Maverick Helicopters Expands Southern California Footprint with New Santa Monica Airport

Maverick Helicopters has added a new chapter to its Southern California story with the launch of flight operations at Santa Monica Airport. The move strengthens the company’s growing footprint across the region and opens up a seamless gateway for travelers who want to experience Los Angeles and its surroundings from the air. For an aviation brand that has built its reputation on luxury, precision and memorable aerial experiences, Santa Monica marks a natural next step.

The new terminal, housed within Atlantic Aviation, will serve as the exclusive starting point for the Hollywood & Beyond experience. It is a compact, 30-minute aerial journey across Los Angeles—but one that compresses decades of cinematic history and cultural landmarks into a single sweeping flight. Passengers lift off over the Pacific coastline, rise above the Hollywood Hills, trace the gleaming neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and circle past the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Dodger Stadium and the evolving skyline of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s an itinerary designed for visitors who want to understand LA in one panoramic glance, and for locals rediscovering the city with a fresh perspective.

Santa Monica will also serve as a hub for customized charters and direct helicopter transfers to Catalina Island. What is typically a long commute by road and ferry is now a 20-minute aerial hop, complete with coastal cliffs, marine life sightings and a dramatic approach into Avalon’s private oceanfront helipad. These transfers are expected to be a major draw for leisure travelers, romantic getaways and corporate weekenders looking for a faster, more exclusive route.

John Buch, president of Maverick Helicopters, describes the expansion as both strategic and emotional. “Maverick Helicopters is dedicated to delivering world-class aerial experiences with an unwavering commitment to safety and service,” he said. Santa Monica, he added, gives the company the opportunity to elevate what it already does best—luxury, adventure and unforgettable views—while making Southern California more accessible to travelers who value speed and style.

The company’s offering from Santa Monica extends beyond sightseeing and island transfers. Maverick is opening the door to bespoke aerial journeys across the region, from short city transfers to curated day trips. Destinations like Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Orange County and remote scenic locations are now within effortless reach, making helicopter travel not just a luxury but a practical solution for those who want to skip traffic and arrive with ease.

With this expansion, Maverick Helicopters continues to define what modern air tourism looks like in California. The experience is not just about flying; it is about crafting journeys that feel cinematic, personal and safe. The company flies more than 250,000 guests annually across Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and California, supported by decades of aviation expertise and a reputation for superior safety standards. Its pilots are known for their deep regional knowledge and storytelling abilities, which turn each flight into a blend of adventure and interpretation.

The new Santa Monica terminal, located at 2828 Donald Douglas Loop N Suite 102, brings this ethos into one of Los Angeles’ most iconic coastal cities. It’s a location that blends convenience with character—minutes from the beach, close to major business districts, and perfectly positioned for spontaneous escapes.

Maverick’s expansion arrives at a time when travelers increasingly want experiences that are immersive but effortless. Helicopter travel offers precisely that: no traffic, no crowds, just open skies and sweeping landscapes. For Southern California, this marks another milestone in making aerial tourism part of the region’s mainstream travel fabric.

More information is available at FlyMaverick.com/California.