News and
Press releases
Here you will find the latest media releases and exciting stories about Air Zermatt.
Latest News
Air Zermatt supports "Bärgüf" and "Sonne für behinderte Kinder"
In mid-May, Air Zermatt auctioned off 55 individual parts of the legendary Lama SA 315 B helicopter on "Swiss Helicopter Day". The proceeds of this auction will go entirely to the two Upper Valais institutions 'Sonne für behinderte Kinder' and 'Bärgüf - gemeinsam gegen Krebs'.
Peak period: 39 rescues over the weekend
Air Zermatt has had its busiest weekend so far this summer. In total, the Valais air rescuers were called out on 39 missions over the last two days. At times, three Air Zermatt helicopters were in action at the same time for rescues. On Saturday alone, the rescue crews were called to 24 emergencies.
Challenging rescue across the national border
With wind speeds of over 125 kilometres per hour, Air Zermatt rescued two climbers from France on Pollux. During their mountain tour, the two fell about 80 metres on unstable ground. This resulted in serious injuries to one of the alpinists. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, Air Zermatt managed to fly the seriously injured man safely to hospital in Aosta.
Rescue on the Weissmies during strong storm winds
On Monday morning, two alpinists and a female alpinist fell about 120 meters into the depth on the mountain tour on the Weissmies. The rescue operation proved to be extremely challenging due to the strong storm winds and thunderstorms. Despite these adverse conditions, several Air Zermatt rescue crews and nine rescue specialists were deployed to provide assistance.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Fire-fighting helicopters remain on the ground during the night
The situation of the forest fire near Bitsch has further stabilised. Therefore, the command of the fire brigade has decided that the fire-fighting helicopters will remain on the ground during the coming night. Nevertheless, a fire-fighting helicopter is on standby at the Air Zermatt base in Gampel and can be activated immediately if necessary.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Over 24 hours of fire-fighting operations
Air Zermatt helicopters have been fighting the forest fire above Bitsch for over a day. In particular, the fire-fighting flights of Air Zermatt during the first hours and during the night on Tuesday were able to significantly contain the fire; buildings in the forest fire area were protected by the tireless fire-fighting efforts.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Fire-fighting flights throughout the night
The forest fire above Bitsch spread explosively on Monday evening. Because of the impassable and steep terrain, the fire brigade is relying on helicopters to fight the fire. The Valais helicopter companies Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers have been fighting the forest fire since it broke out. On Tuesday, several large helicopters will reinforce the fire-fighting efforts.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Several helicopters in action
A powerful forest fire is raging above Bitsch. The fire is being fought both from the air and from the ground. Air Zermatt immediately deployed several helicopters. The fire-fighting work from the air continues throughout the night.
Certification of the Air Zermatt firefighting courses
When fighting fires in impassable terrain, the use of helicopters is an efficient means. Air Zermatt trains fire brigades from all over Switzerland and abroad accordingly. As the first helicopter company in Switzerland, the helicopter courses for fire brigades have now been certified by the Fire Service Coordination Switzerland (FKS).
Landing accident with Air Zermatt helicopter
Shortly before eight o'clock this morning, an H125 AS350 B3 Écureuil helicopter belonging to Air Zermatt had an accident.