Mourning for Air Zermatt founder Beat H. Perren

Beat H. Perren passed away on July 29, 2025 at the age of 95. With his passing, Air Zermatt has lost its founder, patron and friend and Valais has lost a pioneer who dedicated his life to innovation, helicopter rescue and, above all, people.

Beat H. Perren was a pharmacist in Zermatt. His motivation for founding Air Zermatt in 1968 was to be able to help people in the mountains even better. What began with just a few employees developed into a world-renowned helicopter company under his leadership. The history of Air Zermatt is inextricably linked with the name Beat H. Perren, characterized by a pioneering spirit and commitment.

"Someone who felt responsible"

Countless lives were saved thanks to Beat Perren's vision and actions. "Beat inspired us employees, encouraged ideas, demanded courage and thus shaped a corporate culture that has set an example far beyond the Valais region. Beat was a patron; someone who felt responsible: for us employees, our families and the big picture. Approachable, interested, with an alert mind and always on the move. Standing still was alien to him, except in the company of his loved ones," writes Air Zermatt in its obituary.

It was only in 2018, on Air Zermatt's 50th anniversary, that the senior stepped back a little and handed over the chairmanship of the Board of Directors to his son Philipp. But until the very end, he followed the events surrounding "his" Air Zermatt with keen interest. Now he has left this world, his spirit and his legacy will remain. Thank you Beat!