A decade after Monacair took over the Monaco–Nice helicopter route, fresh testimony has reignited debate over whether the 2015 tender process was truly fair…
The concession, previously operated since 1976 by Héli Air Monaco, was reassigned to Monacair; a company in which His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s nephews, Pierre and Andrea Casiraghi, were shareholders.
As reported by Monaco Matin, a former senior civil servant told investigators earlier this year that “the die was cast” in Monacair’s favour before the Technical Analysis Commission even met. She described a tense atmosphere where “everyone knew” the outcome. Her statement contrasts with those of other commission members, many of whom recalled little about the process.
Documents recovered during the judicial investigation appear to show discussions about reallocating the route as early as March 2014, months before the tender was officially launched, and correspondence that could suggest Monacair directors were made aware in advance. Former Palace chief of staff Georges Lisimachio also issued an unusual 2015 certificate in Monacair’s favour, though he cites confidentiality obligations.
The Casiraghi brothers, through their lawyers, strongly deny any suggestion of preferential treatment. They maintain that in early 2015 they were only minority shareholders with no active role in the company, and that Monacair’s winning proposal, six new helicopters, improved comfort, and night flights, was objectively superior to Héli Air’s.
Héli Air’s owners, the Crovetto family, have pursued both civil and criminal proceedings, claiming they were unfairly ousted and seeking €44 million in damages, a claim the courts rejected.
The concession is due to expire at the end of 2025, and Monacair has signalled it will bid again, ensuring this high-flying rivalry may soon return to centre stage.
