SAF Aerogroup

SAF Aerogroup is an aviation services group. Its roots go back to SAF Hélicoptères, which was founded in 1979 in France. The group works to safeguard lives, support communities and protect the environment. It operates across Europe and Africa and is trusted by governments, local authorities and international organisations.

The group lists six service areas. Humanitarian and mission logistics covers disaster relief, humanitarian aid and logistics in remote places. Maintenance and logistics keeps the global fleet ready. Aerial emergency services provides fast medical transport for patients, doctors and equipment. Aerial firefighting covers wildfire prevention, detection and aerial water drops. The group also offers aircraft sales and consulting, and staffing and HR solutions.

The aviation training academy prepares crews for mission ready performance. X-Aero Training offers EASA approved helicopter programs and full flight simulation. The training business is one of the brands that make up the group.

SAF Hélicoptères works in HEMS, mountain rescue and aerial work in Europe. SAF International covers aerial work, heavy lifting, longline operations and precision lifting. Helilagon serves tourism flights, firefighting and emergency medical flights on La Réunion. Starlite Aviation works in humanitarian logistics, disaster relief and offshore operations in South Africa.

Aero Support Force provides maintenance and logistical support. Crew Resource International provides staffing for aviation operations. Aerosales handles aircraft sales, trading and consulting. The group has more than 70 mission aircraft, more than 35 training aircraft, more than 31 operating bases and more than 10 maintenance bases across three key regions.

The group has grown through acquisitions. Helilagon was acquired in 2016 and Starlite Aviation in 2021. SAF International was founded in Switzerland in 2014, and SAF Hélicoptères Belgium was founded in 2021. In 2022 the group rebranded as SAF Aerogroup, with X-Aero Training Academy and Aero Support Force. In 2025 it set up Helion Helicopters and SAF Helicópteros Espana.

The group's values are safety and integrity, respect, solidarity and collaboration, ethical standards, and global agility. Its management team includes two Co-CEOs and a global human resources director. The group's aim is to provide aviation services for communities and the environment.

The group is based in Tournon, France, and each brand has its own contact page. It works with partners that include the European Union, the United Nations and the Red Cross.

Services

• Humanitarian and mission logistics
• Maintenance and logistics
• Aerial emergency services
• Aviation training academy
• Aerial firefighting
• Aircraft sales and consulting
• Helicopter staffing
• HEMS and mountain rescue
• Heavy lifting and longline operations
• Aviation maintenance and logistical support