Heliteam is a French helicopter startup born of its founder's love of flying – he is also a pilot – and with promising beginnings. Established less than two years ago, the company currently operates two helicopters for a variety of transport and aerial work missions around the Montpellier-Méditerranée airport, one of which is an H125 from Airbus Helicopters, purchased new.

Heliteam is the first (and currently the only) company offering helicopter services in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. In the words of Régis Teissonniere, Heliteam's founder and manager, "We actually created the market!" His answers to Airbus Helicopters’ five questions provide insight into his journey, and encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Airbus Helicopters: Can you take us back to that moment when you fell in love with flying? Did you ever imagine you would one day own your own helicopter company?

Régis Teissonniere: Heliteam is the culmination of a project that gradually matured and that arose from my passion for flying helicopters. It all started when I was asked to give a presentation in school on a topic of my choice. I chose helicopters, and before I knew it I was falling in love with this amazing machine and how hover flight could expand the operational capabilities and missions open to mankind.

After making my maiden flight at age 18, I pursued a private pilot's license. From there I began working for Héli Volcan, wher I eventually managed an external base and learned a great deal about running a business to round out my knowledge. These experiences led to others within the industry, including becoming a flight instructor.

It was around that point that I began to think about how I could make a living from my love of flying. Encouraged by some of my trainees who were company managers, I set out to create my own company.