Executive Biography
Elling Halvorson is the founder and chairman of the board for Papillon Group, as well as the patriarchal figure for the Halvorson family who, today, lead the company. Celebrating 50 years in 2015, Papillon Group is the longest-running family owned and operated helicopter tour company in the world, serving 3,500 passengers daily. Within the industry, Halvorson is not only well-respected but also considered one of the pioneers of aerial tourism. The company’s story began in 1965, thanks to the vision of Elling Halvorson.
Brenda Halvorson began her career with Papillon in 1986. She has served as chief executive officer for nearly 25 years. Under her leadership, Papillon Group and its brands have grown from 17 helicopters to 58 helicopters, 24 fixed-wing aircraft and 40 transportation vehicles. She led the companies through the purchases of Kenai Helicopters, Air Grand Canyon, Lake Mead Airlines, Grand Canyon Airlines and Scenic Airlines.
Jake Tomlin dreamed of working in aviation from the time he was 5 years old, but never expected he would have the opportunity to do so while working with family. Tomlin currently serves as president of Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines where he oversees Nevada Fixed-Wing Operations, assists in political and corporate affairs and flies as a captain in the DHC-6 Twin Otter. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in professional aviation for both the Department of Defense and commercial air tour industry.
With more than 40 years of aviation experience, John Becker serves as Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters' chief operating officer and director of operations. In his current position, Becker is responsible for Papillon’s system wide helicopter flight operations and Arizona based day to day operations. In his current position, Becker is responsible for Papillon’s system wide helicopter flight operations and Arizona based day to day operations. He has been with Papillon since 1994.
Mark G. Slack currently serves as vice president of administration for Papillon Group. Responsibilities include management of the reservation department, courtesy passenger transportation, customer service and human resources in Boulder City, Nev., Boulder facilities management and budget preparation. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the tour industry. Slack joined the company in 2007 when Scenic Airlines, for which he was chief executive officerr, was acquired by Papillon Group.
Sales & Marketing
Since 2000, Irit Langness has been leading the sales efforts on behalf of Papillon Group, considered the largest and longest-running helicopter tour company in the world. In this capacity, she is responsible for the sales of all tourism-related revenues including helicopters, airplane and bus tours from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Page/Lake Powell. Under Langness’ leadership, sales increase an average of 10 to15 percent year over year. Overall, Langness has nearly 35 years of experience in sales and marketing.