Orchestrating the Perfect Arrival for World Economic Forum

Jonathan McCullough
December 30, 2025
5 min read

As the new year begins, Davos becomes the focus for top leaders, and their seamless arrival is crucial.

The World Economic Forum is where global agendas are set, and arriving without stress is essential for our clients. High stakes, packed schedules, and exclusivity demand absolute precision.

Managing Davos logistics should be stress-free with the right partner. Our support ensures a smooth, confident arrival, no matter the airspace or weather challenges.

At Cullen Aviation, we specialize in seamless arrivals for WEF. Here's how our expertise makes every arrival flawless.

The Airport Game: Strategy Over Proximity

The map may suggest one airport, but “closest” isn’t always best during WEF. We consider three main options, each with its own profile for the Forum.

1. Zurich (LSZH): The Reliable Hub

Zurich is the primary gateway for a reason. It has the infrastructure to handle heavy iron, the Global 7500s and Gulfstream G650s, no matter the winter conditions. During WEF, however, Zurich becomes a game of “Tetris” with landing slots.

  • Parking spots at LSZH are often fully booked months in advance. We frequently execute “drop-and-go” operations, where the jet lands, passengers disembark, and the jet immediately repositions to an alternate parking location such as Friedrichshafen (EDNY) or Basel (LFSB). This requires precise timing. It guarantees your principal gets on the ground when needed.

2. Samedan (LSZS): The High-Risk, High-Reward

Samedan is widely known as the highest airport in Europe and is only about 45 minutes by car from Davos. It feels like the ultimate convenience.

  • Samedan is a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) airport. This means if the cloud ceiling drops or the snow falls heavily, which happens often in January, jets cannot land. We love Samedan for bluebird days. For WEF, we always have a Plan B (and C) ready to activate. We never want your principal circling in a holding pattern while their meeting starts without them.

The Last Mile: Turning the Transfer into a Mobile Office

The journey from tarmac to the Promenade is where real logistics expertise comes into play. Davos is tough to access during the Forum. Heavy snowfall and strict security checkpoints can slow traffic to a crawl.

We know that a reliable ground transfer guarantees a stress-free arrival. In Davos, unwavering stability delivers true peace of mind.

  • The vehicle matters. We ensure the transfer isn’t just a ride, it's an extension of the jet. Use a Mercedes V-Class for the team or an S-Class for the principal. The vehicle must support productivity. Wi-Fi, privacy, and comfort can turn a delay into an hour of preparation before conference chaos.
  • The driver’s knowledge matters. During WEF, GPS isn’t enough. You need local drivers who know security protocols, alternate routes, and which checkpoint allows access to your principal’s hotel or venue. We have specialized connections that will ensure this is something you never need to worry about.

For schedulers and gatekeepers, the real goal is a stress-free, flawless arrival, no surprises, just seamless execution.

At Cullen Aviation, we obsess over contingencies so you experience a stress-free arrival every time. We track weather, secure landing slots, and ensure your team is ready before touchdown.

The World Economic Forum shapes the future; let us ensure a seamless, stress-free arrival for your team today. Secure your entry with Cullen Aviation now for a hassle-free flight into Davos.

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