Airport Buochs

What Airport Buochs does

Airport Buochs AG operates the civil aviation airfield ICAO: LSZC in Buochs, Canton Nidwalden, Switzerland. The airfield was originally developed in 1937 and reconstituted as a civilian business and commercial airport in 1997 after the Swiss Air Force ceased jet operations in 2004. It features a 2000m x 40m hard-surface runway (06/24) plus a 1500m redundancy strip, modern taxiways, aircraft parking stands sized for Gulfstream G650, Global Express, and Challenger-class business jets, on-site Jet A1 fuel, GPU power (115V AC 400Hz / 28V DC), de-icing, marshalling, and waste/water services. Operating technology includes a secure web-based Aerodrome Manual portal, live METAR/TAF/NOTAM integration with the Swiss DABS (Daily Airspace Bulletin) via Skybriefing, a 360-degree Roundshot webcam network for visual approach monitoring, and a PPR (Prior Permission Required) digital flight registration system. Standard operating hours are 07:30-12:05 and 13:15-17:00 local time, with prior arrangement enabling outside-hours operations.

The company is 50% owned by Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG, for which Buochs functions as the primary factory airfield across the PC-6, PC-12, PC-21, and PC-24 aircraft programs, with Pilatus PC-24 maiden flight conducted at the site in 2015. The remaining customer base spans private aviation owners, business/corporate jet operators, helicopter charter and emergency services (Alpinlift Helikopter AG, Rega-affiliated operations), glider clubs (Segelfluggruppe Nidwalden), and the Mirage-Verein military aviation heritage association. International operators accessing LSZC include aircraft registered in Germany, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Iceland, and Poland.

Revenue is generated through five core streams: landing and takeoff fees (with CHF 180-360 per-leg surcharges outside standard hours), aircraft parking and hangar subscriptions (permanent stationing facilities), Jet A1 fuel sales at CHF 2.24/liter ex-VAT, ground handling and GPU services, and facility rentals including briefing and conference rooms. Pricing is denominated in CHF, duty-paid including CO2 tax with 8.1% VAT added. The go-to-market combines enterprise field sales to operators, a self-serve PPR portal, aviation-specific platforms (Skybriefing, DABS), regional tourism partnerships, and earned media coverage through outlets such as Nidwaldner Zeitung. A major infrastructure modernization project is in advanced planning with construction start scheduled for 2027.

Name

Airport Buochs

Legal name

Airport Buochs AG

Website

https://airportbuochs.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Airport Buochs AG operates a Swiss regional civil aviation airfield (ICAO: LSZC) in Canton Nidwalden, serving as Pilatus Flugzeugwerke's primary factory airfield while providing business, private, helicopter, and gliding aviation services with on-site fuel and handling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Civil Aviation / Business Aviation Airport Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD), Corporate Flight Departments (In-House Business Aviation) (THABAFAE), Airport Ground Support Vehicles (Tugs, Baggage Tractors, Deicers) (IMAHAIAF)

Keywords

• Civil airport operations
• Business aviation services
• Aircraft ground handling
• Aviation fuel supply
• General aviation support

Headquarters

HQ city

Buochs

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Landing and Takeoff Fees: Charges for aircraft landings and takeoffs based on aircraft weight category, operating within standard hours or outside hours with additional fees of CHF 180-360 per leg
2. Aircraft Parking and Hangar Services: Outdoor stand locations (max size for Gulfstream G650, GlobalExpress, Challenger) and permanent aircraft stationing facilities
3. Jet Fuel Sales (Jet A1): Fuel sales at CHF 2.24 per liter ex VAT, with no duty-free fuel available. CO2 tax included in pricing
4. Ground Handling Services: Aircraft marshalling, GPU supply (115V AC 400Hz / 28V DC), de-icing, waste disposal, and water services
5. Facility Rental: Briefing room, computer terminals, internet/WLAN, conference rooms, and catering facilities available for rental

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Airport Buochs AG operates a civilian business and traffic airport (ICAO: LSZC) in Central Switzerland, providing aviation infrastructure services including PPR flight registration, Jet A1 fuel supply, ground handling, aircraft parking and hangar facilities, customs coordination, and business/commercial aviation support for private operators, corporate flight departments, and Pilatus Flugzeugwerke aircraft programs.

Product overview

Airport Buochs operates as a civilian business and traffic airport (ICAO: LSZC) in central Switzerland, functioning as a single unified service offering centered on aviation infrastructure. The airport provides a comprehensive portfolio of interconnected services: flight scheduling (Live Timetable, NOTAMs), meteorological support (METAR/TAF), prior permission processing (PPR), real-time visual monitoring (Airport Webcam), ground handling, fuel services (Jet A1), aircraft parking/hangar facilities, and customs/immigration processing for international flights. The airport serves as home base for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd's production testing and delivery flights, while also supporting private aviation, business jets, cargo operations, and commercial traffic. Infrastructure includes a 2000m asphalt runway (06/24), modern taxiways, external aircraft parking stands, and briefing facilities with internet/WiFi access. The aerodrome manual portal provides secure access to operational documentation for authorized users.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Connects Central Switzerland region directly with hundreds of comparable European airports

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Pilatus owns 50% of Airport Buochs AG and uses LSZC as its primary factory airfield for all aircraft programs (PC-6, PC-12, PC-21, PC-24). The partnership includes shared taxiway access to Pilatus Maintenance (Hangar 10) facility. Pilatus PC-24 maiden flight conducted at LSZC in 2015.
• SkyguidecoreTechnology or IntegrationSwiss air navigation services provider operating LSZC tower on ATC frequency 119.625 MHz. Jan Spycher listed as Airport Manager under Skyguide. Coordination with Alpnach and Emmen on airspace status 134.130 MHz.
• Flugplatzkomitee NidwaldenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal aviation committee representing general aviation interests at LSZC, promoting airfield access and supporting community relations.
• Alpinlift Helikopter AGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelicopter operator based at LSZC providing charter services, Alpine tourism flights, and emergency transport operations.
• Mirage-Verein BuochsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation heritage association celebrating military aviation history at LSZC. Operates vintage Mirage and Hunter aircraft. Celebrated 20th anniversary in 2024.
• Segelfluggruppe NidwaldenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGliding club operating sailplanes from LSZC including ASH-26E, LS4, and Duo Discus XLT aircraft types.
• Light Wing Aircraft AGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAircraft sales and services company listed in aviation partner links on LSZC website.
• Future Wings TaxiflügeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter flight operator based at LSZC providing taxi flights and scenic tours.
• Jetag TaxiflügeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter services operator listed in airport partner network.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Samedan Airport (Engadin Airport): Samedan is another Swiss Alpine regional airport serving private and business aviation with a 1800m runway. Comparable to LSZC in scale, customer mix (private/business jets, tourism), and Swiss regulatory framework. Both airports compete for Central European business aviation into scenic Alpine destinations.
• Sion Airport: Sion Airport in Valais is a Swiss regional airport focused on private, business, and charter aviation with similar 2000m-class runway. Both airports share the Alpine tourism gateway positioning and operate under BAZL civil aviation framework.
• Grenchen Airport: Grenchen is a Swiss regional airport with comparable infrastructure serving private aviation, business jets, and flight training. Similar in scale to LSZC with multi-purpose general aviation mandate and BAZL oversight.
• Locarno Airport: Locarno is a Swiss regional airport serving private aviation, flight training, and general aviation in Ticino. Comparable in size and operational scope to LSZC, with similar runway length supporting business aviation in a scenic Alpine setting.
• St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport: St. Gallen-Altenrhein is a Swiss regional airport focused on business aviation and limited scheduled service, with duty-free fuel availability. Comparable in scale and customer mix to LSZC and a potential competitor for international business jet refueling.
• Lugano Airport (LSAZ): Lugano Airport serves business and private aviation in southern Switzerland with comparable infrastructure. Direct competitor for business jet traffic in the Swiss Alpine corridor, though with somewhat larger commercial scheduled service.

Others

• Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG: Pilatus is not a peer but the 50% owner and primary customer of LSZC. Included as a strategic counterparty because Pilatus's product roadmap (PC-12, PC-24, PC-21) directly determines LSZC's traffic baseline and growth trajectory.
• Alpinlift Helikopter AG: Alpinlift is a helicopter operator based at LSZC providing charter and emergency services. Not a direct peer but an ecosystem tenant whose growth aligns with LSZC's value proposition for Alpine tourism and rescue operations.

Broad incumbents

• Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich): Zurich Airport is Switzerland's largest commercial hub, offering overlapping business aviation services through its private aviation terminal. While not a direct competitor due to scale, it represents the alternative that Swiss business travelers default to when seeking broader connectivity.
• Geneva Airport (Aéroport de Genève): Geneva Airport is a major international hub with extensive business aviation facilities (TAG, Jet Aviation FBOs). It represents the larger incumbent alternative for high-end business jet operators that LSZC competes against for European traffic.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/airportbuochs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/airport-buochs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Airport Buochs