Skyguide makes loss despite record business

Switzerland's air navigation company, Skyguide, says it handled a record amount of traffic last year but made an operating loss of SFr45.3 million ($45.1 million).

As a result, the company, which is majority owned by the state, has called on the authorities to act to remedy a “major revenue shortfall”.

Skyguide, which is based in Geneva, blamed the shortfall on its management of adjoining airspace in neighbouring countries and its air navigation services for Swiss aviation at regional airports.

Chief executive Daniel Weder said these services were only partially compensated, if at all.

“This cost us some SFr65 million in revenues last year. There is a clear need for action here at the national level.”

Chairman Guy Emmenegger described the company’s present operating conditions as “less than satisfactory”.

“Skyguide must have the best possible business and operating parameters if it is to be an attractive collaboration partner in tomorrow’s European air traffic management landscape,” he argued.

The company reported it managed and monitored 1,232,439 flights last year, an average of 3,380 a day, representing a 6.1 per cent increase compared with 2006.