Zurich and the WEF 2009

The usual early start had me entering the Long Term Car Park at Gatwick North at 05:25 on Thursday 29th. Met up with Brian at the automated BA check-in and were soon through immigration and security. Our flight to Zurich was on 737-400 G-DOCU which pushed back spot on time at 07:40. The long taxi to 08 meant we were airborne at 07:55.

A 75 minute flight this year meant we landed at 10:10 (local) on runway 14. Terminal E must have been full as we went straight past, crossed runway 28 and parked on the remote southern stands. Swiftly through immigration and outside the terminal turning right to find where the bus goes to the new Terminal E viewing area. This is usually opened only in the summer but as the old terrace was closed, they'd opened the one on E just for the event. Tickets would normally be purchased from machines but as they weren't working, it was free. Once through security, you are bussed to the central terminal and up in the lift to the excellent terrace which gives great views over the whole field especially runway 28/10.

We had booked the 14:00 ramp tour and this was up to the usual high standards. The weather was cold and cloudy for the whole of our visit. WEF visitors seemed to be down a bit this year due to the economic climate but still plenty of interest. Gulfstream 5 N1KE was my favourite.

The terrace closes at dusk when we adjourned to Car Park 6 for an hour or so. Not too late as we needed to check in to our hotel. The Formule1 was closed so we used the Ibis next door. More expensive so Brian and I shared this time. Alex and James joined us at dinner as they had caught the Easyjet evening flight from Luton.

Friday morning was cold and cloudy so returned to the airport. All 4 of us were on the 10:00 ramp tour today which, as always, was slightly different and this time we managed to get to the ramp with the Brazilian Legacy which I think most tours didn't get to. Nice also to get up close to an IL-76. We had then planned to pick up a car to get to the end of runway 14 but we all decided that we would be better off on the terrace in view of the weather.

More of the same on Saturday. First time we had still been here at the weekend. Many of the WEF visitors were starting to leave but some still arriving. All too soon, it was time to think about checking in for our flight home. BA2755 was operated by 737-400 G-DOCS (my 75th flight on a 737). Push back was at 18:56 (4 minutes early) and take off from runway 10 was at 19:10 with a landing on Gatwick's 08 79 minutes later.

Let's hope for some better weather next year. The dates are 27th to 31st January 2010.

Pics at http://bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1646495.html