Payerne airport, the home base of the Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft, is being developed as a centre for aviation and aerospace businesses.
Located 30min from Bern and an hour from Geneva, the 40Ha (100 acre) site is split into two zones. Aeropole One has direct access to the instrument landing system-equipped, 3,500m (11,475ft) runway, whereas Aeropole Two is designed for companies which plan to perform the majority of their work in their own facilities.
The development was conceived with regard to future congestion forecast for airports at Geneva, Bern and Zurich.
An agreement has already been signed with Speedwings to develop a three-hangar facility in the Aeropole One area. Construction is expected to begin in early 2012.
There are three more contracts in "advanced discussions" said the company, including one with a Swiss firm that will consolidate the R&D of 14 different businesses on the site.
Payerne is an active military airport with around 1,100 movements each year.
Source: Flight Daily News