How did your relationship with Mallorca and aviation begin?
I’ve been coming to Mallorca since I was four years old. Thirty-two years ago I decided to settle here permanently, and 25 years ago I started flying professionally for an English company that offered sightseeing flights and training. When it closed ten years ago I had to choose between returning to England or staying and starting my own business. In four seconds I decided to stay and founded Balearic Helicopters. Today I’m still flying and examining, with over 8,000 helicopter hours, and I work with EASA on its helicopter safety team.
What services does Balearic Helicopters provide?
We have two main areas. On one side, private sightseeing flights: 30-minute or one-hour routes over Mallorca with spectacular views of the Tramuntana mountains, coves and vineyards. We also offer exclusive experiences such as “heli-dining” at selected restaurants, vineyard tours with wine tasting or romantic getaways with champagne and a picnic. On the other side, we train private, commercial and instructor pilots. Training runs year-round and is especially strong in winter, when many clients come from northern Europe for the mild weather.
How important is each area to the business?
Roughly 70 percent of our work is training and 30 percent is tourism. Tourism is highly seasonal, concentrated in summer, while training continues — and even grows — in winter.
What is the profile of your sightseeing client?
Typically couples or small groups of two to four who want exclusivity. They stay in high-end hotels or agritourism properties and value unique experiences. We don’t mix strangers on flights; they charter the entire helicopter. Many return year after year — starting with a 30-minute flight and next time booking an hour to circle the whole island.
How do those customers find you?
Mainly through Google and hotel recommendations. Five-star hotels and agritourism properties call us directly to book flights for their guests, who then recommend the experience to others. We’re also active on social media, but word-of-mouth and reputation are key.
Which nationalities predominate?
About 40 percent German, 40 percent British and 20 percent other Europeans — Dutch, Scandinavians. In recent years we’ve seen more Americans as flight connections improve.
What exclusive experiences are most popular?
Besides scenic flights we arrange landings at top restaurants for lunch, vineyard visits with wine and tapas, and marriage proposals at special locations. We include baskets with champagne and strawberries and have a 99 percent success rate. These are very exclusive because the client has the helicopter for several hours.
Do you partner with specific restaurants and wineries?
Yes. We carefully select five or six restaurants and vineyards. We know they have safe landing zones, excellent service and personalised tours — not mass groups. We vet them to ensure the wine, food and overall experience are top quality.
How do you organise these packages?
We handle everything. We give clients a list of options, book the table and coordinate timings. They just show up and enjoy. We do the same with the vineyards.
On the training side, what sets Balearic Helicopters apart?
Our reputation. All training is one-to-one and tailored. A private licence can be completed in as little as six intensive weeks — like going back to school Monday to Friday — or more flexibly over months. Many of our students are Europeans with a second home or yacht in Mallorca who want to add a helicopter licence to their lifestyle. Others simply can’t train at home in winter because of weather. Being an EU licence, training here is valid across Europe.
How do you see tourism evolving in Mallorca?
The island is moving from traditional package holidays to more independent, higher-spending visitors. We see more five-star hotels, more agritourism, and in my field, more superyachts with helicopters. Mallorca can serve both segments: family beach holidays and high-end travel.
Has this shift affected your company?
Yes. Customers now better understand the difference between price and value. A one-hour flight costs €900–1,000 for up to four people. Before, many were shocked at the price; now they see it as good value because they know top experiences cost money. It shows they have more disposable income and are seeking quality.
You also work with superyachts. What does that involve?
I’m a specialist instructor for helicopter operations on large yachts. In recent years there’s been a massive increase in superyachts with helipads visiting the Balearics — a market that barely existed before. Owners need guidance on where to land, how to operate, what permits to get. We provide that. It’s another sign Mallorca is moving into a very exclusive sector.
What are the main challenges to consolidating this premium market?
Infrastructure. If you want high-end clients you need high-end service. In Saint-Tropez you can land your private jet and be on your yacht in 15 minutes. In Palma, due to local restrictions, you can’t do that: you must pass security, take a taxi to Son Bonet, go through security again, and it becomes two hours. Price isn’t the problem — service and regulation are. If Mallorca wants to grow in this segment it must adapt its infrastructure.
Looking ahead, how do you imagine the island and your company in ten years?
Mallorca is safe, diverse and beautiful. It can remain Europe’s top tourist destination and grow the premium segment. My dream is to capitalise on winter: perfect weather for sailing, cycling, hiking or learning to fly. Yet many hotels and restaurants close, leaving visitors with few options. We need the private sector and authorities to work together to keep services open in winter. If we achieve that, Mallorca could be vibrant 12 months a year.
Finally, what message would you give to people who don’t yet know Mallorca?
Don’t believe the clichés. Mallorca is not just Magaluf and partying. We have mountains, coves, vineyards, sandy beaches — all on a small island. I’ve flown all over the world and still think this place is phenomenal. Come and see it for yourself.
