Daniel Aufdenblatten becomes new CEO of Air Zermatt

Daniel Aufdenblatten is no stranger to Air Zermatt. For 18 years, he has held various positions with the Valais-based air rescue company - mainly as a pilot, but also as a member of the management team. "Daniel Aufdenblatten brings extensive experience and knowledge in the aviation industry. We are convinced that Aufdenblatten's extensive knowledge as well as his pleasant and calm manner will contribute to a successful future of Air Zermatt. As much as we all regret Gerold's resignation, we are also all happy to have found such a convincing and first of all internal solution," says Philipp Perren, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Zermatt. "Air Zermatt has done tremendous pioneering work over the past 50 years. I am looking forward to the challenge of shaping the future of Air Zermatt together with a committed, strong team," says Aufdenblatten.

High level of experience

Today, 47-year-old Aufdenblatten is one of Switzerland's best-qualified and most experienced rescue pilots. He trained as an airline pilot with Swissair and subsequently trained as a helicopter pilot and flight instructor in the USA. Back in Switzerland, he flew for Air Zermatt as a transport and rescue pilot and was quickly promoted to Flight Operations Manager of Air Zermatt. In recent years, Aufdenblatten has mainly been a pilot of a private long-range business jet, but also regularly flies as a helicopter pilot for Air Zermatt. In addition, he is also Compliance Manager at Air Zermatt and at Air-Glaciers.

In 2010, he accomplished the highest rescue flight ever (7000 meters above sea level.) in Nepal together with rescue specialist Richard Lehner. For this incredible achievement, Aufdenblatten received the Heroism Award, which is known as the Oscar of aviation.  

Currently, Daniel Aufdenblatten has registered about 8000 hours of flight in his logbook. Aufdenblatten lives in Zermatt with his wife and three children.

Farewell of a luminary 

Daniel Aufdenblatten will replace Gerold Biner as CEO next year. In October, the long-time CEO and pilot of Air Zermatt will reach the age of 60. By law, Biner will no longer be allowed to carry out commercial passenger transport. Gerold Biner has therefore decided to step back at the end of the year. 

He will accompany Daniel Aufdenblatten during a transitional period and then continue to be available to Air Zermatt as a pilot and flight instructor. Philipp Perren was pleased to be able to share this news with the entire staff at the company's annual dinner. The employees welcomed the future CEO with a big applause.

Biner has worked for the Valais-based helicopter company for 40 years, 33 of them as a pilot. Since November 2011, the Zermatt native has served as CEO of Air Zermatt. In the last 12 years, he has led the company as CEO and has made an enormous contribution through his personality.