Where partnerships put wind beneath wings
Welcome to Sonderborg Airport Located at the heart of the Danish-German border region, Sonderborg Airport represents the nearest airport for some one million people and also for several thousand businesses on either side of the border. As a result, Sonderborg Airport is not just an integrated part of the border region, but also one of the essential elements in its development and growth. The sound of a jet engine, is the sound of development and
Sonderborg Airport is something very special. Our airport sits in
progress - something we are reminded of many times a day
the border region between Denmark and Germany and is the
at Sonderborg Airport, a place filled with engine noise right
closest airport for almost a million people. That is the second
around the clock. Sonderborg Airport never sleeps, but rather
largest primary catchment area in Denmark - exceeded only
teems with life - even between the take-offs and landings.
by Copenhagen. We are also the closest airport for the many
People coming and going, passengers, businessmen and
thousands of businesses on either side of the border and as
women, cabin crew and ground staff. Here you will find
such, a crucial component of the region’s infrastructure. It is
meetings and workshops, break times and busy times, happy
a role and a responsibility we are proud to accept and we do
reunions and farewells.
so with open arms, to ensure the common development and progress of this strong, thriving region.
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We are driven by a shared vision, that Sonderborg Airport should be the natural setting for a professional and dynamic aviation environment
The airport forms the setting for a huge amount of activity and
Here tomorrow’s skilled ground staff are taught subjects such
is the base for a large number of companies - in the form of
as radio communication, meteorology and Aerodrome Flight
airlines large and small, aircraft management, MRO and other
Information Service.
aircraft maintenance facilities, flight software development companies and aircraft component suppliers. And of course it
Together we have created a professional aviation environment
is also the base for a total of nearly 300 workers. We embrace
characterized by synergy and knowledge-sharing. We thrive
a broad range of enterprises, thereby accommodating large
best around the noise of aircraft engines and together we put
and small, business and pleasure alike... but what all of these
wind beneath the wings of new ideas. We challenge ourselves
activities have in common, is our ever-keen focus on shared
constantly to get even better at what we do. This applies as
ambitions, visions and collaborations.
much to customer service - the fastest check-in time in Europe, the free parking close to the terminal, the comfortable facilities,
Sonderborg Airport’s development and success is the result of
and more - as to the development of new growth industries,
close, effective cooperation between the airport, the business
and to educational and training opportunities within the
sector, Sonderborg municipality and the region as a whole.
aviation industry.
As a result of this strong cooperation, the airport finds itself solidly planted on Danish soil, in a powerful collaboration
Shared vision, ambition and collaboration, is the formula that
between the private business world and the public sector.
places Sonderborg Airport among Denmark’s best regional
This strong partnership is driven by a shared vision: that the
airports today.
airport represents the natural bedrock for a dynamic aviation environment, in a constant state of development. This is why highly specialized businesses within aviation technology, service and operations, all grow and flourish here. Sonderborg Aviation Center, is also located within the airport.
Christian Berg Airport Director
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Part of a Common Project According to a string of customer satisfaction surveys, the experience of travelling by aircraft has changed for the worse over recent years. Sonderborg Airport goes against the current, always striving to restore quality on every single element, over which we might have an influence.
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Sonderborg Airport is a modern, well-run airport. The control tower and runway are well-equipped with navigational resources, allowing the airport to operate flights in most kinds of weather, ensuring a very high level of regularity for the airlines flying from the airport. The runway is 1797 metres long - long enough for e.g. a Boing 737. Sonderborg Airport is open to airline traffic 24 hours, 7 days a week, offering a high level of service with flexible staff. Sonderborg Airport is owned by Sonderborg Municipality, who sees the airport as a central and important part of the region’s infrastructure.
At Sonderborg Airport everything possible is done to make
overlooked. No longer however, since the strategy is, that there
it quick and easy, to be a passenger. Here, you won’t pay for
will be opening up a route to an international destination, the
parking, coffee, wireless or newspapers; and you’ll be greeted
status will change from being a purely Danish airport to that of
by smiling, service-minded staff at both check-in and security.
a bi-national Danish/German airport. Sonderborg Airport is a
Safety and security, however, is just as paramount here, as in
classic feeder-airport, meaning that passengers from here are
those airports where the traveller, might feel rather less valued.
carried to the traffic nerve-centres (so-called ’hubs’). Somewhat
Here the same things are done, but with a Sonderborg twist,
55% of the passengers change flights in Copenhagen in
and this is crucial to everybody at the airport.
order to travel onward around the world, so it makes sense to establish corresponding feeder routes e.g. Berlin, Frankfurt or
The airport is highly valued by the border region as a whole
Amsterdam.
The airport experiences fantastic backing from the business sector, leisure travellers and politicians, throughout the entire
Sonderborg Aviation Park
border region. The airport is part of the common project since
Sonderborg Aviation Park is the collective name for a range
it is a deciding factor for the airlines who use it and Sonderborg
of base-companies, all drawing on the synergy effect of
Municipality has a good understanding of the importance
being positioned next to other kindred businesses in a
of accessibility. The world can come to Sonderborg and vice
versatile business environment. Naturally, it is also an obvious
versa, so the airport means a lot - not least for the local business
advantage for the companies to have direct access to a speedy
world.
Copenhagen connection and thereby the rest of the world, via the traffic hub of Copenhagen.
Large catchment area After Copenhagen Airport, Sonderborg Airport has the largest
On the following pages you are able to meet and greet the
primary catchment area of all the airports in Denmark.
base companies and hear about their objectives and their
Sonderborg Airport has greater potential than is currently being
version of the advantages related to being located at one of
exploited - 40% of this population base lives south of the border
Denmark’s finest regional airports.
in Germany and it is this sector which has been previously
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Alsie Express Bringing the World Closer The Express breaks with many customary notions. What other company would give its planes a cool, matt-black look, serve home-baked treats and local apple juice on board and have the captain greet the passengers at the aircraft before boarding? In the border region, we are not afraid of try out new things - and it seems to be working.
Alsie Express, a sister company to Air Alsie, took over the
We swim against the current - where the rest of the world
Copenhagen route in the summer of 2013 and since then
focuses on discounts, we focus on quality instead. Passengers
the airport has, month by month, seen a steady increase in
are our future, so we wish to provide everyone with a great
passenger traffic. With several daily departures going both ways
experience - a fast check-in, pleasant and helpful staff and en
on every weekday, plus flights during the weekend, the route
route catering to reflect great quality.
meets current popular demand - and the three price groups fulfil the customers’ need for flexibility.
Chartered flights - and more Having two ATR-planes in the fleet, Alsie Express can focus
Regardless of where you are heading - to an onward flight, a
on chartering aircraft to businesses which have a need for
meeting, or a cultural event - the entire border region has easy
individual flights (ad hoc charter flights) - and may also market
access to the world and vice versa. Alsie Express is a guarantor
its flight routes to the whole of the border region through this
of accessibility, the opportunity to reach the capital in less
initiative:
than an hour and be close to the rest of the world via the Copenhagen traffic hub is of great importance, not least for the many large workplaces in the area.
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For instance, we arranged a ladies’ tour to Copenhagen, in co-
region. The North German area alone constitutes 40% of the
operation with a German company, where the guests enjoyed
population base and that is where the largest area of expansion
special catering and a red carpet reception. And we have
is to be found. Alsie Express are very aware of this - which is why
also transported sports people several times, for example the
the company’s in-flight magazine are published as a double
local Superliga team to a match in the Europa League. When
edition, under the Danish name Grænseløs and the German
it comes to charter, we can offer that little bit more - and we
name Grenzenlos (’Borderless’).
maintain a close dialogue with both the business sector and the travel bureaus.
With the establishment of Alsie Express, we have taken a step towards creating growth and development in the border
With its regular scheduled route, Alsie Express is doing its bit for
region. Not the first step, but an important step - because we
the region. Having so many departures on the books demands
believe that good transport opportunities are an important
that you are present. Sonderborg Airport is the nearest
factor in creating more jobs and greater business for local
airport for 978,000 people and Alsie Express is therefore an
companies.
important part of the infrastructure for the whole of the border
Our passengers are our number one concern, so we wish to provide everyone with a great experience.
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Air Alsie Quality beyond all limits Based at Sonderborg Airport, Air Alsie is one of the leading private jet operators in the Northern hemisphere. The company oversees a fleet ranging from compact, short-distance aircraft to intercontinental jet planes. The core service is aircraft management.
It is an advantage for many companies to own their own aircraft
20% of the aircraft that we manage today are owned by Danish
– but only a small number of them actually have the skills to
businesses; the rest are spread across the world. When aircraft
operate it. This is where Air Alsie steps in. Air Alsie organises
have to undergo their regular, mandatory maintenance checks,
pilots and cabin staff and crucially takes care of service and
or are subject to repair, this will always take place in our hangar
maintenance. Director Henrik Therkelsen from Air Alsie explains:
in Sonderborg Airport - and we are the Authorised Service Center for Dassault aircraft which constitute the majority of
�Our customers have chosen to outsource the operation of their
our fleet.�
planes to us, not least because of the fact that air travel rules
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are extremely complicated and require specialized knowledge
Air Alsie also offer Executive Jet Charter Service, i.e. private
these days. Our organization holds this knowledge and we have
jet rental, as a secure and flexible solution for customers with
experience with the training and appointment of personnel.
special transport requirements.
Air Ambulance
”Our plane is ready for action at very short notice; and as well
Scandinavians are travelling more than ever and this
as this primary ambulance-plane, we can also make two more
unfortunately means that some will also be affected by
available for the same purpose,” says Henrik Therkelsen.
accident or sickness, far from home. Whether the affected person will be treated locally or brought back home is
Another kind of ambulance service is the one that Air Alsie
dependent on various circumstances. Air Alsie’s fully equipped
offers to aircraft needing in-situ repairs. In these cases, it is the
air ambulance flies around 180 times a year with a medical team
company’s mobile technical team who will head out to fix
on board to bring unfortunate Scandinavians back home, even
the problem.
from remote destinations.
We are ready for action at very short notice!
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Skyways Technics relationships of mutual trust and a large number of the staff, including some of the world’s most experienced mechanics, are residents of the region. Many clients come to the Skyways Technics centres in Sonderborg and Billund; but the technicians also fly out to the whole of Europe, to assist with AOG, for example. Experience and expertise mean everything Every aircraft operator understands that the conditions for smooth traffic handling require a strong organization behind Base and Line Maintenance. Experience and expertise mean everything when it comes to getting the plane in the air on time. With their know-how, Skyways Technics are therefore the natural choice of partner for every serious aircraft operator within regional traffic. In order to handle the intense time-pressures, Skyways Technics keeps a large warehouse of spare parts for various types of aircraft and carry out component exchanges. The know-how to save Every hour an aircraft sits on the ground costs money.
Skyways Technics covers Base and Line Maintenance (usually
Notification of AOG (Aircraft on Ground) should always call
maintenance checks and non-scheduled repairs), along with
for a speedy response. With Skyways Technics at Sonderborg
the overhaul and maintenance of primarily aircraft types ATR
Airport, you will be prepared for every kind of situation. The
42/72 and CRJ 100/200 - also the aircraft that operate from
phone lines are always open – 24/7/365.
Sonderborg Airport on a daily basis on the Alsie Express routes.
With a centrally-located administration, hangar facilities,
FACTS: The time intervals for aircraft component maintenance checks
workshops and not least a team of highly specialized and
depend on the function of the component. For instance with the
experienced personnel, the company fulfils the particular
landing gear, it is dependent on the number of cycles - i.e. takeoffs and
demands of quality and efficiency that are characteristic of
landings - while others are determined by duration.
the industry. ”It has exceeded all expectations.” Brief and to the point, this is how CEO Benjamin Nielsen puts it when asked to describe the kind of start that Skyways Technics has experienced as an independent specialist in aircraft maintenance and repairs. The CEO is not slow to pass on the credit to a dedicated workforce. When it comes to business, Skyways Technics have had the wind under their wings right from the beginning - but this is also an organization with strong roots in the region. The customer base has been built up over many years through
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CP Avia Support & Avia Consult On first-name terms with an entire industry Carl and Peter Pedersen have a great view from their office. They can see the planes landing and taking off and be part of a workplace with air traffic at its core. Father and son have respectively dedicated 50 and 30 years of their lives to this industry. At CP Avia Support and Avia Consult, you will find neither storage racks nor workshops. Here, it is all about network, guidance, expertise, language skills, and the right certificates. When it comes to maintaining aircraft, nothing is left to chance. So, confidence is important - but nothing ever takes place until the staff member in question can show that their qualifications are 100% in order. The market is the whole of Europe, and the clients number among the very biggest, such as Lufthansa, KLM and Air France. ”You might not think it, but this is a small industry, where everyone knows each other,” says Carl Pedersen, who, after
A range of solutions are made available via the huge network
having overstepped the age limit in his previous job, was urged
and the reliable names in the industry, resulting in the clients
by his former contacts to branch out on his own. That was the
saving money without having to compromise on quality
beginning of CP Avia Support in 2008 and Avia Consult in 2013.
or safety.
Large market for alternative spare parts
Airbuses might not land here very often - but Sonderborg
The companies have partnership agreements with a handful of
Airport is a natural base for experienced aircraft experts:
American firms - within, respectively, fuel components, aircraft
”But you can still smell the countryside around here,” as Carl
components, avionics and automatic testing equipment.
Pedersen puts it drily.
As in the car industry, there is a large market for alternative spare parts within aviation. All components, original as well as alternative, must be subject to the same approval procedures to meet the exact standards of the American FAA, Federal Aviation Administration and EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency. As well as dealing with alternative spare parts, both firms are involved in Designated Engineering Representative (DER), which is responsible for the development of individual component repair as an alternative to replacement.
AVIA
CONSULT.DK
Our business is to keep you in the air
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Promonitor an expert come in as an outsider and decide what should take place. The development should move forward based on actual values and resources. Development of the municipality with the citizen at the centre Two areas of expertise lie at the centre of Promonitor’s activities: Statistics and urban development. Both are about gathering the knowledge that is required for decision-making. Knowledge in the form of numbers, charts and tables; and knowledge in the form of familiarity with the public’s positions on concrete questions. This set-up provides the strongest foundation for the decision-making processes of local government. The next step is for public meetings, café meetings and workshops. ”It is not just the inclusion of residents; it is also about involvement. I work from the philosophy that if the residents are going to feel any kind of ownership, then they must be involved in the process from A to Z,” says partner The knowledge to develop
Tenna Tychsen, who is educated as an urban planner and
Promonitor is a good example of the type of knowledge-based
process consultant.
companies Sonderborg Municipality wishes to have on board. This consulting company was established in Copenhagen and
Far away - and yet nearby
still retains many customers in and around the capital - but the
With their background in both national administration and the
two directors, natives of South Jutland, became homesick. With
country’s largest businesses, you might think that Promonitor’s
a location at Sonderborg Airport, however, the big city is never
experts would feel a bit left out of things at their current
far away.
location in Sonderborg. But an efficient flight connection, as an alternative to 4 hours’ travel in a car or on a train, makes all the
Promonitor is a highly specialized consulting company
difference - both psychologically and in purely practical terms.
working primarily for the public sector and typically for the municipalities. ”We have two supporting pillars: One is analysis
The Director Lars Lindenberg has an example to hand:
in the form of public and consumer research; the other is
”I had a meeting in Bredgade in Copenhagen. I went directly
process consultancy, where we go one step further, in close
from my desk here, down to the plane. About 30 minutes later I
dialogue with the public and the local community, around
was in Kastrup, and then in Bredgade shortly after that. One of
the development of urban areas, local areas and housing
the people at the meeting had come from Ballerup, and it took
associations,” says Promonitor’s Director Lars Lindenberg.
him significantly longer to make the trip - so you can easily say that our location here at Sonderborg Airport lends us a very big
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When Promonitor enters into partnership with a municipality, a
advantage. We sit right at a nerve centre for the entire region,
comprehensive process is set in motion, setting out to improve
in an international atmosphere, reminding us that we are not
the local community in question. Promonitor’s philosophy is
way out in the sticks just because we live in Sonderborg,” he
that it is all about the local resident and that it is wrong to let
concludes.
Amicos In control Amicos software developers have worked on creating total solutions for over 25 years, helping the aviation world keep track of what is known in the trade as MRO: Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul. Sonderborg Aviation Park houses the company, which solves very essential tasks in terms of security and good finances within the industry. The lengths of time between compulsory aircraft maintenance checks are determined variously by either the number of flight service hours, the number of cycles (take-offs/landings), or according to fixed time intervals, depending on the type of aircraft, status and usage. Those responsible can easily keep track of the many different factors and parameters with the tried and tested software solutions from Amicos. When an aircraft is called up for maintenance, an overview must be kept of which parts are due for inspection and crosschecks must be made regarding which spare parts are being held in stock. The system is kept updated with the numbers of spare parts
Amicos currently has a broad customer base - a fact
and will store information about individual operations, so that
demonstrating the need for a professional, thoroughly road-
the technicians can always look back over the aircraft’s history.
tested software solution, which can be developed alongside
Data is also kept regarding the time spent on individual
the changing needs and requirements of the customer.
work tasks. The software is easily accessed on screen wherever the work takes place and each team member’s employee ID card has its own bar code. Use of material and time is continuously monitored, since these parameters are especially important within the industry.
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A Catchment Area with Potential Centrally located Sonderborg Airport is situated in the centre of the largest potential passenger market in Denmark, with the exception of Copenhagen Airport. Nearly 1 million people are in closer proximity to Sonderborg Airport than any other airport. Sonderborg Airports primary catchment is in the most attractive primary catchment in the western part of Denmark.
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Shared vision, ambition and collaboration is the formula that places Sonderborg Airport among Denmark’s best and most exciting regional airports today 15
Contact us: Sonderborg Airport Lufthavnsvej 1 DK-6400 Sonderborg Telephone: +45 7442 2130 post@sonderborg-airport.com
Design: www.reklamehuset.dk
www.sonderborg-airport.com