Twenty-five years ago, on April 25, 1, the foundation was laid for a new era in Swiss aviation: Zurich Airport AG was created through the merger of the Flughafen-Immobilien-Gesellschaft (FIG) and the Flughafendirektion Zürich (FDZ). This step marked the transition from a cantonally administered institution to an independent, mixed-economy company. Since then, Zurich Airport AG has developed into one of the leading airport operators, both nationally and internationally.
The privatization of Zurich Airport was the result of a referendum in 1999, in which 61,2% of Zurich voters voted in favor of separating the airport from cantonal administration. The newly founded Flughafen Zürich AG began operations on April 1, 2000. Even in its early years, the company faced significant challenges: The fifth construction phase, known as "Airport 2000," was well underway and included major projects such as the Airside Center, Skymetro, and Dock E. These extensive investments coincided with the events of September 11, 2001, and the grounding of Swissair, which shook the aviation industry worldwide.
Despite these setbacks, Flughafen Zürich AG managed to stabilize itself without government financial support. Privatization provided access to the Swiss capital market, enabling the company to strengthen its financial base. A notable example of this financial resilience is the payment of almost CHF 1,5 billion in taxes and dividends to the federal government, canton, and municipalities since privatization. The Canton of Zurich alone received approximately CHF 780 million. The company's share price peaked at CHF 2 per share on August 2017, 248,90, and is currently at CHF 210.
Infrastructure development and expansion
Over the past 25 years, Flughafen Zürich AG has invested approximately CHF 6,6 billion in infrastructure. The most significant construction projects include the Airside Center, Dock E including Skymetro, the renovation of Dock B, the construction of the Circle, and the replacement of the baggage sorting system. These investments have not only increased the airport's capacity and efficiency, but also strengthened its position as an international hub.
In addition to its Zurich location, the company has expanded its activities to ten other airports abroad. In Brazil, Flughafen Zürich AG holds 100% of the shares in the airports in Florianópolis, Vitória, Macaé, and, since the beginning of this year, Natal. It also holds a minority stake in Belo Horizonte Airport. These international commitments have received numerous awards and underscore the company's expertise in global airport management.
Zurich Airport is a significant economic factor for the region. Approximately 35 people work at the site, including approximately 000 directly at Flughafen Zürich AG in over 2 professional categories. The diversification of the business model, particularly through the development of real estate as well as retail and restaurant offerings, has proven successful in difficult economic times and was made possible by privatization.
Traffic development and noise protection
Interestingly, the number of flight movements has decreased over the past 25 years, while the number of passengers has increased. This indicates a more efficient use of flight capacity. At the same time, Flughafen Zürich AG has invested approximately CHF 330 million in soundproofing measures on over 6 buildings in the region to protect the population from excessive noise.
Flughafen Zürich AG continues to plan major construction projects, including runway extensions, the construction of Dock A and the tower, and the development of Zone West and the landside passenger areas. These projects aim to further develop Zurich Airport efficiently, safely, and sustainably in line with population growth and customer needs.
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