The 2022 annual report[1] of Geneva Airport confirms the recovery of air transport and describe the important efforts made by the airport  in terms of sustainability. AERIA+ is delighted that this vital infrastructure for the economy is back into profitability, which will allow it to start to reduce its debt while continuing to invest in energy transition.

Geneva Airport recorded a profit of CHF 61.8 million in 2022 before retrocession to the State of Geneva and CHF 46.3 million after retrocession. The infrastructure welcomed 14 million passengers and recorded 163,000 movements in 2022, 64.4% more than in 2021 but 12.3% less than in 2019.  Air cargo activity will reach 70,000 tons processed thanks to the return of capacity on long-haul routes.

Beyond these figures, AERIA+ does recognise the efforts made by Geneva Airport and the airline industry in terms of energy transition and sustainability. For example, the share of class[1] 4 and 5 (less polluting) aircraft has reached 91% of all movements  as well as the decision to join  the GeniLac network by 2026 will reduce its CO2 emissions by 60%.

Erik Simonin, Secretary General of AERIA+, praises in particular the resilience of the infrastructure: “Geneva Airport has recovered from the Covid-19 crisis more quickly than Zurich, in particular due to the recovery in tourism while business travel is adjusting to new technologies and companies’ policies.

Adopting a clear message

While these results are encouraging, AERIA+ remains vigilant when it comes to the growing criticism towards the airport and air transport. Jean-Marc Probst, President of AERIA+, points out that the sector must absolutely articulate a clear message in reply to  these criticisms: “In order to counter the increasingly virulent and dogmatic opponents, the industry must absolutely communicate more on the concrete actions being carried out and not only on commitments. In particular, we must regain the confidence of a part of the younger generations who are not sensitive to economic arguments” and Jean-Marc Probst to add “I have the impression that saying: air transport is necessary for the economy and for jobs is no longer enough! Our message to young people should be: We have heard you and we acting  with new technologies”.

[1] The OFAC classifies aircraft into 5 noise classes, 1 being the noisiest and 5 the least noisy. 25% of the movements in Geneva in 2022 will be class 5 aircraft.