Corail Hélicoptères, a successful initiative

Corail Hélicoptères established itself in Saint-Martin in 2014 but has existed in Reunion since 2004. Why did you choose to locate in Saint Martin?

Fabrice Lourme (manager): Saint-Martin represented an opportunity. We had a partner here and the island no longer had helicopters for 10 years. Our activity seemed necessary, especially since we had demand from hotels on the island.

Alfred Chane Pane (chairman): Indeed, St Martin had no helicopters for 10 years while a part of the international clientele is used to this kind of service. The helicopter allows them to proceed with the well-known landing in St Barts without any fears.

You have a fleet of two helicopters here, and employ five people, what is the size of the financial investment required for the creation of this type of company? Could this project have come to life without the help of the European Union?

Alfred Chane Pane (chairman): The overall investment is 2.7 M. €. Aid from the European Union for the construction of the building was a motivating factor and helped to accelerate our decision-making.

What type of clients do you serve? And what trips to they ask for?

Fabrice Lourme: Our customers are tourists, businessmen, public service companies, etc. They need to reach all the surrounding islands.

Alfred Chane Pane: Our service is generally aimed at VIP guests who want to go to St Barts and other islands, by renting a private helicopter which is then at their entire disposal.

Do you work in collaboration with the airports of the island?

Alfred Chane Pane: Yes, Coral Hélicoptères serves the two airports of the island but also the airports of the nearby islands.

How would you describe the evolution of your activity?

Fabrice Lourme: Growing, currently 15% per year

Alfred Chane Pane: After the set up and startup phase, operations have been growing consistently and have led us to use a second helicopter.

What are your development projects?

Alfred Chane Pane: Through local partnerships and customers who are more and more loyal, Coral will keep on growing and will be able to add new machines in the future, depending on the needs.