Episode #182: How Heli Austria Built a Global Helicopter Operation | Roy Knaus

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Roy Knaus of Heli Austria to discuss the company's journey from a small family operation to one of Europe's most established helicopter operators.Roy shares the history of Heli Austria, founded by his father in the 1980s, and reflects on the growth that has taken the company from a fleet of just three helicopters to nearly 40 aircraft supporting a wide range of missions. The conversation explores how the company has expanded beyond Austria into international markets, including operations in Iceland and Chile, while maintaining a focus on safety, customer service, and operational excellence.They also discuss the realities of growing a helicopter business, building strong local partnerships, navigating different regulatory environments, and creating opportunities in sectors ranging from HEMS and firefighting to utility work and heli-skiing.Throughout the conversation, Roy offers lessons learned from decades in the industry, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of building a motivated team capable of taking on new challenges.This episode is a look at what it takes to grow a helicopter company over the long term and how strong partnerships, vision, and persistence can create opportunities far beyond where the journey began.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Airbus and Hillsboro Heli Academy.