About SBAA
The Swiss Business Aviation Association unites all Swiss based professionals to defend the local future of this industry. Those competitors are joining forces to speak with a stronger unique voice, to be sure to keep locally this essential part of the attractiveness of Switzerland as an international hub for business and diplomacy. And to maintain all directly related jobs while developing benefits for the entire country.
Board members
Niclas von Planta
SBAA President of the Board
Niclas von Planta began working as a clerk in a law firm and the district court of Basel, Switzerland, in 2001. After passing the bar exam in 2003 he relocated to Zurich to work for the law firm Rosenow Grob Schilling, where he played a major role in building up the aviation department.
Niclas von Planta published articles on aviation finance, enforcement proceedings and operational matters. He holds a Master of Law from the University of Basel, Switzerland as well as a Master of Law of the Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and is licensed to practice law as an attorney in Switzerland.
Helene Niedhart
SBAA Vice Chairman/Treasurer
Helene Niedhart is the founder of CAT Aviation Ltd and leads the company as CEO and President since its inauguration in 1987. Her studies and professional career started in the banking business, she deepened and expanded her expertise during various assignments abroad, complimented by further studies at IGW at University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. In her 38 years as pilot Helene Niedhart has accumulated more than 11’000 flight hours. She also holds a TRI/TRE authorisation.
Today the company encompasses 70 employees and manages and operates 7 executive business jets. This fleet of modern, state of the art aircraft operates world-wide to the remotest corners of the globe.
Additional engagements:
- Governor of EBAA Brussels
- Member of the Board Flughafen Bern AG
- President of the Board Cat Air Service AG, Zurich
Andrea Meier-Züllig
SBAA Member of the board
Born in 1962 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Andrea Meier-Züllig has successfully completed, inter alia, advanced studies in paralegalism, Swiss contract law, international legal English combined with UK contract law, and several trainings in Aviation Law. Since January 2018, Andrea Meier-Züllig is the managing director of AAAdvice GmbH.
Additional engagements:
- Member of the Jury of Aerosuisse Awards
Claudio Peer
SBAA Member of the Board
Claudio Peer: his professional career started as aircraft engineer with SWISSAIR, followed by further qualifications as pilot, commercial & management education. In 1999 Claudio Peer started up a France based commuter airline.
Since 2011, he is leading Jet Aviation Business Jet’s EMEA & Asia Sales team and in addition, he acts as Deputy Accountable Manager for Jet Aviation’s flight operations in Switzerland and Malta.
Claudio still maintains his private pilot license and together with his twin brother, he looks back to a successful motorbike sport career.
Additional engagements:
- VP (Head) of Aircraft Management & Charter Sales of Jet Aviation
- Deputy Accountable Manager Commercial & Private Flight Operations & Member of the management board of Jet Aviation Business Jets AG
Walter Chetcuti
SBAA Member of the board
Walter Chetcuti: his trading studies, jointly followed with a training and graduation as airline pilot, led him to start an aeronautical career. Flight instructor, then Managing Director of a major flight school in France, he joined Business Aviation in 1984 in Switzerland, before an interlude in Airline. Back to Business Aviation, he founded MSC Aviation in 2005, of which he is today the Chairman.
He has an expertise degree in investigation and aircraft accidents, and totalize to date some 15’000 hours of flights.
Additional engagements:
- Founder and President of AGAA
- Member of EBAA