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Looking back on the year 2020

Genève Aéroport is the « airport and official supplier » for the YOG 2020. Over two days, it welcomes 760 young athletes from 79 countries.

2020 Winter Youth Olympics

Geneva, official airport of the YOG

The discovery of a new coronavirus is officially announced by Chinese health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO). On 11 January, the first death linked to Covid-19 in China is confirmed. The epidemic, which originated in Wuhan, quickly spreads across the world.

Establishment of the Covid-19 Task Force, mobilising up to 25 people at the airport. In twelve months, the Task Force has met 50 times.

Genève Aéroport publishes « 100 Years, Genève Aéroport », a commemorative work that follows the history of the airport with previously unpublished images, texts and archive videos using augmented reality.

Genève Aéroport officially kicks off the festivities with a ceremony in its old terminal. The terminal is decorated with a new visual identity and entertainment is organised throughout the airport. A 26-minute documentary is also brought to the public: directed by journalist and pilot Isabelle Dufour, the film traces the history of the airport.

100th anniversary of Genève Aéroport

Opening ceremony

Genève Aéroport brings in short-time working. Over the year 2020, the average RWH rate will be 27.5%.

Working from home is prioritised for Genève Aéroport employees whose activities do not absolutely require on-site presence.

All queuing spaces are reconfigured, with marks on the ground to respect social distancing. Half of the seats in the terminal are put out of use. All check-in counters are fitted with plexiglass screens. One week later, hand sanitising gel dispensers are installed throughout the terminal.

Faced with the border closures, aircraft are specially chartered to repatriate passengers. For six weeks, Genève Aéroport accepts thirteen medical flights (arrivals and departures combined).

All-cargo flights are put in place with the aim of meeting the needs of healthcare establishments in the region for protective equipment (masks, gloves, shields, etc.). From the beginning of April to the end of May, 28 flights of this kind were received at Genève Aéroport and 614 tonnes of medical equipment passed through the airport.


Genève Aéroport pays tribute to Kofi Annan, an iconic diplomat and secretary-general of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, by naming its protocol lounge after him.

Launch of a bond loan of 300 million CHF to guarantee the resumption of activities and secure the financing of Genève Aéroport.

Near silence on the tarmac!

This protection plan will be adapted three times throughout the year in line with the health measures set by the Confederation and the Canton of Geneva.

Genève Aéroport designs a limited edition Swiss-made watch, giving one to every employee. It is for sale at gva.boutique, the airport's new e-commerce platform.

Genève aéroport

The centenary watch

This measure applies to airport passengers, users and staff. It applies to all closed spaces accessible to the public (arrivals, departures, shops, restaurants, lifts, etc.)

Genève Aéroport receives the Airport of the Year 2020 award at the Air Transport Awards ceremony.

Twenty-four flags in the colours of the airport’s 100th anniversary adorn the Mont-Blanc bridge for a week.

100th anniversary of Genève Aéroport

Flags on the Mont-Blanc bridge

Publication of the 4th sustainable development report, in digital form for the first time.

Sustainability report

2019

The noise footprint for Genève Aéroport air traffic between 2018 and 2019 has been made public. The surface area of exposed areas has decreased by 3.4 km2. The number of inhabitants exposed to limit values above regulations has also decreased, from 22’726 in 2018 to 20’135 in 2019.

Genève Aéroport announces urgent cost-saving measures and forecasts a loss of at least 100 million CHF in 2020.

The orangery at the Château de Voltaire hosts an exhibition paying tribute to the agreement signed in 1956 between France and Switzerland.

Susanna Swann joins Genève Aéroport after managing human resources at EPFL.

Issued by the Airports Council International (ACI), the airport health accreditation programme aims to build passenger confidence by guaranteeing them a solid health protocol.

In partnership with the University of Geneva, the airport organises a conference on a theme of the moment: « How can airports help fight the spread of disease? »

Promotion Santé Suisse renews the airport’s Friendly Work Space Label. This label rewards Swiss companies that place Health Management (CHM) at the heart of their policy.

Genève Aéroport, partner of the Geneva Climathon, challenges participants to picture the airport in 2050 in just 24 hours!

Challenge

#Climathon

In partnership with the University of Geneva, the airport organises a conference on carbon neutrality. Will the Covid-19 pandemic slow down or accelerate the aviation response to the challenges posed by global warming?

The Federal Council decrees a general entry ban on Swiss territory for all foreign nationals arriving from Great Britain or South Africa. Tourist trips in particular from these two countries are prohibited.

Madeleine von Holzen leaves her post as Head of Communications; she joined Genève Aéroport in 2018.

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