Bel Air founder and CEO Susanne Hessellund celebrates her 50th birthday on July 5. Colleagues, friends, and business partners gathered for a reception at Bel Air to mark the occasion, ahead of her private celebration with family.
Susanne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. At just six years old, she watched a helicopter display at Esbjerg Airport and decided she would one day become a pilot. Determined and resourceful, she worked multiple jobs to save for her training, eventually starting her flight education at 22—surprising her parents, who then gave their full support.
She went on to become the first female offshore helicopter pilot at Maersk and later flew for CHC before taking a bold step: building a company of her own that reflected her values—care for employees, uncompromising safety, and customer-focused service. This vision led to the founding of DanCopter in 2002 and, following a departure based on principles of safety and integrity, the birth of Bel Air.
Bel Air began as a small operation with a clear mission and a strong team, many of whom followed Susanne from previous ventures. Together, they built a workplace focused on professionalism, flexibility, and a strong sense of community. A supportive board and trusted partners like AgustaWestland played vital roles, including the acquisition of the company’s first offshore helicopter, the Spirit of Agusta.
Today, Bel Air operates five state-of-the-art offshore helicopters, delivering reliable transport to installations in the North Sea. The Esbjerg-based company is also known for its unique culture: a warm, family-friendly environment where employees’ families are welcomed, and where values like safety, teamwork, and personal care come first—visible in everything from the in-house children’s room to communal meals in the company kitchen.
Susanne’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Bel Air has received several prestigious awards, including the Danish Industry’s Society Award, multiple “Gazelle of the Year” awards, and “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Ernst & Young. Susanne herself was honored with the Owner-Management Award by PwC and continues to support young innovators through her role on the board of the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship.
As she turns 50, Susanne reflects on a journey filled with purpose, passion, and perseverance—and looks ahead to continuing the Bel Air adventure with the same dedication that brought it to life.
