Wolverhampton airport owner killed in Swiss Alps plane crash

An airport owner, businessman and "incredible dad" from the West Midlands has been named as one of three people killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps last week.

Anthony Hall, known as Tony, owned Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Staffordshire and was the managing director of Pegasus, a construction and recycling company based in Lye, near Stourbridge.

In a statement, his family said they were "completely heartbroken by the loss of a truly wonderful husband, devoted father and much-loved man".

They added: "Tony was an exceptional businessman who achieved great things in the construction/haulage industry, and his commitment to succeed and progress never faltered.

"He was first and foremost a loving husband and an incredible dad to his daughter, whose family meant everything to him.

"We will miss him immensely and will remember him as the kind, caring, generous, determined and fantastic character he was."

Authorities said the plane took off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley and, for unknown reasons, crashed into a mountain slope about 10 minutes later.

Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, police and firefighters were sent to the scene along with three helicopters.

Owain Davies, a 55-year-old businessman from west Wales, has been identified as a second Briton killed in the crash.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation.

Hall's family added they were incredibly grateful for the kindness, love, and support that had been shown to them since his death.

"Our hearts go out to those who also lost their lives in this terrible tragedy," they said, and asked for privacy as they came to terms with their loss.

Former Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb paid tribute to Hall, a friend, on Thursday, saying he was "one of the very best".

"Tony will always be a legend to me. What he achieved in helping build Pegasus into the success it is today, alongside the other directors, was remarkable," she said.

"But beyond the business, Tony was great fun to be around and, quite simply, a genuinely good person. I will miss his quick wit and humour."

Webb added he gave "so much" to the area, particularly through his support for the Poppy Appeal and Military Vehicle Parade.

"Having served in the armed forces, he gave his support willingly," she said.

"His life was tragically cut short, but what he achieved after leaving the army was truly inspiring, and he did it with a passion I was always in awe of."

Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport also issued a tribute to its owner and director, who bought the site in 2023.

He had a "clear vision" for it to become "the best general aviation airport in the country", the statement said, and "poured his time, energy and passion" into securing its future.

"Together with his co-owner, he transformed the airport, creating a thriving aviation hub for the local and wider aviation community," it added.

"His passion, determination and commitment have left a lasting mark on the airport and on the many people who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."

In another statement, a Pegasus spokesperson spoke about their "immense sadness" over Hall's death.

"He built a strong team and a business with values and solid foundations, which he was incredibly proud of," they said.

Pegasus would continue to operate as usual, "just as Tony would have wanted", the company added.

"Above everything else, Tony was a much-loved husband, father, friend, and colleague. He will be deeply missed."

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office previously confirmed it was "providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland".

It added officials were in contact with the local authorities and its thoughts were with the families of those who had died.

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