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SWITZERLAND

Zurich – Jan 2014

 

LANDSIDE

The observation deck allows good views of some stands and runway 16/34 which is used for some departures. However runway 10/28 is only partially visable and runway 14/32 is not visible so some movements could be missed. On the weekends there is reportedly a bus from this observation deck to another deck on the midfield terminal. This would provide much better views.

 

During the WEF there are ramp tours organized which should be pre booked online. They last 2 hours and you get taken around the various biz ramps to take photos. Worthwhile if you want good photos but other movements may be missed and with the excellent views available theres no point doing it unless you really want the photo’s.

 

 

The multi storey car parks are reportedly the best vantage points from the terminal area and all movements should be seen.

 

From the terminal area its possible to walk around the threshold of runway 28. This takes you past a couple of the  FBO’s where you should see some biz jets, onto a path running alongside to airport perimeter. This reportedly continues all the way to the runway 14 threshold. There are benches on the path and most movements should be seen. Runway 14 is quite often used for all arrivals which all taxi past this area. Its about a 15 minute walk from the terminal.

 

On the western side of the airfield is the Heligrill spotting area. This is located close to the Park Inn and Holiday Inn Hotels. During the WEF there was toilet and food facilities here, not sure if they are there year round. Located next to one of the Biz ramps and alongside runway 16/34. Excellent views and nothing should be missed.

 

AIRSIDE

 

 

HOTELS

Park Inn hotel rooms 401 and 402 have good views, similar to those from the heligrill. A lot of stands can be read off. Nothing should be missed although you do have to pay attention as trees obscure parts of the runway.

 

The holiday inn is also located close by and reportedly has reasonable views.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Obviously the major hub for Swiss along with Edelweiss. No Easyjet Switzerland though. Regional flights from neighbouring countries can be of interest such as Intersky and Croatian DHC8’s. A day is plenty to see whats based at which point it will become fairly boring. To make it worthwhile it is highly recommended to visit during the WEF held every January in Davos. Hundreds of Executive and State flights visit during these few days. Some of them park up for the duration but a lot of them will drop off the passengers and then move on to other nearby airports. This is a problem for stuff arriving at night as it will likely be missed. The day before and the day after the event seem to be the busiest but there are still plenty of movements inbetween. A drive to Geneva may be worthwhile as many aircraft reportedly park here.

Dubendorf – Zurich’s military airfield located only a few miles away. 12 aircraft where parked up of which 6 I had seen the previous day in Zurich.

 

Altenrhein – About an hours drive east of Zurich and en route to Munich. Over 20 biz parked here and none seen at Zurich. Some aircraft fly into here as its slightly closer to Davos and probably a lot cheaper.

 

Geneva

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