Swiss government’s $117M jet finally home after issues abroad — but still too big for capital’s runway

The Swiss government’s brand-new Bombardier jet has finally touched down back home after suffering multiple issues.

However, that hasn’t put a stop to the problems, which just keep occurring, such as it being too big for the runway in Switzerland’s capital city.

That caused government officials to turn red-faced after they had to divert it to another airfield.

But what makes it worse is that this is easily one of the most expensive jets operating in Switzerland in 2025.

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Issues stopped the Bombardier from returning to Switzerland

The return to Switzerland has been a major problem for the jet, a brand-new Bombardier Global 7500.

The aircraft was held in Turkey for several days, with a malfunction reported during takeoff.

The crew noticed a brief reduction in the jet’s acceleration, so they decided to abort the flight and stay on the ground.

The grounding of the jet, though, only caused further issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis then needed to fly back to Switzerland.

So an older Falcon 900 was flown out to pick him up and bring him back, which only raised further question marks over the purchase of the Bombardier.

Not least because it cost the Swiss taxpayer 109 million francs, which works out at roughly $117 million.

Eventually, though, the Swiss were able to bring the aircraft home. Although, that wasn’t the end of the story…

The jet wouldn’t fit into its home airport

Making the situation even more troublesome for the Swiss government, however, was the fact the aircraft can’t fit into the hangar at its home airport.

The Bombardier should be housed at the Bern-Belp Airport near the capital of Bern, but that currently can’t happen. Because the plane is just too big.

So for now, the aircraft is located at the Payerne military base, around 45 miles away from its intended home.

That’ll mean additional costs and logistical issues getting officials to the military base.

There are plans for a new hangar large enough to accommodate the jet to be built at Bern. However, that will not only be expensive, but it will also take two years to complete.

Needless to say, the whole situation has been slightly embarrassing for the Swiss government.

It’s remarkable how they didn’t realize the aircraft wouldn’t fit!

Once the hangar is built and the aircraft is at its real home, though, normal service will be resumed. Probably.