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Operational Hornets, winter light and two full days dedicated to Swiss fighter photography: join COAP as we return to Payerne for our established winter aviation trip.
Timed to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, our visit focuses on the anticipated Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet operations supporting air security during this major international gathering.
Payerne has supported live-armed WEF air-policing missions in previous years. These operational departures and recoveries provide the focus for our photography, with the prospect of capturing the Hornets in a variety of winter conditions.
Arriving through Geneva, we travel to our hotel near Payerne for three nights. Monday and Tuesday are devoted to photography around the airfield perimeter, giving us time to follow the activity and work with the available light, runway direction and weather.
Building on COAP’s experience of previous visits, this is a focused trip for photographers looking to capture working military aircraft in their operational environment.
- Two full photography days around Payerne Air Base.
- A focus on anticipated F/A-18 Hornet operations supporting WEF air security.
- Three nights based near Payerne.
- Arrival and departure through Geneva.
- The prospect of varied winter conditions and atmospheric aircraft images.
Operational note: Our programme is based on anticipated WEF related activity at Payerne. The 2027 deployment and flying arrangements remain subject to confirmation. Aircraft movements, lighting conditions and night photography cannot be guaranteed.
The exact itinerary wil be confirmed closer to the time but the initial plan is based on the QRA/CAP F/A-18C Hornet fleet supporting the WEF to be Payerne AB.
Sunday 17 January - Arrive in Switzerland
Meet at Geneva Airport at the agreed time before collecting our transport and travelling to our hotel near Payerne. Check in for our three-night stay and prepare for the photography days ahead.
Monday 18 January - Payerne operations
Our first full day around the perimeter of Payerne Air Base, concentrating on the anticipated Swiss Air Force Hornet movements associated with WEF air security. We will organise our day around the flying activity, available viewing positions and prevailing conditions, making the most of the photographic opportunities as they develop.
Tuesday 19 January - Payerne operations
A second full day around Payerne, providing further opportunities to photograph departures and recoveries and build on the previous day’s images. Our positioning and timings will remain flexible to reflect runway use, light, weather and operational activity. If flying continues into low light or darkness, we will assess the opportunities available.
Wednesday 20 January - Return to Geneva
Check out and travel back to Geneva Airport for flights home. Departure from the hotel will be arranged around the group’s confirmed flight timings.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to operational requirements, weather and local access. Any changes to the location of WEF flying operations may require adjustments to our programme.
The photography
Photography is planned from locations around the airfield perimeter. This is an operational aviation trip, with no airside access or organised flying display included.
Our priority is to make the most of the aircraft activity available during our two full days at Payerne.
Flying activity
WEF air security is an operational commitment rather than a published display programme. Departures, recoveries and mission frequency depend on military requirements.
Payerne is our planned base, but the 2027 WEF deployment remains subject to confirmation. Weather or operational decisions may affect where aircraft operate and the opportunities available.
Winter weather
Please prepare for extended periods outdoors in January. Warm layers, thermal clothing, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, a hat and gloves are strongly recommended.
Sturdy waterproof footwear with good grip is important, as viewing areas and paths may be wet, muddy, snowy or icy. Dress for standing still in cold conditions as well as walking.
Camera equipment
A telephoto zoom is recommended for flexibility when photographing aircraft movements. A shorter lens can be useful for wider compositions where the viewing position allows.
Bring spare batteries, sufficient memory cards and protection against moisture. Keep spare batteries warm between uses.
For any low-light opportunities, familiarity with your camera’s autofocus and higher-ISO performance will be useful. Night flying is not guaranteed.
Walking and facilities
Some walking and prolonged standing should be expected. Precise walking distances, surfaces and access to refreshments and toilets will depend on the locations used.
Please discuss any mobility needs or requirement for regular seated breaks with us before booking.
Access and local arrangements
We will use permitted viewing locations and follow any instructions from the authorities. Access may change during the security operation, and our daily positioning will reflect those arrangements.
Accommodation and transport
The trip includes a planned three-night stay near Payerne, with arrival and departure through Geneva.
Travel
This is a Land-only package (Flights are not included).
Flights may be booked through H-C Travle or you may choose to arrnage your own flights. Arrival and departure times must fit the group’s airport transfers times.
Do not book independent flights until COAP has confirmed that the trip is proceeding and approved your proposed timings.
