Chapter 3 - Economic responsibilities
Chapter 3 - Economic responsibilities
As a responsible company, aware of its major economic role in the region, Genève Aéroport is committed to maintaining and developing a quality service, to prioritising local economic players and to forging strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing regional assets.
An air service to the benefit of the region and the country
Genève Aéroport offers a quality service, which contributes to Switzerland's attractiveness, from the economic, diplomatic and tourism points of view. In recent years, the international network has been strengthened. The opening of new long-haul routes, such as Addis Ababa in 2018 and Nairobi in 2019, has consolidated the airport's competitive position, whilst meeting the region's economic needs. Some markets in Asia, South America and North America offer the potential for future direct routes.
Each year, the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) establishes a ranking of airports according to several connectivity criteria, known as the Connectivity Index. Over the past ten years, Genève Aéroport has improved its direct connectivity by more than 23%, and its indirect connectivity by almost 45% over the same period (2009 – 2019). Therefore, it ranks in the top 25 in terms of global connectivity, amongst more than 350 European airports.
Redistributed wealth
Airport activities create many jobs, both directly and indirectly, and generate significant turnover, part of which is directly redistributed to its stakeholders in the form of wages, public contributions, service contracts, bank charges and financial support to associations. The direct economic value distributed in 2019 amounted to CHF 599 million, which is an increase of more than CHF 137 million compared to 2018, attributable to the increase in expenditure due to the various construction projects at the airport. 95.8% of expenses are accrued with suppliers residing within Switzerland.
Direct economic value distributed (Out of CHF 599 million)
« 95.8% of purchases are made from companies residing within Switzerland »
Development of a sustainable strategy for the local tourism industry
A project bringing together many local players in the tourism industry, including Genève Aéroport, was launched in November 2019 to promote sustainability within the sector. A taskforce was created by Fondation Genève Tourisme & Congrès in order to develop a strategy aimed at improving the ranking of Geneva in the Global Destination Sustainability Index and highlighting the region's strengths at the international level.
Prioritising regional products
Genève Aéroport strives to offer a range of local products to airport users. Since 2016, the Autogrill restaurant chain has been certified with Genève Région – Terre Avenir (GRTA). This certification is re-assessed at regular intervals through checks by experts.
Starting in 2019, a pilot project on sustainable food was undertaken in collaboration between the Canton of Geneva, Le Chef restaurant and Genève Aéroport. Several themes have been developed: low-carbon-footprint menus, the priority given to local products, the fight against food waste and raising awareness with clients and staff about sustainable food.
The airport’s restaurants are not the only ones offering local products in their assortment: for example, the Fleuriot shop sells GRTA flowers. Moreover, for several months, in 2019, GRTA flowers and other local plants adorned an ephemeral relaxation area for passengers in front of Terminal 1.
Developing the « Sense of Place »
Canonica, Caviar House & Prunier, Martel chocolatier and even Tékoé: many local brands are represented at the airport. They contribute to a unique atmosphere within the airport, a form of « Sense of Place », such as the Swiss Chalet restaurant, offering traditional and authentic Swiss cuisine. Other contributions are also made by temporary initiatives, such as the creation of a Swiss corner showcasing Swiss brands and designers between 2018 and 2019.
« 43% number of points of sale offering local products. »