100 years of Swiss air traffic control

Without air traffic control, today's dense air traffic would probably be in complete chaos. Skyguide is responsible for aviation safety in Switzerland. With its 1,500 employees at 14 locations, it ensures safe, efficient and sustainable air traffic management in Switzerland and the neighboring areas of neighboring countries, probably the busiest airspace in Europe.

In the beginning there was Guglielmo Marconi

This year, air traffic control in Switzerland celebrates its 100th anniversary. It all started with Marconi Radio AG, a subsidiary of the company of inventor and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi. It was founded a hundred years ago, on February 23, 1922, to develop wireless telegraphy - the birth of Swiss air traffic control. On May 10, 1928, the company name was changed to Radio Schweiz AG to emphasize its Swiss character. And on January 1, 1931, the Swiss Confederation entrusted Radio Schweiz with the provision of air traffic control services in Switzerland. Since then, aviation has undergone a great development. In the second half of the last century, the airplane was able to establish itself worldwide as an efficient means of mass transportation for passengers and cargo.

Air traffic control made today's development of aviation possible

A decisive factor in this was also the technological development by air traffic control, which ensured flying at all times of the day and in virtually all weather conditions by means of communication, navigation and monitoring systems. In 1987, most of Radio Schweiz AG's non-aviation-related business was transferred or sold to Swiss Post and private companies, and the remainder was subsequently transferred to the company Swisscontrol. In 2001, following a decision by the Federal Council, Skyguide was founded with the aim of integrating civil and military air traffic control. The company is majority-owned by the Swiss Confederation and has its headquarters in Geneva.

"Aviation has undergone a fundamental evolution over the last 100 years. In the coming years, we will be implementing innovative solutions such as the Virtual Centre, which will continue to have a major impact on air traffic control in the future," says Alex Bristol, CEO of Skyguide.

Skyguide is now honoring this centenary with various activities throughout the year: with simple local events at the 14 skyguide locations in Switzerland for employees and the media, with a publication and with a YouTube series and social media campaigns that bring the daily work and services of the air navigation service provider closer.

Source and further information: Skyguide