Dufour Aerospace names new CEO

Sascha Hardegger will take on the role from 1 August, succeeding Thomas Pfammatter, one of the company’s co-founders, who has led the company for the past seven years.

Hardegger previously served as Dufour’s Chief Commercial Officer, joining the company in 2021. Before that he worked for Swiss air rescue provider Rega, and has 12 years of experience in the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) sector.

Dufour stated that while serving at Rega as Head of Helicopter Operations, Hardegger “led pioneering innovations in unmanned aerial vehicles and its drone program”.

He also holds a degree from the University of Zurich, and has worked as a journalist, a media spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police, as well as serving with the military on peacekeeping missions abroad.

Pfammatter will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, and as Head of Strategy.

Hardegger said that he was “honored that the board of directors and the management are placing their trust in me to lead the company”. He added: “In the coming months and years we will strengthen ties with our partners, ensure market entry and build up production.”

Air Methods subsidiary Spright received an Aero2 X2.2 demonstrator aircraft from Dufour in November 2023, ahead of the Aero2’s planned entry into the commercial market next year.