Backed by the expertise of our specialised, globally recognized companies, we build long-term partnerships with governments, multinational organisations, and commercial clients. We foster a culture of high performance, continuous growth, and the well-being of our people because the strength of our team drives the success of our missions.
Safeguarding Lives.
Preserving Environments!
Welcome to SAF Aerogroup
WHO WE ARE
SAF Aerogroup safeguards lives, supports communities, and protects environments through high-value aviation services. Operating across Europe and Africa, our teams combine advanced medical support, rapid-response capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies to help governments, local authorities, and international organisations meet their most critical challenges.
Our work is guided by three core pillars:
- Humanitarian & Mission Logistics: bringing aid and support where it’s needed most.
- Firefighting: protecting communities and natural resources from wildfires.
- Aerial Emergency Services: rapid medical and critical transport to save lives.

Our story over the years
Founded in 1979, SAF Aerogroup has grown from a single operation into a global leader in aviation services. Over the years, strategic acquisitions such as Helilagon in 2016 and Starlite Aviation in 2021 have expanded our footprint and diversified our capabilities. Today, we operate across multiple continents, delivering mission-critical services with a proven track record of safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
1977
Foundation HELICAP France
1979
Foundation of SAF HÉLICOPTÈRES, France
1986
Foundation HELILAGON La Réunion, France
1990
Foundation of SAF INDUSTRIES, France
1999
Foundation STARLITE AVIATION, South Africa
2001
Foundation AZUR HELICOPTERE, France
2006
Acquisition of HELICAP France
2012
Foundation of SAF TRAINING ACADEMY France
2014
Foundation of SAF INTERNATIONAL Switzerland
2016
Acquisition of HELILAGON France
2019
Acquisition of AZUR HELICOPTERE France
2021
Acquisition of STARLITE AVIATION, South Africa
2021
Foundation of SAF HÉLICOPTÈRES Belgium
2022
Divestment of AZUR HELICOPTERE France
2022 Rebranding
SAF AEROGROUP ● X-AERO TRAINING ACADEMY ● AERO SUPPORT FORCE
2025
- Establishment of Helion Helicopters
- Establishment of SAF Helicópteros Espana
Experienced Management Team
Jean-Louis Camus
SAF Aerogroup Co-CEO
Thibault Nicodeme
SAF Aerogroup Co-CEO
Tiago Reis
SAF AEROGROUP CTO - Head of Aero Support Force
Guillaume Oulié
SAF Aerogroup Global Human Resources Director
Vision
We aspire to be the leading EurAfrican provider of mission-critical aviation services. Operating in challenging environments, we deliver a comprehensive range of solutions that safeguard lives, protect communities, and exceed the expectations of our clients.
Through innovation, expertise, and collaboration across our global network of companies, we aim to make a tangible difference, wherever and whenever our services are needed.
Values
Our values guide every decision we make and every mission we undertake:
- Safety and Integrity – We are unwavering in our commitment to the safety of our people, operations, and clients.
- Respect – We honour our commitments to our people, partners, and clients.
- Solidarity and Collaboration – Teamwork drives excellence; we foster a collaborative environment that empowers our teams.
- Ethical Standards – We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and responsibility.
- Global Agility – We adapt quickly to challenges, ensuring our teams can deliver exceptional service wherever they are needed.

