In November, Dufour Aerospace strengthened its presence in both the Swiss innovation landscape and international business networks through the active engagement of Co-founder and Head of Strategy, Thomas Pfammatter. With more than three decades of high-stakes operational experience in aviation, Pfammatter contributed deep, practice-driven insights across two major events held in Zürich and Valais.

Aviation Expertise at the Swiss Finance and Real Estate Congress

On 19 November, Pfammatter participated in the 18th Swiss Finance and Real Estate Congress, organized by IAZI AG / CIFI SA and hosted at Kunsthaus Zürich. The event brings together senior leaders from finance, real estate, and industry to discuss strategic risks, market developments, and long-term resilience.

Pfammatter’s intervention centered on operational risk management, decision making under uncertainty, and the structural importance of organizational resilience — themes shaped by his extraordinary aviation career. With over 30 years at Air Zermatt AG, 14,000+ flight hours, and more than 5,000 rescue missions, Pfammatter has made life-or-death decisions in dynamic and extreme conditions. These experiences provide a unique perspective on how organizations can remain agile, disciplined, and sustainable in moments of complexity.

He also highlighted how these principles directly inform Dufour Aerospace’s approach to advanced air mobility, particularly through the company’s ongoing collaboration with Air Zermatt. Dufour’s tilt-wing technologies and the operational heritage of Air Zermatt create a strong foundation for the safe, efficient future integration of advanced aircraft into mission-critical applications.

Strengthening International Connections in Valais

Just one day later, on 20 November, Pfammatter represented Dufour Aerospace at the Start-up & Scale-up Event hosted by Wirtschaftsförderung Wallis and supported by the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in Geneva together with Emirates.

The gathering brought together seven innovative Valais-based companies seeking to explore opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly expanding economic ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates. From aviation and mobility solutions to technology and sustainable development, the event served as a platform for dialogue between Swiss innovation leaders and UAE representatives.

Pfammatter’s participation placed Dufour Aerospace at the center of discussions around cross-border innovation, international expansion, and the opportunities for advanced air mobility within the Gulf region. With its growing emphasis on next-generation transport, technology-driven sustainability, and future-ready aviation infrastructure, the UAE represents a promising market for high-performance, hybrid-electric aircraft solutions such as those developed by Dufour Aerospace.

Aviation Insight Rooted in Real-World Decision Making

Across both events, Pfammatter’s message was consistent: operational excellence depends on disciplined risk management, reliable technology, and a clear understanding of human factors. These principles underpin Dufour Aerospace’s development strategy and support its mission to deliver aircraft that excel in real-world conditions — not just in simulations.

His long career at the intersection of aviation operations, entrepreneurship, and innovation also underscores the value of combining field-tested experience with forward-looking engineering. This approach is central to Dufour Aerospace’s aim of bringing tilt-wing aircraft into everyday use for medical transport, logistics, public safety, and regional mobility.

Looking Ahead

Dufour Aerospace extends its appreciation to all event organizers, partners, and participants for their constructive and focused exchanges. Engagements such as these play a vital role in shaping future collaborations, supporting strategic partnerships, and driving the advancement of aviation technology both within Switzerland and globally.

To stay informed about Dufour Aerospace’s ongoing collaborations, public engagements, and technological milestones, follow us on LinkedIn.

‍