Straight Up Lifting Others: Nicole Battjes

Nicole Battjes founded Rainbow Helicopters in 2011 at just 27 years old, starting with herself and a single helicopter. Today, the multi-island Part 135 air carrier has grown into a thriving multi-million-dollar company with 55 team members and a fleet of 10 helicopters. With more than 13 years of industry and commercial flight experience, Nicole has flown over 5,000 tours and logged more than 3,500 flight hours — serving as Rainbow’s chief pilot from 2017-2022, the only woman to hold that position in the Hawaiian helicopter community at the time, before stepping into her current role.

Beyond the cockpit, Nicole Battjes has led the vertical aviation community at the highest level, serving as the 2023-2024 board chair for Vertical Aviation International (VAI) previously the Helicopter Association International (HAI) — becoming, in a first for the association’s 75-year history, chair while 7 months pregnant, and assuming her duties just two weeks after the birth of her second son. She was recognized in 2023 with Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 and the National Business Aviation Association’s 40 Under 40 awards, and Rainbow’s community-first culture — including its relief efforts for mothers and babies after the Lahaina fires — has earned honors including the National Aeronautic Association’s Public Benefit Flying Award.

A longtime WAI member since 2002, Nicole Battjes has built a company where women are represented in every facet of the business, and she’s made it a mission to help other mothers stay at the forefront of their careers while raising families.