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Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers to merge
March 11, 2020 By Helicopters Staff
Air-Glaciers operates seven bases while Air Zermatt holds three heilports. (Photo: Air-Glaciers) Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers, two of the world’s best known mountain-rescue helicopter operations in Switzerland, announced plans to merge their operations. The move is scheduled for completion on April 4, 2020, at the general assembly of Air-Glaciers SA.
Both companies were founded more than 50 years ago, with Air-Glaciers primarily focusing on operations in Lower Valais and Air Zermatt primarily in Upper Valais.
A joint statement about the merger from the companies indicates both brands will continue to exist after the merger – “The motto is: Two world-famous names, two strong teams.”
At age 85, Bruno Bagnoud, chairman of the board and CEO for Air-Glaciers, will take on a title within the merged operation as Honorary President. Beat Perren founded Air Zermatt in 1968 with a helicopter, a pilot and a mechanic.
Today, Air Zermatt operates 10 helicopters from three heilports and employs around 75 people, including pilots, paramedics, transport paramedics, flight assistants, mechanics, mission leaders and administrative staff.
