When Daniel Aufdenblatten, CEO of Air Zermatt, looks out the window of the helicopter base, he sees the iconic Matterhorn before him. The majestic mountain is surrounded by 37 peaks over 4,000 meters high—nowhere else in the Alps is there such a concentration of towering summits. The sense of freedom for alpinists is boundless. And yet, danger lurks on each of these mountains, making every peak a potential scene for a rescue mission by Air Zermatt’s crews. Nestled within this breathtaking high-Alpine landscape, the Swiss helicopter company has evolved over the decades into an indispensable player in aerial rescue.
We take an in-depth look at Air Zermatt’s impressive success story and the man who, as CEO, not only steers the company’s course but also remains personally involved on the front lines with passion and expertise—Daniel Aufdenblatten.
Let’s delve into the details below!
The Birth of Air Zermatt
The Matterhorn has long drawn alpinists from around the world to Zermatt. But in the 1960s, medical care in the village was far from ideal. Anyone who suffered a serious injury while skiing, mountaineering, or hiking often faced days-long transport to the nearest hospital—a perilous journey that could mean the difference between life and death. While there were doctors in the village, they were ill-equipped for complex emergencies, and improvised surgeries without proper training were not uncommon. This precarious situation led visionary minds in Zermatt to take action: they founded their own air rescue service for the Valais region.
Pioneering Spirit and Milestones
Since its founding in 1968, Air Zermatt has pursued a deeply rooted mission: to help people in need. This principle is embedded in the DNA of its flight rescuers and has driven them ever since. From the very beginning, Air Zermatt has been a pioneering company, making history with groundbreaking operations—such as the first direct rescue from the Eiger North Face and the world’s first helicopter evacuation of 70 people from a stranded cable car.
After every mission, the air rescue teams reflect on how they can improve their efficiency and precision—a constant drive for progress that continuously advances both the company and its technology.
Anyone visiting one of Air Zermatt’s three helicopter bases will quickly realize that this pioneering spirit is still alive today. Recently, the company entered a partnership with Dufour Aerospace to develop cutting-edge drone technology. With this innovative approach, Air Zermatt is preparing to integrate advanced systems into future rescue operations, once again setting new industry standards.
This pioneering spirit proves its worth every day—whenever lives need to be saved. “Every mission is unique. We never know exactly what to expect when an alarm goes off. It’s challenging, but it’s also what makes this job so special,” says Aufdenblatten.
Year after year, Air Zermatt completes over 2,000 rescue missions—often under extreme high-mountain conditions. Whether in sudden weather changes, icy winter storms, or turbulent summer weather, Air Zermatt’s helicopters are always ready to respond quickly and precisely to those in distress.
Challenges in the Mountains
Air Zermatt relies on a modern fleet of helicopters, including three Bell 429s and the Ecureuil H125. Together with the Lower Valais helicopter company Air-Glaciers, up to 11 helicopters can be deployed for emergency rescue operations if needed. “Our operational area, the Valais, has the highest helicopter density in Switzerland. In our mountainous region, this is an invaluable advantage—every minute counts,” says Aufdenblatten.
Rescues in challenging mountain terrain are part of daily life for Air Zermatt’s rescuers. But what drives a person to dedicate their life to saving others from life-threatening situations? For Daniel Aufdenblatten, the answer goes back to his childhood. “I grew up in Zermatt. As a kid, I often spent time at the helicopter base watching the rescue helicopters. Flying fascinated me from the very start. There was never a Plan B—I wanted to become a helicopter pilot.”
His path first led him to Swissair, where he trained as an airline pilot. He then completed helicopter pilot and flight instructor training in the USA. “When I returned to Switzerland, I started working at Air Zermatt as a transport and rescue pilot. It felt like coming home,” he recalls. Even during his time as a private jet pilot, he never left Air Zermatt. Since 2024, Aufdenblatten has been leading the helicopter company as its CEO.
Transport, Tourism, Training
Air Zermatt is much more than just a rescue company. It transports goods to the most remote corners of the Alps, and tourists experience breathtaking scenic flights around the Matterhorn or along the UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier. “Our scenic flights are not only a tourist highlight but also help finance a portion of our rescue missions alongside our transport flights,” explains the CEO. “At the same time, these flights are excellent training to ensure we are fully prepared in case of an emergency.”
Air Zermatt’s knowledge is not limited to its own operations—the company actively shares its expertise. At the Air Zermatt Training Center, experienced crew members train professionals from around the world. From hands-on mountain rescue courses to specialized helicopter hoist training, the center offers top-tier instruction.
Particularly sought-after are courses for rescue teams from countries where alpine air rescue is still in its infancy. “Our goal is to strengthen international expertise and ensure that rescue missions worldwide become more efficient and safer,” explains Aufdenblatten.
Beyond professionals, civilians and companies can also take part in specialized first-aid courses to learn how to handle emergency situations properly. With its in-house training center, Air Zermatt contributes to safety not only in the mountains but also on a global scale.
Heroic Rescues
The work of Air Zermatt is as varied as it is demanding. The rescue scenarios are as diverse as the mountains themselves. When an emergency call comes in, the rescue crew takes off within minutes. On board: an experienced pilot, a paramedic, and an emergency doctor. In winter, when the mountains are transformed into a sparkling snow world, ski accidents, avalanches, and tragic falls into crevasses are a daily reality. In such moments, every second counts, and Air Zermatt’s rescue teams are on standby 24/7 to provide rapid assistance.
Even in summer, when the weather can be unpredictable, helicopter rescues face significant challenges. Steep rock faces, sudden weather changes—these factors complicate rescue operations. The altitude is particularly demanding: “The higher we fly, the less power the helicopter has. We feel this especially during missions at 4,000 meters around Zermatt. And then there’s the weather—a storm at 4,000 meters can be incredibly intense.”
Aufdenblatten knows this firsthand. One of the highlights of his career was the highest helicopter rescue in 2010. Together with rescue specialist Richard Lehner, he flew to 7,000 meters in Nepal to save a stranded mountaineer. “It was an incredible experience. The conditions were extreme, the air so thin that the helicopter was pushed to its limits. But we made it. Receiving the Heroism Award for that mission was a tremendous honor.” The “Heroism Award” is aviation’s highest distinction—comparable to an Oscar in the film industry. Air Zermatt remains the only company worldwide to have received three Heroism Awards.
Relentless Dedication
For Air Zermatt’s crews, giving up is never an option. “Our motto: ‘We don’t say no.’ If a helicopter rescue isn’t possible, we go in on foot with mountain rescue specialists.” Whenever a mission involves difficult terrain, Air Zermatt sends an expert mountain guide along.
Not every mission ends in success. Sometimes, help arrives too late. The emotional toll is heavy. “Some operations are deeply challenging,” says Aufdenblatten. “But we are a team—we support each other and talk about it. That helps us cope.”
Despite the challenges, Aufdenblatten remains passionate about his work. “I have logged over 8,000 flight hours, but every flight feels like the first. It’s a privilege to fly in this breathtaking landscape and help people in need.”
