HAI/ANDY STENZ


Nicole Battjes


‘We Know Where We’re Going’


New HAI chair to focus on strategic initiatives, rebranding.


By Christine Knauer O 26 ROTOR JUNE 2023


N A BRIGHT, SUNNY MORNING in Oahu, Hawaii, a few months before she’ll begin a one-year term as chair of the HAI Board of Directors, Nicole Battjes conducts a preflight inspection on one of the eight


helicopters in the fleet operated by Rainbow Helicopters, the Honolulu-based air tour operation she founded in 2011. An optimist, Nicole lives by the spirit of “aloha,” a Hawaiian


word that signifies kindness, compassion, and community. She also embraces the mantra “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.” Tis philosophy appears throughout Nicole’s life and may be the reason she thrives today. When she takes the reins at HAI on Jul. 1, 2023, Nicole


will lead the board through a pivotal point in the associa- tion’s history. As part of a three-year initiative, HAI is rebranding. Te change means a new name and logo, but


it’s really about expanding the association’s mission to encompass a bigger, bolder vision of vertical aviation that includes all vertical aviation operations. Rebranding is a huge undertaking, but it’s one Nicole


has accomplished before, at Rainbow Helicopters. Based at Honolulu International Airport (PHNL), Rainbow offers aerial tours of the island of Oahu, private charters, pho- tography and videography flights, and flight instruction. Its 12 pilots fly up to 32 flights a day, 365 days a year, flying more than 7,500 flights annually in a fleet of two Airbus AStars and six Robinson R44s. Rainbow maintains its helicopters in-house, providing


both routine and preventive maintenance. As an authorized Robinson service center and dealer, the company also overhauls its R44s. With 3,500 flight hours, Nicole serves as CEO, director of operations, check pilot, and flight


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