West Midlands airport pays tribute to 'highly respected' owner killed in Swiss Alps plane crash

Tributes have been paid to the owner of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport after he was killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps.

Tony Hall, 42, was one of three people who died when a small aircraft crashed in the mountains near the Swiss town of Leukerbad.

Mr Hall, who was one of two Britons killed in the crash, was the managing director of the Lye-based Pegasus Group and owner and director of Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport, near Bobbington.

Following the announcement of his death by his family this week, the airport paid tribute to Mr Hall, describing him as a "well-known and highly respected" figure within the aviation industry.

In a statement, the airport said Mr Hall had been part of its community for several years before deciding to purchase the site.

It said: "From the moment he took ownership, Tony poured his time, energy, and passion into securing the airport's future.

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

"Tony had a clear vision for Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport. He wanted it to become the best general aviation airport in the country, but above all, he wanted pilots and the wider community to be at the heart of its future."

The airport said Mr Hall cared deeply about its staff, visitors and the many pilots who used the site, adding that he had worked tirelessly to turn his vision for its future into reality.

The statement continued: "Tony built a strong team around him and worked tirelessly to turn his vision into reality.

"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.

"Within the aviation industry Tony was well known and highly respected, and his passing will be felt deeply by so many people, both within our airport community and far beyond."