For both Swiss and foreign companies, traffic rights and the relevant authorisations fall within the competence of the Confederation, through the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). There is almost total freedom between Switzerland and the EU, thanks to the air traffic agreement currently in force. Authorisation schemes for other countries, however, rely on multiple bilateral agreements signed by Switzerland. These are extremely varied in terms of the conditions and degrees of freedom laid out. 

 

Slots are managed at the Swiss level (Geneva and Zurich) by an independent organisation called Slot Coordination Switzerland (SCS), which works under the surveillance of FOCA.
This autonomy of slot allocation meets European obligations on the subject. However, technical regulations are set by international standards, specifically by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In sum, capacity is set by the airport operator and based on the infrastructure of the airport. The slot allocation process is rigid and transparent, governed by a number of technical criteria determining priority, set at an international level. Airports therefore have no opportunity to state their preferences based on subjective criteria. 
 

Despite the intentions described above and the effort made by Genève Aéroport, the airlines ultimately make the decision and take the economic responsibility for an air link.
Opening a new route involves many stages and many criteria, for instance: market demand, client profiles, availability of aircraft, traffic rights, the role of alliances, operational costs, technical constraints, slots, etc.
The decision-making process can take some time. Genève Aéroport has contacts with all the airlines already operating at the airport as well as potential airlines that may operate in the future, and seeks to play a part in the process. 
 

Genève Aéroport is not looking for quantitative growth, but rather seeks to improve the quality of its air network by listening to the needs of all players and sectors concerned. Such improvements should take the form of new long-haul routes to priority markets (such as Asia and South America), as well as an increase in the frequency of flights, better flight times and newer aircraft. 
 

First and foremost, this dense air network meets the needs of the local market (catchment area). It therefore benefits passengers leaving from or arriving in Geneva, but also the various sectors of economic activity, tourism and, of course, International Geneva. The recently inaugurated airlinks to Addis-Abeba and Nairobi have been particularly well-received by the diplomatic community, given Africa’s increasing work with international organisations in Geneva.
 

Geneva offers an excellent air network for the size of its airport. Currently, circa 150 destinations are reached directly by about 50 regular airlines. In terms of long-haul flights, there are daily connections to North America and the Persian Gulf while China and Africa are served several times a week.

The Federal Council adopted the Genève Aéroport SAIP (Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan) sheet on 14 November 2018. This document sets a binding framework for the operation and development of the platform by 2030. It also covers the aerodrome perimeter, the equipment, noise exposure, as well as nature and landscape protection elements.

 

The board of directors is the strategic level of the company. The state, the major parties present at the Grand Conseil Genevois, the economy, the neighbouring municipalities, neighbouring France and the staff of the establishment are all represented.

Management implements the strategy developed by the directors and manages the platform on a daily basis. The state provides strategic and political oversight of the institution.

 

Genève Aéroport is subject to the supervision of the Confederation, and more specifically of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which has granted it a concession for a period of 50 years. The operating methods of the latter are the subject of operating regulations. 

In addition, an agreement on objectives links the airport to the canton. This document is for Genève Aéroport a roadmap for applying the policy of the Cantonal Council.


 

Under the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement that binds Switzerland to the European Union (EU) since June 2002, Genève Aéroport applies the aviation legislation adopted by the Member States. As a result, Switzerland participates in the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) so that the airport is operated in accordance with EASA standards.

In addition, the airport complies with the standards and practices promulgated worldwide by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Finally, as a member of Airport Council International, Genève Aéroport follows the recommendations issued by the association in areas as diverse as airport security, environmental protection or facilitation. In the absence of such recommendations, it may refer to the rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 
 

The sponsorship policy is based on three pillars: commercial sponsorship, local support and patronage. In 2018, the company has supported more than 100 clubs, associations or events. For example, it is a historical partner of the Lions de Genève and the Geneva Chamber Orchestra. 900’000 CHF are distributed each year by the establishment. 
 

According to a study conducted in 2017 by INFRAS and BAK Economics, the direct economic impacts achieved in the canton of Geneva are estimated at 1.5 billion CHF and the direct, indirect and induced impacts for the region at 4.1 billion CHF. 

In addition, nearly one Swiss franc out of two spent in the canton is attributed to foreign visitors arriving through the airport.

Nothing. The establishment does not benefit from any subsidy from public authorities. Its financing is autonomous. Each year, it gives half of its profits to the state. In 2018, the airport achieved a net profit of 85.1 million CHF.

33,600 jobs are generated globally by airport activities, including 11,000 on the site itself.

For all visits, please contact our press office via our contact form. We would be grateful if you could tell us the date of your visit and the number of people in your party.
 

For all interview requests, please contact our press office via the contact form in our Newsroom.

For all filming requests within the airport, please contact our press office via our contact form. We would be grateful if you could tell us how many people will be in your crew, where you would like to film, the date(s) and the deadline for the project. Please be aware that certain rules must be adhered to in order to gain authorisation for filming.

Technically, the A380 can already land on our runway today!
It is sufficiently long, wide and strong to accommodate the landing. We would obviously have to take some precautionary measures for movement on the apron, and also for parking.