Forum Seeks To Unlock Switzerland's Bizav Potential

Switzerland’s business aviation industry is an important economic sector that is set for further growth, so long as capacity and regulatory issues do not stifle its potential, industry players said today in Bern at the inaugural Business Aviation National Forum in Switzerland. The gathering was hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and EBAA Switzerland.

“This was a rare opportunity to sit down with all the key stakeholders in the business aviation sector in Switzerland and have a frank discussion on some sticky issues,” said EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba. Issues centered on how to realize business aviation’s potential in Switzerland by ensuring that it is not held back by “unfair or cumbersome regulations or capacity constraints” at busy airports.

"Business aviation has an image issue," said Hans-Ueli Vogt, member of the Swiss National Council and chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Aviation. "It's perceived to be elitist and luxurious. The sector must fix this image and demonstrate that, in fact, it ultimately serves the public interest by increasing mobility, which consequently increases the competitiveness of a geographical area. When business aviation passengers sign a contract or secure goods, those deals increase local jobs and economic activity. This is the message that needs to be shared."

Switzerland is tops in business aviation departures per capita in Europe. According to EBAA, the segment accounts for more than 17,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country, of which more than 6,000 are in manufacturing at companies such as Pilatus Aircraft. This translates into almost €1 billion ($1.11 billion) in worker wages, some €1.3 billion ($1.44 billion) in gross value added and more than €3.7 billion ($4.1 billion) in total economic output, EBAA said.