Sion Airport is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in a region called Valais, home to some of the most world-renowned ski resorts. Known primarily for its winter sports, the surrounding region has much to offer. In the immediate proximity, you can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences with centuryold wine-making heritage and Michelin-star restaurants. Thermal springs and hiking can be enjoyed amid breathtaking scenery. International events take place in the region, like the famous Omega European Golf Masters and the FIS Ski World Cup in the Crans-Montana resort. Valais has endless activities and discoveries to suit all interests, including cultural events such as the Verbier Art Summit, music festivals like Zermatt Unplugged, museums, traditional Carnivals and hiking/trail competitions.
The surrounding region is a fast-growing, high-potential area with dynamic tourism. In 2018, the region recorded nearly 15 million overnight stays.
More than meets the eye
Switzerland is well known for its watch factories and chocolate, but also for its beautiful high mountains. In Valais you don’t have to worry about snow conditions as most of the resorts are above 1,500m, and in nine of them skiing can be enjoyed at an altitude of 3,000m. Last year, no fewer than nine million skier days were spread amongst the multiple ski resorts – nearly all reachable within one hour by car, helicopter, taxi or public transport – in resorts like Zermatt, Crans-Montana, Verbier – 4 Vallées, Val d’Anniviers or Chamonix.
When we talk about Switzerland we think of its most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. The good news is Zermatt, the magnificent village at its foot, and its ski resort, are only minutes away from Sion Airport.
On top of leisure activities, the region cultivates a dynamic ecosystem where innovation, research and development are key. Near the airport is the Swiss University of Applied Sciences, a range of research institutes, innovation parks and established multinational companies, all making the region a key economical player. It is in these parks that a diversity of ideas come to life – right in Valais. One successful example is on the airport itself, which has H55, a swiss SOLAR IMPULSE spin-off that aims at certifying an all-electric trainer aircraft.
An airport of importance
Created in 1935, Sion Airport has an important military background, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Today, the civil airport is home to a variety of aviation businesses with a stunning 10% average traffic growth in the past few years. As of today, its most important markets are in business jet and helicopter activities (VIP, SAR and aerialwork). Additionally, the airport hosts flying schools, general aviation companies, and also provides maintenance and hangar facilities.
With recently renovated APRON and runway surfaces, Sion Airport can accommodate two C-code aircraft simultaneously. The airport’s technical and operational procedures enable it to welcome the A320 family and B737 aircraft with ease. To land on its 2,000×40m asphalt runway, it is possible to use modern RNAV RNP or IGS approaches, making operations not just scenic but reliable.
In Sion, the client’s experience is at the heart of the processes. The internationally recognised FBO team will meet any client’s needs with the required Swiss quality, privacy and flexibility. The newly refurbished and extended terminal now enables passengers to enjoy swift check-in, security and boarding processes. Moreover, the professional ground-handling team can easily perform 30-minute rotations, making for a quick turnaround time.
Sion Airport currently has regular seasonal routes to the UK and Portugal, both operated by Swiss International Air Lines. Boosted by these successful operations and high load factors, Sion Airport aims at further expanding and developing its routes network. To attract new entrant carriers, it offers a very attractive incentive and marketing scheme to support operations.
