PrivatAir recently opened a new 4,600 square metre GA terminal building at Geneva International Airport, after finding the previous facilities wholly inadequate. Tony Hinder, manager of corporate communications, explained: “The old GA terminal was very limited, there was no comfort and no facilities for passengers (it was like a hole in the wall operation). We had tried for sometime to get these facilities upgraded in the past and finally we agreed with the Geneva airport authorities that we would build this terminal and jointly operate it with them. We paid for most of it, but it’s a joint venture with the airport.”

Geneva is an important international location, playing host to a number of headquarters of major corporations. “It has a larger business importance, which is beyond the size of the airport. Now, with this addition, Geneva has a private aviation terminal which is worthy of the town’s status and Geneva Airport’s status as a major international hub,” said Hinder.

The company’s headquarters will be housed in the new building, which also features three vip lounges, expanded customs facilities and immigration. The company is also renting space to TAG Aviation and Jet Aviation. Hinder added: “This is a completely new building, built next to the old facility on a virgin plot. We started about a year and a half ago, and the customers have been delighted with the outcome. There are no plans to offer FBO services to third parties here though, we will just be looking after our own aircraft.”\r

PrivatAir feels that the timing of this opening has coincided with a resurgence in the market: “Business aviation has been picking up very fast. We had a very busy September, like many charterers. That period was followed by things quietening down in October and November. It picked up a little in December and January, and then February was a particularly good month. In Europe we were less affected by the fallout, so the recovery has been less spectacular than the US companies. Nevertheless, it’s still there and at the moment things are looking pretty good.”