In 2008, a market study launched by our Shareholders showed that:

The need for helicopter transport and aerial work was increasing steadily throughout Morocco, with new transport demands set to emerge in a number of sectors such as Electrical Works, Health, and the Oil industry
There were, at the time, no real “local Moroccan solutions” for helicopter transport.
The Department of Civil Aviation was ready to encourage the development of National Operators, provided these operators showed their willingness to move forward in a structured manner and in compliance with regulations.

Determined to meet this challenge, the Shareholders bought Helisud Morocco in March 2008. Helisud was the last remaining operational helicopter company of those that were operating in the early 2000s. Helisud had a pilot, a mechanic and a secretary, flew about a hundred hours per year, held a Technical Operating Certificate (TOC) and owned an Alouette 2 (dating from 1961).

Between March 2008 and late 2009 six helicopters were purchased, imported and registered in Morocco. Helisud was restructured and expanded. In late 2010, a communication campaign was launched, introducing the new name and corporate image of the brand as Heliconia. This marked the emergence of the company and the gaining credibility of our brand.

To ensure and facilitate the development of Heliconia Group in Morocco and throughout the sub-region, the Shareholders finalised the acquisition of France’s JCE Helicopters and its subsidiary “HeliChallenge” in November 2012, thus providing a gateway for helicopter market access, a workshop with European standards and new operational structures.

Heliconia Group expects the industry will concentrate on small and medium-sized organisations in the future, and wants to be a main player in this area, while striving to achieve external growth. Across the region, Heliconia aims to become a major competitor in the operation and maintenance of helicopters in France, North and Sub-Saharan Africa.