In our Perspectives series, Business Air News discusses private aviation experiences with industry profesSionals. For our February FBO special, TAG Aviation Sion's handling manager Ilias Ziragachi offers some insights into serving exacting clientele just after they touch down in Switzerland's stunning mountainous surroundings.

“TAG Aviation Sion opened its doors on the 12 December 2012. We have a lot of shared highlights but the team are particularly proud of handling big aircraft such as a BBJ and an Airbus A320. It is always amazing and very impressive to see one of these big machines landing in the middle of the mountains at such a specific airport as ours.

“Most of our customers spend half of their time in the surrounding mountains of the region and the other in a European city.

For example we have a lot of clients coming from Belgium who live in Antwerp and who often come to their chalet here in Valais.

“Sion distinguishes itself as being the best place to reach the most amazing European ski slopes and resorts in winter time, with the best hitchhiking paths during the rest of the year. In addition to catering to ski and mountain lovers, there are as well many golf courses around here, among those, the famous Crans Montana golf courses.

“The surrounding mountains make Sion a quite challenging airport to land at, but with a quick 30 minute e-learning sesSion the pilots get a really good picture and simulation of the IFR approach.

“Our job is to do our utmost to satisfy every client's request and deliver a personal and unique experience. But one unusual request I do remember was to get some cheese hotpot into the aircraft!

“We are a small team of five dedicated people. The size of our team also contributes to the relationship we develop with our clients. Our approach is very personalised and our clients know us quite well too. It helps that it feels like home. We try to provide them with a familiar but VVIP service, tailor-made and looking for the best solution for each of our clients.

“After six years I’m always amused and delighted when I see the looks of amazement on the faces of our passengers when they get out of the aircraft, having experienced one of the most beautiful approach and landings in the world. Their satisfaction is the best reward and such recognition encourages us to always give the best of ourselves to serve them.”