Let ACR take over the operation of Bromma Stockholm Airport!

By: Thomas Ström 3/18/21

As I have previously written on the blog, Swedavia has contacted Ibrahim Baylan, Sweden's Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation, during an internal investigation to notify him that it is not possible to run Bromma Airport with profit during the ongoing pandemic.
Therefore, they want to discontinue operations and invest in Arlanda Airport instead.

Private operator ACR (Aviation Capacity Resources AB) has now emerged with the opposite approach and wants to take over the operation of the airport.
And so, I ask myself this important question: why not let this operator take over Bromma Airport?

ACR is already established in air traffic management and currently manages the air traffic at 17 Swedish airports. Along with the new group, Bromma Airport Group (BAG), ACR has advocated a take-over of the operation of Bromma Airport.

Wilhelm Wohlfart, CEO at ACR, shares my exact view and considers Bromma Airport a key hub for the whole country, and not just Stockholm. I completely agree. In a press release, Wohlfart says:

“Large investments have been made in Bromma Airport these last years to make the airport more accessible and better adapted to a larger number of air travellers.”

“In addition, there are better conditions for sustainable air-traffic at Bromma Airport than at Arlanda Airport, as the traffic at Bromma largely consists of propeller traffic and traffic of other speed schedules (smaller aircraft).”

“With our experience and Bromma Airport Group's combined knowledge, ACR can smoothly take over operations and make Bromma an attractive and profitable airport again.”

Like I said, Bromma Airport is very important when it comes to access to the capital for smaller cities around the country, not least cities in the far north. As the rail services are so poor, these cities' local economy is extremely dependent on regional airports with quick flight connections back and forth from Stockholm. Bromma has been developed into a distinct and smart domestic airport with a passenger-friendly and easy-to-access profile. Furthermore, large sums have been invested in recent years to allow the airport to function for a long time to come.

Another aspect to consider is Bromma's size and location close to the city centre, which is critical for essential transportation such as air medical services and organ transport, which fully depend on quick and safe flight connections.

ACR confirms that there are a number of investors, collaborators and other interested parties behind them who will guarantee a smooth operation of the airport, would a take-over occur.

If you add to this the costs of dismantling Bromma Airport and developing Arlanda Airport, I can't help but wonder – why not just let ACR take over the operations of the airport?

Thomas Ström