Payerne

Payerne Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a unique aviation platform where history meets the future. Located in the picturesque Broye Valley, this airfield serves as a home for both the Swiss Air Force and exclusive business aviation under the Swiss Aeropole brand. It is here that bold innovations were born, including the famous Solar Impulse project, which proved the possibility of solar-powered flight. For travellers, this place is associated not with noisy terminals, but with privacy, speed, and technological progress.

Payerne Airport possesses a number of distinctive features that make it an important point on the map of Switzerland, despite the absence of mass passenger transport:

Exclusivity and Comfort: The airport specialises in business aviation. Thanks to the absence of slots and queues, private jet passengers can complete all formalities in a matter of minutes, enjoying world-class service.

Military Aviation Museum: The Clin d'Ailes museum is located on the premises, where you can see legendary Mirage and Hunter fighter jets, as well as learn more about the history of the Swiss Air Force. This makes the airport interesting not only for business people but also for technology enthusiasts.

Innovation Hub: Payerne is known as the "cradle" of solar aviation. The successful launch and basing of the Solar Impulse aircraft have turned this airfield into a symbol of ecological technologies and aviation experiments.

• Official Airport Website: www.swissaeropole.com
• Information Desk Phone: +41 26 662 66 66 (Swiss Aeropole Administration)
• Airport Address: Aéropôle 132, 1530 Payerne, Switzerland
• Email: airport@swissaeropole.com
• Social Media: Official Swiss Aeropole pages can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Lost Luggage Information: It is recommended to contact the handling operator Speedwings directly by phone at +41 26 662 66 60 or via email at handling@speedwings-payerne.ch
• Passenger Support Contacts: Questions regarding flight and passenger services are also accepted via the main phone number +41 26 662 66 66 or through the feedback form on the website

Since Payerne Airport (Swiss Aeropole) focuses on business aviation and does not accept scheduled commercial flights, most visitors arrive here either by private transport or as passengers on private jets. Nevertheless, getting to the airport and the aviation museum located on its territory from the city or other regions of Switzerland is quite simple.

Public Transport

Switzerland is famous for its perfectly functioning transport system, and Payerne is no exception. Travelling by train is one of the most convenient ways to reach the region.

• Train: You need to get to the Payerne railway station (Gare de Payerne). Trains regularly arrive here from Lausanne, Bern, Fribourg, and Yverdon-les-Bains. The travel time from Bern is about 40–50 minutes.
• Bus: Buses from the PostBus (CarPostal) network run from Payerne station to the airport grounds (stop Payerne, Aviation or Payerne, Musée Clin d'Ailes). The journey takes about 10 minutes. The ticket cost is usually included in the local zone fare (approximately 3–4 CHF), but travel is free with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Taxi and Transfer

For business aviation passengers and those who value maximum comfort, booking a transfer or taxi is the optimal option. Since the distance from Payerne city centre to the business aviation terminal and museum is only about 2–3 km, the trip will take no more than 5–7 minutes.

• Taxi Cost: A short trip from the station to the airport will cost approximately 15–25 CHF.
• VIP Transfer: Swiss Aeropole clients often use limousine services, which can deliver them directly to the aircraft steps (subject to prior coordination with airport security).

Car Rental and Private Transport

The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the main Swiss motorway A1 (Bern — Lausanne). This makes it easily accessible for motorists.

• Route: Use exit No. 27 (Payerne) from the A1 motorway. Follow the signs for Aéropôle or Musée Clin d'Ailes. The drive from the exit takes about 5 minutes.
• Car Rental: In the city of Payerne itself, the choice of rental agencies may be limited, so it is recommended to rent a car in major neighbouring cities or order vehicle delivery to the terminal through a handling agent.

Parking

Parking zones are provided on the airport territory for different categories of visitors:

• For Museum Visitors: There is a large free car park near the Clin d'Ailes museum.
• For Business Aviation Clients: The Speedwings Payerne terminal offers secure parking for private flight passengers, located in the immediate vicinity of the lounge area.

Alternative Airports for Commercial Flights

If you are planning a visit to Payerne but are flying on a scheduled airline, you will land at one of the nearby international airports and then continue your journey by train or car. The nearest major hubs are:

Geneva Airport (GVA) is located approximately 90 km from Payerne. It is the main hub for travellers heading to the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The drive takes about one hour.

Another convenient option could be EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP), located 95 km away. It offers many flights from European cities.

The closest, but less busy option is Sion Airport (SIR) (about 76 km), which accepts seasonal and charter flights, convenient for those heading to the Alps.

The structure of Payerne Airport differs radically from the familiar giant international hubs. Here you will not find endless labyrinths, travelators, or a multitude of gates. The entire civil sector is organised according to the principle of maximum efficiency and privacy, characteristic of exclusive business aviation. The area accessible to private flight passengers is compact and intuitive.

Number and Purpose of Terminals

In fact, for servicing civilians, there is one specialised complex designated here (Business Aviation Centre), which functions autonomously from the military part of the airfield. This terminal, often called an FBO (Fixed Base Operator), is managed by the company Speedwings and is intended exclusively for the reception and departure of private aircraft.

Features of the complex:

• Unified Space: All necessary services — from the welcome desk to passport control — are located in one building.
• Absence of Transit Zones: Since the airport does not handle scheduled connecting flights, there is no complex system of transitions between terminals. Your path lies only from the building entrance to the aircraft.
• Military Sector: A significant part of the airfield belongs to the Swiss Air Force base. These zones are strictly separated from the civil terminal, fenced off, and closed to passenger access.

Departure and Arrival Zones

In the business aviation terminal, passenger flows are organised to ensure maximum confidentiality. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into different floors or wings of the building, as in large airports, but represent a single functional ecosystem.

• Departure Zone: Represents a luxurious lounge with a panoramic view of the runway. Here, passengers can relax before the flight, use conference rooms, or simply enjoy a coffee. Boarding takes place directly from the lounge.
• Arrival Zone: Arriving passengers enter the terminal, where they quickly pass border formalities (if the flight is international) and immediately exit to the car park or waiting transfer.

Processing Time

The main advantage of Payerne Airport is speed. There is no need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure. Registration and screening processes are optimised to the limit:

Check-in and Luggage Drop-off: Takes literally a few minutes. Staff collect luggage right at the terminal entrance or from the car.

Passport Control and Screening: Conducted on an individual basis without queues. For departure, it is sufficient to arrive at the terminal 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. In some cases, by prior arrangement, a "board-to-board" format (transfer from car/helicopter directly to the plane) is possible, reducing time on the ground to a minimum.

Layout and Navigation Recommendations

It is practically impossible to get lost at Payerne Airport, as the passenger route is maximally short and direct. However, there are a few recommendations for a comfortable visit:

• Follow signs for "Swiss Aeropole" or "Speedwings": When entering the airfield territory, it is important not to turn towards the military checkpoints. Orient yourself by the civil signage.
• Personal Escort: In the terminal, you will always be met by a handling company employee who will guide you through all stages of control right up to the aircraft steps. There is no need to look for the exit to the apron yourself.
• Parking: Leave your car in the designated parking area right in front of the terminal entrance. The distance from the car door to the aircraft door here is measured in tens of metres, not kilometres.

The history of Payerne Airport is a fascinating chronicle of the transformation of a strategic military facility into an advanced centre for civil aviation and future technologies. What began as a field aerodrome for biplanes is today the "cradle" of the boldest aviation experiments of the 21st century.

Birth and Military Era

The origins of the airport go back to 1921, when the Swiss Federal Council decided to create an aviation base in the Broye region. The official opening took place a few years later, and for most of the 20th century, Payerne developed exclusively as a key Swiss Air Force facility. During World War II and the subsequent Cold War, the infrastructure was actively modernised: dirt strips were replaced with concrete ones, and protected hangars and caponiers were built.

An important milestone was the jet age. In the 1950s and 1990s, the airfield underwent large-scale renovations to accommodate modern fighters — from "Vampires" and "Mirages" to the current F/A-18 Hornets. It was here that the squadrons guarding the sky over the Alps were based.

Opening to the Civil World

A new chapter in Payerne's history began in 2013. After long negotiations, an agreement was signed permitting the use of the military runway for civil needs. This event launched the Swiss Aeropole project — a technology park uniting business aviation and aerospace research. From that moment, the airport ceased to be a closed zone and opened its gates to private jets and innovative startups.

Records and Innovations: Home of Solar Impulse

Payerne gained global fame not thanks to military aircraft, but thanks to a project that proved the impossible is possible. The airport became the base for the Solar Impulse team.

• A special hangar was built here for the solar-powered aircraft.
• In 2010, it was from the Payerne runway that Solar Impulse 1 made its first night flight, powered exclusively by solar energy accumulated during the day.
• This success paved the way for the famous round-the-world journey by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg.

Interesting Historical Facts

• Longest Runway: The Payerne runway (about 2.8 km) is one of the longest in Switzerland, allowing it to accept any type of aircraft, including heavy transporters.
• Stratospheric Dreams: Today, the airport is home to the SolarStratos project — an aircraft that plans to reach the stratosphere on solar energy.
• Space Ambitions: At various times, the airfield was considered as a site for launching mini-shuttles (Swiss Space Systems project) and conducting parabolic flights to create zero gravity.

Today, Payerne continues to write its history, harmoniously combining the traditions of the Swiss Air Force with the atmosphere of an elite business club and a laboratory of the future.

Services and amenities at Payerne Airport (Swiss Aeropole) differ significantly from what travellers are accustomed to seeing in large commercial hubs. Here, there are no noisy shopping galleries, food courts, or endless rows of seats in waiting areas. The entire infrastructure of the civil terminal is designed for the needs of business aviation clients, where the main priorities are privacy, efficiency, and exclusive comfort.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

The business aviation terminal lacks the usual Duty-Free zone or chain coffee shops. Service is based on a club principle:

• Executive Lounge: In the waiting area, guests are offered refreshments, hot beverages, light snacks, and the latest press. This is included in the standard VIP passenger service package.
• On-board Catering: Full meals are organised by pre-order directly for the flight. The handling operator cooperates with the best restaurants in the region to satisfy any gastronomic requests of clients.
• Museum Restaurant: If you have free time before departure, you can visit the cafeteria in the adjacent aviation museum Clin d'Ailes, which offers a view of the airfield.

Waiting Halls and VIP Service

The entire FBO (Fixed Base Operator) passenger terminal in Payerne essentially represents one large VIP hall. The space is designed in a modern style using high-quality materials.

• Comfort: Guests have access to soft sofas, designer furniture, and panoramic windows overlooking the runway and the foothills of the Alps.
• Privacy: The terminal is rarely overcrowded, so every passenger is guaranteed silence and a calm atmosphere before the flight.

Wi-Fi, Business Services, and Conferences

Since the airport's main clientele consists of business people, special attention is paid to technical equipment.

• Connectivity: High-speed free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations for various types of gadgets are also provided.
• Conference Facilities: The Swiss Aeropole complex has modern conference halls and meeting rooms that can be rented for meetings immediately after arrival. This allows business matters to be resolved without leaving the airfield territory.

Banks and Currency Exchange

There are no public ATMs or currency exchange points in the terminal. Payment for handling services, fuel, or transfers is made by bank cards or bank transfer. It is recommended to have the necessary amount of cash (Swiss Francs) with you in advance if you plan small expenses in the city, although cards are accepted almost everywhere in Switzerland.

Medical Services and Accessibility

The airport is fully adapted to receive all categories of passengers.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The terminal has a barrier-free environment. Thanks to the absence of stairs (boarding often takes place directly from the apron) and personal assistance, boarding the aircraft is maximally comfortable for citizens with limited mobility.
• Medical Flights: Payerne often accepts air ambulance flights. Staff are trained to ensure the rapid and delicate transfer of patients from the aircraft to the ambulance.

Services for Passengers with Children

There are no specialised playrooms in the terminal, but the private aviation format makes travelling with children much less stressful. The absence of queues, quick screening, and the ability to wait for the flight in a cosy lounge area allow young travellers not to get tired before the flight.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the airfield territory, but thanks to the compactness of the region, accommodation can be reached in a matter of minutes:

• In Payerne City: Just a 5-minute drive away are cosy city hotels suitable for a short stopover.
• Estavayer-le-Lac: A 10–15 minute drive away, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, are more picturesque accommodation options, including resort-type hotels.
• Bern and Lausanne: If a 5-star level hotel is required, the transfer to major cities will take about 40–50 minutes.

The gastronomic experience at Payerne Airport (VIP) differs significantly from the usual standards of international air hubs. Here you will not encounter noisy food courts, chain fast-food outlets, or overcrowded coffee shops. Dining at Swiss Aeropole is organised according to principles of exclusivity and an individual approach oriented towards business aviation passengers.

Dining options can be divided into two main categories: service inside the VIP terminal (FBO) and publicly accessible places near the airfield.

1. VIP Lounge in the Business Aviation Terminal

For private flight passengers waiting for departure at the Speedwings terminal, an elegant Lounge area is available. This is a zone of enhanced comfort where service is included in the handling cost.

• Assortment: Premium teas and coffees, soft drinks, fresh pastries (croissants, danishes), fruits, and light snacks are offered here.
• Location: Departure zone (airside/landside — in this terminal, boundaries are nominal thanks to rapid control processing).
• Operating Hours: The lounge operates flexibly, adapting to the flight schedule. If your flight is scheduled for early morning or late night, the facility will be open specifically for you.
• For Whom: Only for business jet passengers and their guests.

2. On-board Dining and Catering (VIP Dining)

A full lunch or dinner for Payerne passengers is most often organised in a High-End Catering format. This is the main gastronomic feature of the airport. Food is ordered in advance and served either in the lounge before departure or directly on board the aircraft.

• Individual Approach: The menu is formed entirely upon the client's request. You can order dishes from the best restaurants in the region or delivery from a specific favourite establishment.
• Dietary Preferences: Since meals are prepared individually, absolutely any options are available: vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, Halal, or Kosher dishes. There are no restrictions — the main thing is to notify the operator in advance.
• Price Range: High. The cost depends on the complexity of the order and the chosen supplier.

3. Cafeteria in the Clin d'Ailes Museum

The only publicly accessible establishment on the airfield territory, open not only to VIP passengers but also to greeters, crews, and tourists, is the recreation area in the military aviation museum.

• Assortment: Here you can order coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, and desserts. It is an ideal place for a quick snack with a view of the aircraft.
• Location: Public zone (landside), in the museum building, a two-minute walk from the VIP terminal.
• Opening Hours: Depends on the museum's schedule (usually from 13:30 to 17:00, except Mondays; opens earlier on weekends).
• Average Bill: Affordable (10–20 CHF for coffee and a snack).

Local Delicacies: What to Try

Since Payerne is located on the border of the Vaud and Fribourg cantons, the region is famous for its hearty and delicious cuisine. If you have time before departure or are ordering catering, we recommend paying attention to local specialities:

• Saucisson Vaudois: A traditional sausage from the Vaud canton, often served with vegetables. An option for a hearty meal.
• Gruyère Cheese: The famous Swiss cheese is produced very nearby. A cheese platter makes for an excellent pre-flight appetizer.
• Meringues with Double Cream (Meringues à la crème de la Gruyère): The region's main dessert. Crispy meringues are served with thick, rich cream from Gruyère. This dish is definitely worth including in the catering menu.
• Gâteau à la crème: A traditional cream tart popular in the Broye region.

Recommendations for Passengers

If you plan a full lunch in a restaurant before departure but do not want to order catering, it is best to visit the city of Payerne itself (5 minutes by transfer). There you will find authentic Swiss restaurants, such as the Hotel de Ville, which serve excellent steaks and fondue. For those who value time, the optimal choice remains ordering food on board through the Speedwings concierge service.

Travelling through Payerne Airport differs radically from the experience of flying through large international hubs. Since this is a specialised node for business aviation, its own unspoken rules of etiquette and logistics apply here. To ensure your visit goes flawlessly, we have prepared a number of useful recommendations considering the unique specifics of this Swiss airfield.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours early". In Payerne, time is the most valuable resource.

• Business Aviation Standard: It is optimal to arrive at the terminal 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This is quite enough to meet the pilot, pass formalities, and drink a cup of coffee.
• "Board-to-board" Format: If you have agreed on this in advance with your broker and security service, a transfer from the car directly to the aircraft is possible. In this case, arrival is possible even 10–15 minutes before the slot take-off.

Check-in and Security Control

Procedures here take place in a private setting, without queues and the need to remove shoes in front of hundreds of other passengers.

• Personal Approach: You will be met by a handling staff member and guided through control. Documents are checked instantly.
• No Tickets: You do not need to print boarding passes. It is sufficient to present a passport, the details of which were transmitted to the flight operator in advance.

Seat Selection and Comfort on Board

In private jets, the concept of "checking in for a specific seat" via an online system does not exist. The entire cabin is at your disposal.

• Cabin Configuration: If you are flying with a large group, clarify the board layout in advance (presence of sofas, meeting tables, or sleeping places) to accommodate everyone with maximum comfort.
• Favourite Seat: Usually, the "guest of honour seat" is located facing forward by the window on the right, but you are free to choose any vacant seat after boarding.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: What is Allowed

Baggage allowance rules in business aviation are much more loyal than on scheduled lines, but safety issues remain a priority.

• Liquids: The "100 ml" rule is often not applied here (depending on specific flight safety rules and the destination country). You can take your favourite beverage or cosmetics in full-size containers on board.
• Pets: Payerne is pet-friendly. Cats and dogs can fly with you in the cabin, rather than in the luggage compartment. The main thing is to have a veterinary passport and notify the operator in advance.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, explosives, and dangerous chemicals are strictly prohibited in hand luggage, just as in any other airport in the world.

Customs Control and Passport Regime

Despite the privacy, Switzerland strictly monitors compliance with laws.

• Schengen Area: Switzerland is part of Schengen, so passport control on flights within the zone is formal. However, customs checks are conducted selectively.
• Declaring Goods: Remember that Switzerland is not part of the EU customs union. If you are importing expensive purchases, watches, or large sums of cash, they must be declared. Customs officers may approach you directly in the lounge.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Payerne is a destination airport; there is no transit zone here.

• Connections: If your route involves a transfer to a scheduled flight (for example, from Geneva), allow time for the transfer by ground (about 1 hour by car).
• Helicopter Transfer: The fastest way to get to ski resorts or neighbouring airports is to book a helicopter, which will pick you up directly from the jet's steps.

How to Save Time and Money

Even in the world of luxury, there is room for rationality.

• Empty Legs System: If you are looking for a way to save on a flight to/from Payerne, ask brokers about the availability of "empty legs" (when an aircraft returns to base empty). This can reduce the flight cost by up to 50–70%.
• Pre-booking: Order transfer and catering in advance through the airport operator. Ordering a taxi "on the spot" may take extra time, as cars do not constantly wait at the exit.

What to Do in Case of Delay

In business aviation, the concept of "missing a flight" works differently: the plane usually waits for the passenger. However, if departure is delayed due to weather conditions or technical reasons:

• Relax in the Lounge: Use the time for work or rest in the Speedwings terminal. Wi-Fi and snacks will brighten up the wait.
• Visit the Museum: If the delay is long, take a walk (2 minutes on foot) to the Clin d'Ailes museum. This is a unique opportunity to see military fighters up close.

Important Warning: Military Zone

We remind you that Payerne is an active Swiss Air Force base. It is strictly forbidden to photograph military facilities, hangars, and Air Force aircraft that may be located next to your business jet. Compliance with this rule will save you from unpleasant conversations with security.