tours. Aside from being the largest air tour company in the world they have now set the standard in passenger comfort with their new Boulder City AeroCenter in Boulder City, NV. Located just outside of Las Vegas, NV at the Boulder City Municipal Airport the new Passenger terminal is a focal point for all that arrive at the airfield.

With the building’s bright red roof and stone exterior it sets itself apart from any surrounding structures. Once inside you are greeted with an amazing view of the runways and aircraft loading areas as well as the vast desert through a two story bank of windows. Taking a look around reveals large gift shop, small cafe, and comfortable seating areas for guests waiting to board their tours. A large service counter accommodates the variety of brands that are offering service. While waiting to board, passengers who look up will notice the giant ceiling fan made of 5 helicopter rotor blades. Clearly, no detail was overlooked in the creation of Chairman Elling Halvorson’s vision for the ultimate Grand Canyon passenger center.

On March 23, 2009 Papillon Airways held a Grand Opening to celebrate the completion of the new AeroCenter. Elling Halvorson kicked off the event with a history of the Halvorson Family of Flight. Mr. Halvorson took the guests on a trip down memory lane from 1965 when Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters began operations over the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to present status with growth to five world famous brands servicing all rims of the Grand Canyon and operating from 3 cities. The entire Halvorson family was in attendance for the celebration including Elling’s wife Barbara, daughter Brenda Halvorson, son’s Lon, Rod, Randy, and Kent. The entire family played a major role in the creation of the new terminal. Elling Halvorson had the vision, Lon Halvorson made the financial arrangements, and Kent Halvorson was the general contractor with his company E. Kent Halvorson Contracting. Brenda Halvorson is the CEO and oversees operations in Boulder City, Las Vegas, and at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Many others were in attendance from employees and friends to dignitaries from the FAA, EUROcopter, the U.S. Senate, Boulder City, the Navajo Nation, Hualapai Nation, Havasupai Nation, as well as other tour companies and partners. It was quite the event with singing, blessings both in English and Hualapai, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Once inside the new terminal guests enjoyed cocktails and a spectacularly catered meal by the Blue Martini Las Vegas. Guests were able to take tours of the new facility and others enjoyed the festivities well into the night.

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and the rest of the “Family of Flight” have once again set the standard with their new Boulder City AeroCenter. On average, 1500 passengers a day will pass through the new facility and be provided with a comfortable, spacious, and beautiful environment to begin and conclude their Grand Canyon Experience.

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