The five new employees - four mechanical technicians and a tinsmith - have been working on their first fighter jet since 1 August. For this exceptional task, they are being trained by the most experienced supervisor in Emmen and their deputy, and closely accompanied during their activities. As of 1 November, two additional mechanical technicians will join the team and will start their introduction in Emmen.
The work to create a new location for aircraft maintenance at the Payerne military airfield is proceeding in parallel as planned. The new location is expected to enter into service during the first quarter of next year. From then on, RUAG Ltd employees at the Payerne location will provide up to five major inspections annually on the F/A-18, as well support for minor inspections. The final expansion of the two-shift operation will proceed through the end of Q3 2021.
With the construction of a new location at Payerne’s military airfield, RUAG Ltd also ensures new on-site maintenance in Romandy for the benefit of the Swiss Air Force. In addition to the six employees who are already stationed in Payerne, a total of twelve new jobs will be created.
Due to the expansion stage in Payerne, the more than 30-year successful collaboration between RUAG and VBS will become closer and more intensive. Through the geographical convergence of aircraft maintenance and operations, the efficiency and effectiveness of the provision of services can be improved to the benefit of the Air Force, and both partners can in equal measure extract advantages from the synergies.
Although the need for large heavy maintenance checks at the Emmen headquarters will be somewhat reduced once operations commence in Payerne, comprehensive services will also be rendered for the benefit of the Air Force going forward.
With approximately 7,000 F/A-18 movements per year, Payerne's airfield is the headquarters for the Air Force’s fighter aircraft and is mainly responsible for the air police. The Federal Council's goal of being able to provide air police with the ability to intervene around the clock, 365 days of the year, will be implemented at the beginning of next year.
For more information on RUAG, please contact Silvan Gruber, Manager Strategic Communication (silvan.gruber@ruag.ch / +41 78 914 07 00).