Air Zermatt examines the use of drones

The Valais helicopter company Air Zermatt is also driving the development of air rescue with the use of drones. To this end, Air Zermatt is working closely with Swiss drone and aircraft developer Dufour Aerospace.

"Pioneering spirit is at the heart of Air Zermatt. We are constantly working to improve our services for our patients and customers. We also want to take care of our environment and reduce our ecological footprint. Drones are one possible means of doing this, and the activities of Dufour Aerospace support Air Zermatt's course in the best possible way," says Daniel Aufdenblatten, CEO of Air Zermatt.

In a three-year program, Air Zermatt and Dufour Aerospace are analysing and testing various scenarios for the use of drones. The overarching aim is to contribute to improving the security of supply for the population of Valais.

"In Air Zermatt, we have found a partner that recognizes the enormous potential of drones and Dufour Aerospace and has a wealth of experience in mountain flying. We complement each other perfectly," says Sascha Hardegger, CEO of Dufour Aerospace.

There are many similarities between Air Zermatt and Dufour Aerospace. Both are Valais companies, and Thomas Pfammatter, one of the founders of Dufour Aerospace, still works as a helicopter pilot for Air Zermatt.

The joint tests will also focus on finding out how helicopters and drones can be used without becoming dangerous to each other. There are also other airspace users such as airplanes and paragliders that need to be taken into account.

The collaboration with Air Zermatt places high demands on the tilt-wing drones developed by Dufour Aerospace. "The altitude of Zermatt and the surrounding terrain is a challenge. But the really good experiences are gained at the limit. These tests therefore make a lot of sense. However, safety is the top priority for everyone involved," says Hardegger. (pd)