The consultation bears fruit: Skyguide expects fewer redundancies following consultation process
Skyguide has received numerous submissions from employees and social partners during the consultation process. Following the conclusion of the process, the company now expects approximately half of the originally projected maximum of 220 redundancies. Skyguide will proceed with the planned workforce reduction, with a significant proportion of positions to be managed through socially responsible measures such as early retirement schemes. A fair social plan is intended to mitigate the impact on affected employees.
The Board of Directors of Skyguide has approved the strategic framework for the future organisation, as well as the implementation steps for the restructuring programme. The programme will now move gradually from the planning phase into implementation. The objective remains a more focused, leaner and cost-efficient organisation that can continue to fulfil its statutory mandate on a sustainable long-term basis.
The numerous submissions received from employees and social partners during the consultation process have influenced the design of the restructuring measures. As a result, Skyguide is confident that the number of redundancies is likely to be reduced to around half of the originally projected maximum of 220. Voluntary departures and early retirement schemes could further reduce this figure. The planned structural reduction of approximately 200 positions, as well as the targeted efficiency improvements of around CHF 51 million, remain unchanged. These measures continue to be essential to placing Skyguide on a sustainable footing. Skyguide remains committed to delivering high-quality services to its partners, customers and their passengers.
“We are aware that the past few weeks have created considerable uncertainty and concern for many of our employees. While the expected reduction in the number of redundancies is a positive development, it should not detract from the fact that we intend to address employee concerns and mitigate the impact on those affected through effective measures. A fair social plan will be in place to provide support,” said Skyguide CEO Peter Merz.
Skyguide will continue to communicate transparently on the progress of the restructuring programme and the next steps in its implementation.
Skyguide establishes long-term strategic direction
In parallel with the implementation of the restructuring programme, Skyguide’s Board of Directors has approved a new corporate vision and the company’s strategic framework. These place a clear focus on Skyguide’s statutory role as an air navigation service provider. As part of this process, the company will assess whether its current in-house development of air traffic management and surveillance systems should, in future, be replaced by standardised market solutions. The Board of Directors has mandated the Executive Board to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the various options for such a strategy. This will be carried out as part of a separate project by a task force set up for this purpose.
New organisation and safety oversight
A new organisational structure at Executive Management level is intended to clarify responsibilities and streamline decision-making processes. Through the restructuring programme, Skyguide aims to improve efficiency and collaboration across the organisation. Before implementing any measures, Skyguide will continue to assess their impact on operational safety. Safety remains the company’s highest priority and is not subject to compromise during the transformation process. Skyguide welcomes the close oversight of the process by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) from this perspective.
European Commission reviewing National Performance Plan
At the same time, the European Commission is reviewing the National Performance Plan (NPP) for the 2025–2029 reference period. Following a detailed assessment by Commission representatives, Switzerland has submitted a revised plan. FOCA is leading discussions with the European Commission, with Skyguide closely supporting the process. A formal decision is expected later this year.
