VIPs Arrive in Zurich for the World Economic Forum

With global business leaders and heads of state set to converge this week in Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), Jet Aviation—in partnership with Zurich Airport (LSZH)—will again provide sustainable aviation fuel for aircraft arriving at its Zurich facility.

“Since 2020, we have been offering SAF to our customers attending the WEF, either on-site or through book and claim,” said Joao Martins, the company’s vice president of regional FBO operations for Europe and general manager for Zurich. “We have been working closely with the Zurich Airport team and our partners and are delighted to be able to make physical SAF available on-site again this year.”

In its neat, unblended form, SAF can provide up to 80 percent lifecycle carbon emissions savings over conventional jet fuel. It represents the most immediate way for aircraft operators to reduce their environmental footprint.

"The increased production and use of SAF is an important piece of the puzzle in the decarbonization of the aviation industry," stated Emanuel Fleuti, head of sustainability and environment at Flughafen Zurich (Zurich Airport). "This requires the commitment and cooperation of all the airport partners involved."

While Zurich may be the primary option for some conferencegoers, St. Gallen–Altenrhein (LSZR) provides an alternative that is a 75-minute drive from the conference venue. It has no airport slot requirements for private, non-revenue flights, but charter operators outside the EU will need permits.

According to ExecuJet, which operates the FBO at LSZR in cooperation with People’s Air Group, it will not require advance customs clearance requests since Border Control personnel will be onsite during operating hours for the event.

In addition to avoiding the wait lines commonly found at LSZH, LSZR may also have last-minute, short-term aircraft parking available.

If ramp space at either airport is no longer an option, aircraft conducting drop-and-goes can reposition to Munich Airport in Germany or Austria’s Vienna, Salzburg, or Klagenfurt airports.