AIRPORT GRENCHEN

What AIRPORT GRENCHEN does

Airport Grenchen (ICAO code LSZG) is a regional Swiss airport operated by Regionalflugplatz Jura-Grenchen AG, a mixed-economy (gemischte Wirtschaft) corporation founded in 1947, with origins traceable to a 1931 airfield initiative by Adolf Schild. Located in Grenchen between Solothurn and Biel, the airport features four runways including a 980-meter hard-surface runway, handles approximately 60,000 annual flight movements, and operates 362 days per year. Infrastructure includes GNSS navigation (installed 2013), DVOR system, IFR instrument approach/departure procedures, an ICAO-certified fuel station offering AVGAS 100 LL and JET A-1, and a new control tower under construction in 2024.

The airport serves a diversified mix of aviation users. Core verticals include business aviation (targeting executives in the watchmaking and medical-technology corridor with no security delays and seminar facilities), pilot training (anchored by the European Flight Academy/Lufthansa Aviation Training operating since 2008-2010 and Flugschule Grenchen), helicopter operations (Mountainflyers), skydiving (Skydive Grenchen), aircraft maintenance (Mecanair, Aerotec), and recreational/private aviation. Revenue is generated through usage-based fees (landing/start, parking at CHF 1-2/hour across categories, fuel sales), recurring real estate and facility rental to on-site tenants, and transaction-fee event/tourism income from biennial Wings & Friends, Heli Day, and airport tours (CHF 100 per group of 8-25).

The facility holds a 2nd Swiss federal concession (granted 2001, after the 1st in 1971), and the board includes municipal representatives from Grenchen and Solothurn, reinforcing the airport's regional public-service mandate. The leadership team is led by CEO Michael Steinbach, COO Niko Koch, and Finance & HR lead Cornelia Schütz; the board is chaired by André Bourquin. Following a leadership transition, the 2024 annual report described reduced flight movements and a break-even financial result, characterizing the current phase as one of consolidation and infrastructure renewal rather than expansion.

Name

AIRPORT GRENCHEN

Legal name

Regionalflugplatz Jura-Grenchen AG

Website

https://airport-grenchen.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Airport Grenchen (LSZG) is a Swiss regional airport operated by Regionalflugplatz Jura-Grenchen AG, hosting business aviation, pilot training (European Flight Academy), helicopter operations, skydiving, MRO, fuel, parking, and events with ~60,000 annual flight movements and 362-day-year IFR operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAIALAE

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

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Transportation & Infrastructure Agencies (Roads, Transit, Public Works)

Keywords

• Regional airport services
• Business aviation handling
• Pilot training facilities
• Aircraft refueling services
• Aircraft maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Grenchen

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Landing and Start Fees: Fees charged to aircraft for landing and starting at the airport. Rates are published in a fees document available at the airport.
2. Parking Fees: Charges for various parking categories: P1 (restaurant/hotel guests), P2 (visitors), P3 (pilots/flight students), P5 (short-term). Rates range from CHF 1-2 per hour depending on category.
3. Fuel Sales: ICAO-certified fuel station providing AVGAS 100 LL and JET A-1. Tax-free and taxed fuel options available.
4. Real Estate and Facility Rental: Rental income from airport tenants including flight schools, maintenance companies, aviation businesses, hotel and restaurant operators, and hangar space.
5. Events and Tourism: Revenue from events such as Wings & Friends airshow, Heli Day, and airport tours. Ticket sales and visitor fees for events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Airport Grenchen operates a regional Swiss airport (LSZG) located between Solothurn and Biel, providing aviation infrastructure including four runways, a 980-meter hard-surface runway, IFR instrument approaches, an ICAO-certified fuel station, ground handling, parking, and on-site maintenance facilities. The airport supports business aviation, hosts pilot training through the European Flight Academy, and offers an on-site hotel, restaurant, and conference facilities.

Product overview

Airport Grenchen (LSZG) is a regional airport operated by Regionalflugplatz Jura-Grenchen AG, offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation services. The airport features four runways with approximately 60,000 annual flight movements and IFR capabilities. Core offerings include Business Aviation Services (taxi, fuel, maintenance, conference facilities), Pilot Training Programs through European Flight Academy, Ground Handling Services, and Aircraft Maintenance. Supporting services include an on-site Airport Hotel & Restaurant, Event & Conference Spaces, and Airport Guided Tours. The airport hosts the biennial Wings & Friends aviation event. A Safety Reporting System integrates with official regulatory portals (BAZL/FOCA ECCAIRS2 and SUST) for aviation safety compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Airport Operations & Infrastructure Regional airport services featuring four runways, approximately 60,000 annual flight movements, and instrument approach/departure procedures. Operates 362 days per year with IFR capabilities enabling approach in almost any weather.
• Business Aviation Services Premium services for business flights including taxi service, ICAO-certified fuel station, on-site maintenance, hotel and restaurant facilities, conference rooms, passenger and pilot lounge, direct ramp access, customs clearance, and IFR operations. Emphasizes fast processing times without security delays.
• Pilot Training Programs Practical flight training infrastructure used by European Flight Academy (Lufthansa Aviation Training) and local flight schools. The airport serves as the practical training base for Swiss, Lufthansa airline pilots, and Swiss Air Force, featuring instrument flight training on modern twin-engine aircraft.
• Ground Handling Services Professional ground service operations including aircraft handling, passenger services, and ramp operations provided by dedicated ground service personnel.
• Aircraft Maintenance Services On-site aircraft maintenance services provided by partner companies including MecanAir, Aerotec, and other MRO providers offering professional maintenance for general aviation and business aircraft.
• Airport Hotel & Restaurant On-site hospitality services including the airporthotel grenchen with restaurant open daily 7:00-23:00, conference facilities, and modern rooms located in the Witi nature protection zone.
• Event & Conference Spaces Room rental services for meetings and conferences with seminar facilities available for business travelers and corporate events.
• Airport Guided Tours Informative airport tours for groups of 8-25 persons lasting 1.25-1.5 hours, with CHF 100.00 fee per group and free for schools. Requires minimum 2 weeks advance booking.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60,000 annual flight movements
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• European Flight Academy / Lufthansa Aviation TrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008The European Flight Academy, part of Lufthansa Aviation Training, operates pilot training programs at Grenchen Airport since 2008. Trains pilots for Swiss, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air Force. Recently expanded fleet with three new twin-engine training aircraft for instrument flight training.
• MountainflyerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelicopter training company operating at Grenchen Airport, offering helicopter pilot training and scenic flights.
• Flugschule GrenchencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal flight school offering motor and glider flight training at Grenchen Airport. Promoted as the ideal place for aviation careers.
• Skydive GrenchencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkydiving operation offering tandem jumps, student training, and formation jumps from Grenchen Airport.
• MecanaircoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional aircraft maintenance company providing maintenance services for aviation at Grenchen Airport.
• AeroteccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation services company operating at Grenchen Airport, emphasizing cooperative and supportive team approach.
• Cloud50 / VAIS GROUPminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium aviation catering brand specializing in exquisite catering for private aviation. Provides in-flight catering services using fresh, locally selected ingredients, drawing on Michelin-starred restaurant experience.
• Airport Hotel GrenchencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site hotel and restaurant facility open 7:00 to 23:00 daily. Located in the middle of Witi nature protection zone. Offers conference rooms, summer terrace, playground, and modern furnished rooms.
• Jura-Taxi GrenchenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal taxi service recommended for airport transfers. Contact: +41 (0)800 786 508.
• MaximAir AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation company operating at airport, CEO Peter Hess states airport provides ideal conditions for pilot careers.
• Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL)coreOthersSwiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation - regulatory authority overseeing the airport and aviation operations.
• SkyguidecoreOthersSwiss air navigation services provider managing airspace and air traffic control services.
• RegacoreOthersSwiss Air Rescue Foundation providing emergency medical services. Reports to SUST via Rega Tel. 1414 for serious incidents.
• Verband Schweizer Flugplätze (VSF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Airports Association representing regional airports and advocating for their interests.
• Aero-Club Grenchen / SMGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal flying club with gliding heritage dating to 1932. President Willi Dysli promotes airport as center for motor and glider aviation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves18 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Graz Airport (GRZ): Austrian regional airport with a similar mix of scheduled regional service, general aviation, and flight training. Useful benchmark for the European regional airport operating model.
• Innsbruck Airport (INN): Alpine regional European airport combining scheduled service with significant general aviation, flight training, and business aviation. Comparable scale of operations and infrastructure investment patterns.
• Bern Airport (BRN): Larger Swiss regional airport combining scheduled regional flights with general aviation. More diversified but overlaps directly with Grenchen in business aviation and training customer segments.

Regional players

• Samedan Airport (Engadin Airport): Swiss alpine regional airport focused on general aviation and seasonal traffic. Comparable infrastructure and tenant model but in a distinct geographic catchment (Engadin valley).

Direct peers

• Goodyear Airport (Arizona, USA): General aviation-focused regional airport with flight schools, MRO providers, and business aviation. Comparable non-scheduled traffic profile and tenant ecosystem despite different geography.
• Lugano Airport (LUG): Swiss regional airport with mixed general aviation, flight school, and limited commercial service. Comparable ecosystem of training schools, MRO providers, and business aviation.
• St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH): Smaller Swiss regional airport primarily serving general aviation and business aviation in eastern Switzerland. Comparable scale, infrastructure, and tenant mix to Grenchen.
• Sion Airport (SIR): Swiss regional airport serving business aviation, flight schools, and general aviation in the Valais region. Comparable scale, infrastructure focus, and catchment-driven commercial model.
• Lausanne-Blécherette Airport: Swiss urban regional airfield serving flight schools, business aviation, and helicopter operations in the Lake Geneva region. Closely comparable catchment and customer profile.
• Flugplatz Birrfeld: Swiss regional airfield focused on general aviation, flight training, and motor/glider operations. Highly comparable to Grenchen in runway type, traffic mix, and tenant-driven business model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/airportgrenchen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/airport-grenchen
• Instagraminstagram.com/airportgrenchen_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 GRENCHEN