An "ambitious plan" is readying for launch in nearby Payerne, Switzerland that aims to transform the aerodrome into a centre for future aerospace development.

Aeropole Payerne plans a major expansion of the aerodrome, allocating two plots of land totalling 400,000m2 (4,3 million ft2) for the development of an aerospace industrial zone located 1h from Geneva, and 30min from Lausanne and Bonn in Germany.

Aeropole I, which provides direct access to the ILS-enabled 3,500m (11,500ft)-long runway capable of handling aircraft as large as a Boeing 757, is tentatively planned to accommodate fixed-based operator Speedwings, pending approval of government permits.

Speedwings plans a three-floor three-hangar 5,130m2 facility to provide aircraft storage, maintenance and operations. Once approved, Speedwings plans to break ground on the new site in late summer, says Pierre-André Arm, who represents Aeropole.

Payerne Aerodrome
© Billypix
 Pierre-André Arm and Ralph Bacchus are gearing up for the proposed construction of the Speedwings FBO at the Payerne Aerodrome

Speedwings expects the new Payerne facility to open in 2011, and initially employ 25 staff.

Aeropole II, a 250,000m2 area of land adjacent to the joint civil and military airport, is also available for cultivation, although it is not directly connected to the airport.

Ralph Bacchus, consultant on the project, says the ultimate goal is to create a "ambitous" industrial zone for aerospace activities, geared toward business aircraft and aerospace manufacturing.

Bacchus says that Aeropole Payerne has not yet agreed the sale of the second parcel of land, although the airport is in discussions with an interested aerospace supplier.

Source: Flight Daily News