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The official magazine of Aberdeen International Airport
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ICELAND AND BEYOND!ABERDEEN ALL WRAPPED UPTHE WORLD AT YOUR FEETDELIGHTFUL DUBLIN
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33 WIN a night’s stay for two plus dinner and a bottle of wine at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport34 WIN two return Aer Lingus flights from Aberdeen to Dublin54 The Beat Goes On - WIN a £100 voucher to spend at World Duty Free
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opinions of contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. upBEAT magazine takes no responsibility
for claims made by advertisers in this publication. All information correct at time of going to print (October 2015).
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EDITORIAL
Jan Leatham - [email protected]
SALES & MARKETING
Clare Findlay - [email protected]
DESIGN
Ryan Swinney - [email protected]
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PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD
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BUSINESS
PEOPLE
6 Airport News46 Behind the Scenes with Terminal Operations
SHOPPING
CULTURE
10 Breaking the Ice - an interview with Andrés Jónsson GM for Icelandair22 ABZ Adventurers32 Ready to Take Off - an interview with Nikos Papachristodoulou, Bar Manager for Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport34 Local Flavours - review of the Offshore Bar & Grill, Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport44 The World at your Feet - walking in Aberdeen City and Shire48 Woven into the Landscape - Belinda Rose, Deeside weaver.50 Words Worth Reading52 Diary
9 To Iceland and Beyond!14 London’s Calling18 Lufthansa’s New Business Class service26 Connecting you to the World30 Head for the Sun38 Delightful Dublin
COMPETITIONS
TRAVEL
CONTENTS
4
12 Aberdeen All Wrapped Up20 Grab your Gifts
42 What’s On
26 Connecting You to the World 9 To Iceland and Beyond!
Welcome to the latest issue of upBEAT, Aberdeen International Airport’s passenger magazine.
Carol BenzieManaging Director
WELCOME
5
From a one off trial lesson as a gift , right through to getting your licence, Cabro Aviation can help you all the way.
LEARN TO FLY AT ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
As we move towards the end of 2015,
we begin to reflect on what has been a
challenging time for the region but also
a year that has seen a number of exciting
developments in and around the local area,
such as the start of the Aberdeen Western
Peripheral Route (AWPR) and A96 Link Road
projects, and a number of opportunities
to showcase the best of what Aberdeen
City and Shire has to offer. Back in April, the
City successfully hosted the Routes Europe
conference and this September saw the city
once again offer a warm welcome to the tens
of thousands of visitors attending the world-
renowned oil and gas event, Offshore Europe.
In the latest route news we are delighted to
welcome our new airline partner Icelandair
with their route to Reykjavik and beyond,
and Wizz Air with their second route from
Aberdeen International Airport to the Polish
capital Warsaw.
Elsewhere in the magazine we have
suggestions for sunny getaways and top travel
tips from some of our passengers, as well as
a focus on the city of Dublin. As we turn into
autumn and winter, we’ve picked the best
winter walks in Aberdeen City and Shire, and
to give you some ideas for Christmas shopping
we’ve put together a two day shopping
itinerary for making the most of Aberdeen’s
independent shops and cafés.
Lastly, with Christmas fast approaching, don’t
forget about our December day trip to Lapland
to visit Santa!
I hope you enjoy your read, and we look
forward to welcoming you through the airport
again in 2016.
BY BUS Regular bus services
operate to the Airport from Aberdeen
City Centre. The JET 727 bus runs from Union
Square, right by the bus and train stations, making
only four stops en route to the Airport. Services are
less frequent at the weekends. Details at www.
stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0) 1224 597590.
First Aberdeen also runs a weekday only service
number 27 from Union Square. Details can be
found at www.firstgroup.com or call +44 (0) 870
200 22 33.
BY TRAIN Aberdeen and
Inverness services stop at the local
station at Dyce which is just a short taxi or bus
ride from the Airport. Bus number 80, operated by
Stagecoach, runs from Dyce Station (Mon-Fri only).
Details at www.stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0)
1224 597590. The mainline station is in Aberdeen
City Centre where there are frequent services to all
parts of Scotland. For further information, please
visit: www.travelinescotland.com
BY CAR The access road to the
Airport is signposted from the A96
Aberdeen to Inverness road. The Airport is seven
miles from Aberdeen City Centre. The main car
park is located at the front of the terminal
building for short-stay parking. If you are using
a satellite navigation system, the Airport postcode
is AB21 7DU.
BY BICYCLE Aberdeen
International Airport is a relatively easy
airport to get to by bike. There is a high quality off-
road cycle route from the A947 (Dyce) roundabout
onwards. If travelling for a short break an option
may be to leave your bicycle in the modern,
covered cycle stand at the Airport.
AIRPORT NEWS
6
With Christmas fast approaching why not swap the
North-east for the North Pole and book your trip to visit
Santa in Lapland this December.
Hosted by tour operator Transun, the flight departs from
Aberdeen early morning on 6 December. Excited families
will set off on a once in a lifetime trip to see Santa
Claus in his Arctic homeland. Upon arrival in Lapland,
youngsters and adults alike will mush their own team of
husky dogs, ride snowmobiles and take reindeer sleighs
through the snow, before having a very special meeting
with Santa himself. A dedicated charter flight will return
all adventurers later that evening.
Transun’s James Crawshaw said,
“This is a fun-filled day in Lapland
which both adults and children will
enjoy - and how many people can say they
have been to see the real Santa in Lapland
and returned home in time for
supper?” Bookings can be made
at www.transun.co.uk
Lapland Adventure
The airport is thrilled to announce a new year-round
service to Reykjavik courtesy of Icelandair. Starting
from March 2016, the four times weekly service will
provide easy connections to Icelandair’s 16 gateways
in North America and reduce current travel times by
up to several hours. Icelandair destinations in North
America include New York, Seattle, Toronto and recently
announced Chicago starting in 2016.
Carol Benzie, MD at Aberdeen International Airport
said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Icelandair to Aberdeen,
our first direct flight to Iceland. The decision to commence
the service from the North-east is fantastic news for
both leisure and business travellers wanting to reach
Reykjavik, and of course the extensive number of
onward connections to the US and Canada now
available. We look forward to working with Icelandair
and its subsidiary Air Iceland and wish them every
success with the route”.
Read more about Icelandair on page 9. Flights are now
on sale and can be booked at www.icelandair.co.uk
Icelandair to launch Reykjavik service
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP
For the best deals, book your car parking
online: www.aberdeenairport.com/parking
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR TRIP
> Order your currency online for easy
collection when you get to the airport:
www.aberdeenairport.com/currency
> Check all your travel documents and ensure
your passport is current, that you have a visa
(if required) and that you have noted the flight
times on your tickets.
THE DAY BEFORE YOU FLY
Check the weight of your suitcase and prep
your cabin bag. Decant any liquids, gels, etc
into a small plastic bag.
THE DAY YOU FLY
> Allow plenty of time to get to the airport,
to check-in and clear through security.
> Remember to check the rules on sharps!
> Dispose of liquids above 100ml before you
reach the security area.
> Remember that jackets & belts must
be removed.
> Laptops & mobiles to be presented separately.
AIRPORT NEWS
7
Four lucky groups have been awarded cash donations
as part of the second round of Aberdeen International
Airport’s Community Fund. The donations, ranging
from £500 to £1750, were awarded to the locally
based groups which included an amateur football
club, an established youth project, a community
centre and a dementia charity.
The Fund places priority on supporting projects
linked to education, the environment and economic
regeneration in the Aberdeen City and Shire area,
and donated over £25,000 in 2014. The Fund’s Board
meets four times a year to discuss applications
received and to award donations.
A total of 12 applications were received for the second
round, held in June, and the four lucky groups were
selected based on a strong application demonstrating
a real benefit to the local community.
Amongst the selected groups were the Fersands and
Fountain Community Project, a voluntary organisation
based in Woodside which aims to provide advice,
education and support to the most vulnerable and
hard to reach families in the area. Money awarded
by the Fund will go towards the running costs of a
youth activity flat currently run by the charity. John
Law, Community Fundraiser at Alzheimer Scotland
who were also awarded funds towards an awareness
campaign, said, “We are really delighted to have been
given this grant by the Airport Community Fund. It
will allow us to extend and develop the work we
do with schools, the universities and the college in
Aberdeen including students and young adults, to
better understand issues surrounding dementia. I look
forward to working with the various partners and the
airport to make our project a great success”.
The two other lucky groups securing funding were
Kintore Football Club who were awarded a donation
for a new football kit, and the city’s Sunnybank
Community Centre, who will put the donation
towards ‘English for speakers of other languages’
(ESOL) classes for local people.
Dan Peck, Development Manager at the airport and
a member of the Fund’s Board, said, “It was another
strong round for the Community Fund and it’s great to
see so many innovative projects ongoing in the local
area. We’re thrilled to be able to support these four
organisations which cover a range of causes in the
local community”.
If you know a local organisation who might like
to apply for funding from the airport, contact
further information.
Local Projects flying high after airport donation
Balkan Holidays, the UK’s leading specialist operator to
Non-Euro Bulgaria, continue to offer the rich and varied
resorts of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast from Aberdeen, and
brand new for Summer 2016 will now offer 10 and 11
night durations, as well as the standard 7 and 14 nights,
providing more flexibility around holiday durations.
From the 8km long Sunny Beach with its buzzing
seaside promenade complete with bars, restaurants,
water sports, aquaparks and fairground; to the
UNESCO world heritage site of Old Nessebar with
3000 years of history, remains of over 40 churches
and a picturesque harbour, Bulgaria’s golden Black
Sea coast has something for everyone in the Summer.
If a 7 night holiday leaves you wanting more, but a 14
night break is a little too long, Balkan Holidays have
the perfect solution for your summer holiday.
Balkan Holidays increase capacity for Summer 2016
8
AIRPORT NEWS
Local artist Kate Steenhauer is set to showcase her
helicopter inspired artwork ‘Heli Galore’ within the
airport’s departure lounge over the coming months.
Ms Steenhauer, who was given unprecedented
access to the iconic North-east vehicles by helicopter
company CHC, has produced a series of pencil drawn
images depicting the intricacies of the industry and
its aircraft, including the Sikorsky and Airbus, in
mesmerising detail.
Mark Abbey, a regional director for CHC Helicopters said,
“The artwork created by Kate Steenhauer provides an
insight into the scope of our operations and the rigorous
attention to detail applied by CHC people as we support
the North Sea oil and gas industry”.
The breathtaking images from Series One of the venture
will be on display from Wednesday 7th October. More
information on this collection can be found at
www.artataberdeenairport.com
Local Artist exhibits ‘Heli-galore’ venture at airport
Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and
Eastern Europe, has announced its second route from
Aberdeen International Airport to the Polish Capital
of Warsaw.
It will be the first time Warsaw has been served as a
destination from Aberdeen Airport and Wizz Air will
operate a year round, twice weekly service starting on
13 May 2016.
The airline moved to Aberdeen International Airport
earlier this year when it launched a twice weekly
service to Gdańsk. Since the inaugural flight took off
on 19 June the route has proved extremely popular.
Carol Benzie, managing director at Aberdeen Airport,
said, “Wizz Air is an ambitious and rapidly growing
airline and the addition of Warsaw is fantastic news
for the airport and the city. We are continually working
to expand our route network and not only will Wizz
Air’s new route strengthen our connectivity with
Europe’s major cities, it has huge potential to generate
significant in-bound tourism for Aberdeen”.
Seats on the new Warsaw route are already on sale
and can be booked on www.wizzair.com
Wizz Air announces direct flights from Aberdeen to Warsaw
After a few cancellations due to weather, Flying
Instructor James Brown had the great pleasure
of instructing Aerobility’s first flight from
Aberdeen at the end of July.
Aerobility is a registered charity offering disabled
people, without exception, the opportunity to fly
their own aircraft. The innovative programme uses
specially adapted aircraft and trained instructors
to remove the barriers to aviation for those less
abled. This is the first time the scheme has been
launched in Aberdeen and is in conjunction
with Cabro Aviation Ltd., based at Aberdeen
International Airport. The airport has also
committed to waive the landing fee for any
Aerobility flight taking place at the airfield.
The first flight was with Corinne Hutton who
had her hands and feet amputated in 2013 after
contracting septicaemia. Corinne is the inspiration
behind the charity ‘Finding Your Feet’ which she
set up following her illness to improve the lives
of those who find themselves facing life-changing
physical trauma.
To find out more about Aerobility, visit
www.aerobility.com
Lift off for accessible flying scheme
Aberdeen International Airport was delighted
to support the Celebrate Aberdeen event again
this year, offering its support to two local groups;
North East Sensory Services and the Aberdeen City
Youth Council. The event saw over 100 third sector
organisations parade through Union Street on
Saturday 22nd August to celebrate and illustrate
the fantastic work they are involved in across the
region. More information can be found at
www.celebrateaberdeen.org
Celebrate Aberdeen
9
AIRLINE FOCUS
Although Icelandair are a brand new addition to Aberdeen
International Airport, they are no strangers to Scotland.
This year they celebrate 70 years of flying to Scotland - the
very first flight was made by four passengers and four crew
from Reykjavik to Largs. Today Reykjavik’s airport Keflavik is
an international hub, flying 3 million passengers every year,
specialising in North American and Canadian destinations.
The short flight times from Aberdeen to Icelandair’s 16
North American and Canadian partner airports, via Reykjavik,
should appeal, particularly to destinations such as Chicago,
Minneapolis, Portland, Denver, Orlando, Anchorage, Halifax,
Vancouver and Montreal. Tickets are already on sale and
passengers can fly from 9 March 2016.
Icelandair prides itself on a reputation for delivering
reliable and ‘refreshing’ customer service, as well as being
a reasonably priced and viable alternative to current flight
times. The staff work closely with tourist boards and tour
operators to offer the best experience possible.
One of the very attractive aspects of Icelandair’s arrival in
Aberdeen is their no-cost stopover, where you can break
your longer journey with a stopover in Iceland of up to seven
days before flying onward to your final destination with no
additional airfare.
(Continued overleaf...)
AIRLINE FOCUS
10
WHAT MAKES ICELAND SUCH AN APPEALING DESTINATION?Iceland has a diverse and quite unique nature with
lava, waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and few trees.
Also the ease with which you can combine a city break
to Reykjavik with outdoor activities, just outside the city
or around the country. Reykjavik and the greater area
of the capital city of Iceland contains two thirds of the
population of the whole country (300,000), and is well
placed to visit many of Iceland’s attractions within a
relatively short space of time. You can go glacier walking,
try and see the Aurora Borealis, visit where the first ever
parliament was founded in Thingvellir, or go whale
spotting within an hour or so of the capital.
WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT FROM REYKJAVIK?It’s a lively city with a great variety of good quality
restaurants. Food and accommodation are reasonably
priced, you can enjoy food, culture, events and take the
time to relax in any of the 12 public pools, heated by
geothermal water which just cost a few pounds to enjoy.
WITH NORTH AMERICA AND CANADA SO ACCESSIBLE FROM ICELAND, WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS?I love Colorado for the nature and especially skiing, I am
also very impressed by the moose in the National Park
in Jasper, as for cities - I think Boston and Vancouver are
both exciting cities.
WHAT MAKES ICELANDAIR DIFFERENT?We are here to give our customers a personal and
refreshing Icelandic travel experience. Our hub is in
Iceland, Keflavik, mid-way between Europe and North
America and is an easy airport to connect to with your
North American flight. We believe Icelandair can become
the North American carrier of choice for Scotland. We
work specifically with tour operators and tourist boards
and focus sharply on customer service. When travelling
to North America, one can decide to stop for up to
seven days in Iceland without any additional airfare and
actually saving a bit on the APD.
TELL US ABOUT THE 7 DAY STOPOVER OPTION.You have the option to break your journey and stay over
for up to seven days, you could perhaps include a family
holiday at the beginning or end of a business trip. It gives
you time and the opportunity to experience Iceland for
a few days, after which you might consider a longer
vacation sometime in the future, as there’s a lot to see
and experience in Iceland.
WHAT MADE ICELANDAIR THE COMPANY IT IS TODAY?Iceland was quite isolated in the 1930s, few roads or
cars and a lot of walking and horseback travel. People
upBEAT speaks to Andrés Jónsson, General Manager
of Icelandair
were desperate to be better connected and so the first
commercial journey in a seaplane with four crew and
four passengers took off from Reykjavik and landed in
Largs Bay. By 1952 Icelandair were flying to the U.S,
and during the energy crisis in the 70s, the two then
national airlines merged to form the Icelandair of today.
In the 90s the current network of routes was starting to
develop, and Aberdeen is the newest destination. We
are very selective with any new destinations and carry
out a lot of research before committing to them.
AND FINALLY, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF…My background began in engineering, working for
a manufacturing company as both production and
quality manager, then in 2007 I joined Icelandair after
I saw an advert for a job within revenue management.
This was a strength of mine and I found the airline
business exhilarating, so I changed direction. I was in
revenue management until 2010, then I
moved to Sweden and took on the role of
Sales Manager. When the opportunity to
join our UK team arose at the beginning
of 2014 as General Manager, I was
delighted to take on some of
the challenges and develop the
opportunities for Icelandair in
the UK. Although Icelandair has
grown quite fast in the last few
years, and doubled in size in the
last five years, it continues to be a
‘big family’ where teamwork and
positive customer experience is at
the forefront, and I continue to be
inspired and motivated by the travel
industry. www.icelandair.co.uk
11
YOU CAN GO GLACIER WALKING, TRY AND SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS...
12
THINGS TO DO
DAY 1 | MORNINGBlend shopping with relaxation in Aberdeen in the tranquillity
of Pure Spa in Union Square. The luxurious spa has a number of
packages to be enjoyed at length, but also plenty of quick treatments
for those looking to spend most of the morning shopping. For a
different experience away from the high street names, make your way
to Rosemount. This quaint area is a ‘one-off’ shoppers’ paradise. There
are specialist shops for cheese, meat and knitting, as well as gift
shops, beauty salons, cafés and galleries. Don’t miss Peapod for
bespoke and upcycled stylish furniture.
Enjoy the short walk back to the city centre with a detour through the
splendid Victoria Park. For lunch, head up to Union Street where
you will be spoiled for choice with a fine selection of restaurants.
Try out Amarone for stylish Italian cuisine or Café Andaluz for
delectable afternoon tapas. If you are looking for something a bit
lighter then head along to Belmont Street to choose from one of
the many cafés.
DAY 1 | AFTERNOONThe Belmont Street area is at the heart of Aberdeen’s shopping offer.
It’s here that you will find an array of charming shops including
Juniper, the gift and homeware specialist. If you have time you could
even watch a movie in the city’s 19th century cinema, The Belmont
Filmhouse. Make sure to visit Nick Nairn’s cooking school and
MacBeans coffee shop to bag some special “foodie” gifts. If at this
point you could do with a diversion, how about a visit to Aberdeen’s
very own and exclusive chocolate shop, Cocoa Ooze - it even offers
chocolate making workshops!
The centre of Aberdeen is very accessible for shoppers, with many independent establishments as well as many household names. With a mile-long shopping street, an exclusive ‘West End’ and lots of fashionable boutiques, you can shop ‘til you drop in Aberdeen. Begin your visit as you mean to go on, with a treat…
13
THINGS TO DO
DAY 1 | EVENING Aberdeen’s thriving nightlife scene boasts quality music venues,
bars, pubs and clubs. Start your evening at the sophisticated
Moonfish Cafe or Merchant Bistro, both located in the Merchant
Quarter and serving up delicious local produce.
From here, head for some evening drinks at trendy Eclectic Fizz, the
city’s only champagne bar, or one of the many cocktail bars we’re
spoiled with. If you are looking for somewhere a bit more informal,
why not opt for a craft beer - we are home of BrewDog after all.
DAY 2 | MORNINGRelish a morning of relaxation with a spa treatment at The House,
located in the city centre. This chic spa will leave you feeling
refreshed and ready for another day of shopping.
As you make your way back to Union Street, be sure to check out
the unique clothing shops, galleries and antique stores around
Holburn Street. Country Ways is not be missed for outdoor stylish
clothing and visit Oil & Glass for a gallery of glass artwork. If you
have time, you can join in a glass-fusing workshop here.
DAY 2 | AFTERNOON For lunch, make the short walk towards the West
End of Aberdeen where you will find a hidden gem, Foodstory
Café. Choose from a range of organic, guilt-free and freshly made
menu options, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Perfectly
located in the city’s charming West End district, you’re ready to carry
on shopping.
In this quirky area of the sparkling Granite City you will find
exclusive, designer and specialist clothing boutiques, jewellers,
quaint cafés and more. If you have time, don’t miss Almondine
for delicious macarons!
DAY 2 | EVENINGSit down and relax as you enjoy a delicious meal in another one of
the city’s excellent restaurants. Try Granite Park, which even has
its own cocktail bar and courtyard, or visit Rusticos for traditional
Mediterranean cuisine. You can finish off your weekend with an
evening performance at His Majesty’s Theatre - only a short walk
from the shopping area and restaurants. For more information visit
www.visitaberdeen.com
DOMESTIC OUTBOUND
14
It’s only a short flight away but how often do we think about treating ourselves to
a few days away in one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the modern world?
London is extremely accessible from Aberdeen and absolutely packed with things to
do and see for all ages and tastes. Flights are available to London Heathrow, London
Gatwick, London Luton and London City with British Airways, easyJet and Flybe
departing up to 95 times per week from Aberdeen International Airport.
CALLING
DOMESTIC OUTBOUND
15
TAKE A VIEWIf you only have an hour and you literally want to see
as much of London as possible - head for the London
Eye where you can see up to 40 miles all around from
your capsule on the giant wheel, or treat yourself to
the view from the Shard which at 244m high is the
tallest viewing platform in the EU. If you feel like being
a little more hands on, you can climb over the outside
skin of the O2!
SHOPPING HIT LISTLondon is a mecca for shopaholics because there are
more flagship stores here than anywhere else in the
UK. Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey
Nichols and Liberty - and that is just the tip of the
iceberg of shopping. Many big stores have restaurants,
cafés and bars, some have spas and salons and you
can always ask for a personal shopper, the trick will be
managing to leave any of these splendid emporia once
you’re inside.
ECLECTIC MARKETSIf you love to shop but you like the feeling of bargain
hunting, coupled with the joy of stall holder banter -
then try some of the markets on offer around the city.
High on the list has to be Camden Market for funky and
vintage fashion finds; Portobello Road for antiques;
Borough Market for a foodie heaven; Greenwich for arts
and crafts and the relatively new Slow Food and Living
Market in Holborn.
OUT OF THE ORDINARYPrefer to go off the beaten track? London is just the
place to find unusual experiences and innovative events.
Visit the Ice Bar where everything, including your vodka
cocktail glass, is hewn from Swedish river ice; take the
kids to the Rainforest Café where there is a waterfall in
the background and elephants roam past your plate;
go on a Street Art walking tour; choose from a menu
of digital projections in Inamo - the restaurant without
waiters or eat liquid nitrogen ice cream at Chin Chin Labs.
FAMILY FRIENDLY There’s no shortage of fun things to do with the family,
why not start at the Museum of London Docklands
where you can drop off your under 12s at Mudlarks, an
imaginative play area that brings the history of London’s
docks to life. London Zoo and London Dungeon are high
on the list of crowd-pleasers, although the latter is not
for the faint-hearted (adult)! No small person’s visit © Vi
sitBr
itain/
Andr
ew Pi
ckett
16
DOMESTIC OUTBOUND
to London would be complete without an afternoon
in Hamley’s Toy Shop, with seven floors of wonder
including a Narnia staircase. It needn’t be costly either;
you can watch pelicans being fed every day in St.
James’ Park; zoom down a zip wire in St Coram’s Fields
playground; or meet the ring-tailed lemurs at Golders
Hill Park Zoo - all free to enter, as long as you have your
adult with you.
AFTER DARK London has its share of glitzy superclubs, and the ones
to head for are Ministry of Sound, Fabric and Heaven
if that’s your thing. However, if you prefer a little
exclusivity, then the city is full of hidden secrets. There’s
the Doodle Bar, off the beaten track in Battersea where
your creativity is encouraged with chalk board walls and
life drawing classes; B.Y.O.C., a speakeasy with a twist
down an alleyway in Covent Garden, where you take
along your tipple of choice and it is mixed into heavenly
cocktails by a skilled bartender; and Calloo Callay in
Shoreditch, where the entry into the (free to join)
members’ club is through a Lion, Witch and Wardrobe-
esque entrance.
CULTURE VULTURESThe only problem with London’s museums and
galleries is that there are so many great ones, making
it tough to pick just a few. Many are free, such as the
Tate Modern, the Museum of London and the British
Museum (where the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta
Stone reside). Head to South Kensington for the
greatest concentration of fabulous absorbing days
lost in the collections of the V & A, the Natural
History Museum and the Science Museum.
..AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST.There are many attractions situated in the vicinity of
your destination airport. Just minutes from Heathrow
are Windsor Castle and the Great Park, Eton College,
Legoland and Hampton Court Palace. A short trip
from Gatwick will get you to Epsom Racecourse,
Chessington World of Adventures, the Archway Theatre
and the Aviation Museum. London City is just six miles
from the financial district and Canary Wharf, and Luton
is a stone’s throw from Whipsnade Zoo, Wrest Park and
the Dunstable Downs.
TRAVELLING TO LONDON: TRAVEL TIMES USING THE TRAIN FROM LONDON AIRPORTS INTO ZONE 1 IN CENTRAL LONDON...
> LUTON (TRAIN FROM LUTON AIRPORT PARKWAY) DESTINATION: St. Pancras International
AIRLINE: easyJet
TIME: 21 MINS
> LONDON CITY DESTINATION: Bank
AIRLINE: Flybe
TIME: 22 MINS
> HEATHROW DESTINATION: Paddington
AIRLINE: British Airways
TIME: 15 MINS
> GATWICK DESTINATION: London Victoria
AIRLINE: easyJet
TIME: 30 MINS
HAMPTON COURT PALACE | ©VisitBritain/ Historic Royal Palaces
BOROUGH MARKET | ©VisitBritain / Joanna Henderson THE SHARD | ©VisitBritain/ Jason Hawkes
OLD COMPTON STREET | ©VisitBritain / Simon Winnall
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17
LONGHAUL AIRLINE FOCUS
18
On 1 August 2015, the Business Class Signature Service was launched worldwide
on all A380 routes to and from Frankfurt. The service has been additionally offered
on B747 flights between Frankfurt and Asia and the Middle East. Passengers on the
Airbus 340/330 are also able to experience the new service concept on outbound
and return flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Asia and the Middle East as of 25
October 2015.
The main focus of the Signature Service is the ‘personal flight attendant’. Personal
flight attendants act as hosts and central contacts for ‘their’ 10-14 passengers from
boarding right through to landing. The service aims to provide passengers with
a true restaurant experience, with individually set tables and most meals and drinks
no longer served from the trolley, but brought to passengers by hand directly from
the galley.
By introducing the Business Class Signature Service, we are taking another step on
our journey towards becoming a premium airline. If it proves successful, the Signature
Service will be extended to cover all long-haul flights in 2016.
LUFTHANSA launches New ‘Business Class Signature Service’ from 1 August 2015
With the introduction of its ‘Business Class Signature Service’, Lufthansa is now taking another important step on its journey towards becoming a Skytrax 5-Star Airline. The service on the airline’s intercontinental flights has been completely redesigned in what is the most comprehensive transformation of a Lufthansa in-flight service in recent years.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
LONGHAUL FOCUS
19
RETAIL
20
Make great savings compared to high street prices when you shop at the Airport with tax-free shopping in World Duty Free (WDF) and Dixons.
Check in-store for fantastic travel exclusives you won’t find on the high street!
DALMORE CIGAR MALT RESERVE
This speciality crafted whisky has
been expertly made to be the perfect
accompaniment to the finest of cigars.
Matured initially in American white
oak ex-bourbon casks and 30 year
Matusalem oloroso sherry butts, it is
then finessed in Premier cru Cabernet
Sauvignon wine barriques.
GUCCI BAMBOO GIFT SET
A new fragrance for today’s
multi-faceted woman, both soft
and intense at once. Gift set available
from WDF all for the same price as
the fragrance, giving you great
value for less.
BOSE SOUNDLINK MINI
Small and light enough to pack into your bag - the
SoundLink Mini delivers big sound and deep bass,
wherever you choose to listen. The rechargeable
Lithium-ion battery gives up to 12 hours of play time
with convenient USB charging.
MOLTON BROWN STOCKING FILLERS
A decadent, exotic 12 piece travel-sized gift
set featuring Molton Brown’s bestselling
blends. The perfect gift for globetrotters
who love to match a different blend with
each trip, or even for those who have
never tried Molton Brown before. A travel
exclusive from WDF.
FITBIT CHARGE HR
Take control and keep on top of your fitness with the Fitbit
Charge HR fitness band. You’ll be able to accurately track
how many steps you’ve taken, how many stairs you’ve
climbed, your heart rate, distance travelled, calories burned
and overall active minutes per day.
RETAIL
21
HERE ARE OUR TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE YOUR GIFTS AT THE AIRPORT:1 | SHOP AND COLLECT SERVICE
Purchase all your gifts on your departure and
pick them up on your return with our FREE and
easy Shop and Collect service available to all
passengers travelling within the EU (including
flights within the UK). We store your goods
securely while you are away and upon your return
to the airport they will be ready and waiting for
you at our convenient collection point.
2 | ANYONE CAN BUY
If you are flying to a non-EU destination, you
can purchase in any of our stores and also take
advantage of duty-free prices in WDF. When
flying within the UK or EU you can also buy in
any of our stores and still make great savings
with tax-free shopping at Dixons and WDF.
Look out for colour-coded price labels on shelves
within WDF: blue for ‘anyone can buy’ and
green to highlight duty-free products for those
travelling to a non-EU destination.
3 | WDF TRAVEL EXCLUSIVES
Make your gift unique by purchasing products
from WDF that you won’t be able to find on the
high street.
4 | GREAT SAVINGS AGAINST
HIGH STREET PRICES
Save at least 15% on your favourite brands when
you shop in WDF, and check in store at Dixons for
their great ‘Double the Difference’ guarantee to
ensure you get the best value for your money.
5 | RESERVATION SERVICES
Spotted the perfect gadget to give as a gift?
Avoid disappointment by calling ahead to check
product availability and reserve items before you
travel. Visit our website for Dixons Travel contact
information. www.aberdeenairport.com/
shopping-and-eating/shops/dixons-travel/
Visit the World of Whiskies website to view and
pre-order from an extensive range of whisky. Your
selections will then be delivered to Aberdeen
International Airport for you to purchase when
you depart. www.worldofwhiskies.com
INSTAX MINI 8
The instax mini 8 is cute and compact in design
providing fun and excitement with instant photos!
The wallet sized instax prints are great for scrapbooks,
custom made albums, collages or turning into bunting.
BAILEYS
The original Irish Cream is a classic, but if
you’re in the mood for something different
there’s a whole host of delicious flavours
for you to try. Two for £26 mix and match
available at WDF, flavours include Original,
Vanilla, Orange, Hazelnut and Coffee.
JEAN PAUL
GAULTIER GIFT SET
This classic men’s fragrance is
available as a gift set from
WDF all for the same price as
the fragrance.
We chat to passengers travelling from Aberdeen International
Airport and find out where they would recommend for a winter
break and what they wished they had never forgotten!
FROM: ABERDEEN TRAVELLING TO: LAS VEGAS
We try to use Aberdeen International Airport whenever
possible, it’s far less hassle. My travel essentials are my
iPod with all my music and a decent plug converter, and
Emma never goes anywhere without lip balm and hand
cream. We had to buy new flight pillows for this flight
because Emma left the last ones lying on the bed! The
best place we’ve been in the winter was when we went
to New York in January, it’s an amazing place. Our top tips
for travelling are to keep hydrated and book a seat.
FROM: ABERDEEN
TRAVELLING TO: VENICE VIA AMSTERDAM
We always fly from Aberdeen, it’s well connected and
there is just a short drive home at the end of the holiday.
I always make sure I’ve got my make-up and hair
straighteners, David would be lost without his glasses
and mobile phone. He once forgot his money and
passport and I had to drive them to the airport, but I’m
pretty organised so haven’t forgotten anything vital. Our
recommendation for winter sun would be Madeira, and
we have also had a lovely winter break in Cape Town.
FROM: ABERDEEN
TRAVELLING TO: ALICANTE
I always fly from Aberdeen, it’s so convenient. I would
never travel without my skin care essentials, but I
once forgot to take my dental retainers and had to
spend an absolute fortune getting them replaced by
a dentist while I was away! I have been to Cancun in
the winter, but my favourite for a winter holiday would
be Thailand, it is such a great place and lovely and
warm. My top tip for a relaxing holiday is make sure
you get to the airport in plenty of time.
FROM: GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS
TRAVELLING TO: AMSTERDAM
I’m going home from my job in the oil industry,
I always use Aberdeen International Airport to travel for
work. I would never travel without my iBook, iPad and
headphones, and the most vital thing I’ve ever forgotten
was my toothbrush. My winter picks would be Austria,
it’s such a great place for snowboarding, with plenty
of snow and fresh air. My tip for a trouble-free trip is
to make sure you start early!
Martyn SchoorlFROM: ABERDEEN
TRAVELLING TO: AMSTERDAM
I’m travelling on business and for that I always use
Aberdeen International Airport. I would never leave
home without my passport and credit cards, although
hair straighteners are fairly high up the list too. We
used to love skiing holidays in the winter, although we
don’t get much chance at the moment with two small
children. For a trouble-free journey I would say do as
much online as you can, it saves time at the airport.
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25
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LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS
ABU DHABI WITH KLMFancy a luxury holiday in the desert? Fly KLM to Abu Dhabi and go sunbathing, peruse
the markets or shop in the Marina Mall. See the reconstructed oasis houses and discover
the history of the United Arab Emirates at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Visit the Sheik
Zayed Grand Mosque and leave impressed after seeing the largest carpet in the world
and the biggest chandelier.
Time to relax? Stroll along the boulevard of Corniche Road or visit a nearby beach. Need
to speed? The Ferrari World theme park is home to the fastest roller coaster in the world.
In Abu Dhabi, there is something for everyone. It is not only perfect for a city break, but
also makes a great starting point for a longer holiday in the United Arab Emirates. Expect
to be surprised! FLY WITH KLM VIA AMSTERDAM TO ABU DHABI. WWW.KLM.COM
DENVER, USA WITH ICELANDAIRA flight to Denver with Icelandair will take you to a destination which has it all, with
its mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. At an altitude of 1,609 metres
above sea level, it is the gateway to the captivating Rocky Mountains. Denver was
founded in 1858 after gold was discovered in the area. The gold has since dried up but
Denver remains a veritable goldmine for travellers. The sun shines 300 days a year and
the climate is mild and moderate. Denver is renowned for its beer and wine production
so it is worthwhile to pay a visit to one of its many breweries and vineyards. Less than
a 20-minute drive takes you to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for a variety of
outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing. However, the most famous attractions are
some of the world’s finest ski resorts such as Aspen and Vail. FLY WITH ICELANDAIR VIA
REYKJAVIK TO DENVER. WWW.ICELANDAIR.CO.UK
DUBAI WITH BRITISH AIRWAYSTry Dubai: the ‘jewel of the Middle East’. There’s lots to experience, from old courtyard
homes in the Bastakiya quarter to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper and the
stunning man-made Palm Jumeirah. Shop for designer brands or haggle for jewellery in
the local souk markets. If you prefer the outdoors, why not try a desert safari and dune
drive? FLY DAILY WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS VIA LONDON HEATHROW TO DUBAI.
WWW.BA.COM
There’s a world of choice to connect long-haul to any global destination with our global carriers at Aberdeen International Airport this season.
27
LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS
SINGAPORE WITH LUFTHANSAThis thriving, multicultural city-state is marking its important milestone with festivals,
exhibitions, parades and much more throughout the year and beyond. Why not visit
one of the many cultural areas, such as Chinatown, Little India or Kampong Glam and
soak up some atmosphere? Or simply sip a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles
followed by a stroll round the beautiful Botanic Gardens. FLY WITH LUFTHANSA VIA
FRANKFURT TO SINGAPORE. WWW.LH.COM
HAVANA WITH AIR FRANCEBook Air France flights to Havana and go back in time in Cuba’s capital. Every facet of
it is enchanting: the classic American cars in pastel shades, the 19th-century buildings
in the El Vedado neighbourhood, the Miramar district and its magnificent colonial
mansions… The heart of the city is Plaza de la Catedral. This bustling square is home
to one of the most beautiful churches in Cuba. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy the
ever-present street musicians and dancers. Fancy some sun, sea and sand? Plan a day
at the beach in Varadero, the country’s most famous resort town. Do not leave without
enjoying one evening at an outdoor café. The aroma of rum and cigars and the sounds
of salsa will certainly make an everlasting memory of your visit to Cuba. FLY WITH AIR
FRANCE VIA PARIS TO HAVANA. WWW.AIRFRANCE.CO.UK
TOYKO WITH SASTokyo will have you saucer-eyed
with wonder from the moment you
arrive. It’s home to the world’s tallest
freestanding tower and contains the
most Michelin starred restaurants of
any city in the world; but you can just
as easily stroll down a cobbled alleyway
and see crafts and traditions straight
from a treasured artisan past. If pop
culture is your thing, then manga and
animé are in abundance from Hello
Kitty to Studio Ghibli; you can just as
easily spend time in a Shinto shrine or
attending a sumo festival. Ever changing
and timelessly ancient, Tokyo has to be
seen to be believed. FLY WITH SAS
VIA COPENHAGEN TO TOKYO.
WWW.FLYSAS.COM
AMS
LBA
BRS
BGO
CPH
GDN
WAW
EBJ
FRA
OSL
BOJ
DLM
SVG
LSI
SCS
KOI
SYY
HUY
CWL
EMABHX
DUB
BHD
JER
SOU
MAN
WIC
NCL
NWI
LTN
LGW
LCYLHR
MME
CDG
VRN
CFU
NAP
GVA
REU
PMI
FAO
TFS LPA
AGP
IBZ
KEF
ABZ
INTERNATIONAL:
DOMESTIC:
> AMSTERDAM with KLM
> BERGEN with Eastern Airways, SAS & Widerøe
> BOURGAS with Balkan Holidays
> COPENHAGEN with SAS
> CORFU with Thomson & First Choice
> DALAMAN with Thomas Cook, Thomson
& First Choice
> DUBLIN with Aer Lingus
> ESBJERG with bmi regional
> FARO with Thomson & First Choice
> FRANKFURT with Lufthansa
> GDANSK with Wizz Air
> GENEVA with easyJet
> GRAN CANARIA with Thomson & First Choice
(from summer 2016)
> IBIZA with Thomson & First Choice
> MALAGA with Barrhead Travel
> NAPLES with Newmarket Holidays
> OSLO with bmi regional & SAS
> PALMA with Barrhead Travel, Thomas Cook,
Thomson & First Choice
> PARIS with Air France
> REYKJAVIK with Icelandair (from March 2016)
> REUS with Thomas Cook
> STAVANGER with Eastern Airways, SAS & Widerøe
> TENERIFE with Thomas Cook, Thomson
& First Choice
> WARSAW with Wizz Air (from May 2016)
> VERONA with Newmarket Holidays
> BELFAST CITY with Flybe
> BIRMINGHAM with Flybe
> BRISTOL with bmi regional
> CARDIFF with Eastern Airways
> DURHAM TEES VALLEY with Eastern Airways
> EAST MIDLANDS with Eastern Airways
> HUMBERSIDE with Eastern Airways
> JERSEY with Flybe
> KIRKWALL with Loganair
> LEEDS BRADFORD with Eastern Airways
> LONDON CITY with Flybe
> LONDON GATWICK with easyJet
> LONDON HEATHROW with British Airways
> LONDON LUTON with easyJet
> MANCHESTER with Flybe
> NEWCASTLE with Eastern Airways
> NORWICH with bmi regional & Eastern Airways
> SCATSTA with Eastern Airways > SOUTHAMPTON with Eastern Airways & Flybe
> STORNOWAY with Eastern Airways
> SUMBURGH with Loganair
> WICK with Eastern Airways
AIRLINES & TOUR OPERATORS:
Aer Lingus aerlingus.com
Air France airfrance.co.uk
Airways Holidays airwaysholidays.com
Balkan Holidays balkanholidays.co.uk
Barrhead Travel barrheadtravel.co.uk
bmi regional bmiregional.com
British Airways ba.com
Eastern Airways easternairways.com
easyJet easyjet.com
First Choice firstchoice.co.uk
Flybe flybe.com
Icelandair icelandair.co.uk
Jersey Travel jerseytravel.com
KLM klm.com
Loganair logainair.co.uk
Lufthansa lufthansa.com
Newmarket Holidays newmarketholidays.co.uk
SAS flysas.com
Thomas Cook thomascook.com
Thomson thomson.co.uk
Widerøe wideroe.no/en
Wizz Air wizzair.com
Serving more destinations from Aberdeen than any other airline www.easternairways.com
Routes are correct at time of publication, but are subject to change. Please check with your airline for any alteration or updates, or visit the website: www.aberdeenairport.com before travelling.
AMS
LBA
BRS
BGO
CPH
GDN
WAW
EBJ
FRA
OSL
BOJ
DLM
SVG
LSI
SCS
KOI
SYY
HUY
CWL
EMABHX
DUB
BHD
JER
SOU
MAN
WIC
NCL
NWI
LTN
LGW
LCYLHR
MME
CDG
VRN
CFU
NAP
GVA
REU
PMI
FAO
TFS LPA
AGP
IBZ
KEF
ABZ
01. 02.
04. 05.
WINTER SUN
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UNDISCOVERED ITALY Take in the often overlooked delights of Italy’s
sun-kissed southern ‘high heel’ on this unique and delightful
escorted tour. After a night in Caserta, head east to the blue Adriatic
to discover the caves at Matera, and stunning hill towns Ostuni,
Alberobello and Lecce, before heading up the coast via historic
Bari to spend two nights on the very tip of the spectacular Gargano
peninsula, in Vieste.
This holiday with Newmarket Holidays includes return economy
class flights, coach travel throughout, seven nights full board
accommodation in 4-star hotels, guided visits to Matera, Ostuni,
Alberobello, Lecce and the Gargano peninsula with tour manager
services included. www.newmarketholidays.co.uk
SUN, FUN AND LOADS TO DO IN MALAGA
Resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola have been
catering for tourists for a very long time! There’s a massive choice of
daytime activities, including watersports, shopping and sightseeing,
and when the sun goes down the nightlife kicks in with myriad bars,
clubs and restaurants all jostling for attention.
Of course, the Costa del Sol’s not all about loud music and frantic
activity. For a quieter holiday, head to Nerja, with its quaint winding
streets and ancient caves. You can also walk along its spectacular
clifftop promenade. Or head for Mijas, a gorgeous, traditional
mountain village complete with stunning views, whitewashed
buildings and quaint little shops.
Barrhead Travel provides an ever-popular British Airways charter flight
service direct from Aberdeen to Malaga. www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
THE STUNNING ALGARVE
Whether it’s playing golf on world class courses - or soaking up
the sun surrounded by dramatic rock formations and golden sand
beaches, you can be sure that the Algarve has it covered. Thomson’s
Gold hotel in Acoteias is a Trip Advisor favourite - this 4T+ adults-
only hotel is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all. With
a terrace-framed pool, spa and a golf course next door, you can
unwind in style. Close by, the popular town of Albufeira has two
personalities; the old town offers cobbled squares and al fresco
restaurants,while the new town is home to a lively cluster of open-
air bars - making it a perfect stay for families and groups alike.
Pop into your local Thomson travel shop for expert advice or look
online to find your perfect holiday today. www.thomson.co.uk
ART, HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
FROM REUS
Reus puts you within easy reach of some of Spain’s most celebrated
destinations, including Barcelona and Salou. Reus itself is worth
visiting with several cultural attractions, including the Gaudi Centre
and the stunning 19th century Institut Pere Mata, an exquisite
modernist building that once housed a psychiatric institute. Those
who love art, history and architecture will find nearby Tarragona
to be one of the biggest surprises of the Costa Dorada. Just an
hour from Reus is the magical city of Barcelona. The perfect beach
break, Barcelona has so much for travellers to enjoy. The unique
architectural style of Gaudi peppers the city, from the twisted spires
of the Sagrada Familia to the colourful mosaics at the hillside Park
Guell. www.thomascook.com
BUSTLING BULGARIASunny Beach is ideal for young couples and
families wishing to experience the wonderful beach and low cost
nightlife. Nessebar and Sozopol provide history and charm and
will appeal more to couples and culture vultures. Elenite and Duni
are purpose-built resorts ideal for families and Pomorie is great for
those looking to unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying a beautiful
seaside resort. For those wishing to enjoy the delights of the
Golden Sands, Albena, St Konstantin and Obzor resorts, flights
are available from Aberdeen.
Balkan Holidays continue to offer a rich and varied choice
of resorts from Aberdeen in Summer 16, now with 10 and
11 night durations available in high season.
www.balkanholidays.co.uk
01.
04.
02.
03.
05.
Looking for some winter sunshine? Planning ahead for next summer? You’re sure to catch the sun at these idyllic holiday hotspots, flying directly from Aberdeen.
03.
WINTER SUN
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32
LOCAL FLAVOUR
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?I worked in hotels in my native country, Greece until
moving to Britain to work at Trump Turnberry in 2011.
I was the Bar Supervisor, looking after two bars and
a tea lounge. Throughout my career I have constantly
developed my craft, twice representing Greece in
national cocktail competitions and going on to win.
WHAT CAN THE NEW CROWNE PLAZA OFFER?We are extremely well placed close to the airport,
so we will inevitably have many business customers
and we want to encourage them to be relaxed and
productive. To that end the connectivity within the
hotel is not only state of the art, but also easy to use
and very accessible. The hotel is well insulated and
sound-proofed, so you can see the aircraft but not hear
them! We would also like to become a local dining out
destination, with our Offshore Bar and Grill serving
fresh, local produce in a simple but accomplished
format. The menu is affordable and the wine list ranges
from £21 to £75 for a bottle of wine, with plenty to
choose from by the glass. We are developing local
whisky tasting and hoping that these along with our
cocktail masterclasses and afternoon teas will appeal
to hen and stag parties. We want to walk before we
run, and so we are ready to listen to our customers
and find out what they like first.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM JOB, AND WHO IS YOUR INDUSTRY HERO?I wanted to be a pilot! So I am delighted to be working
here, so close to the airport. My hero is Marian Beke,
the owner of Nightjar (one of the top 50 cocktail bars
in the world), he is a legend in the world of cocktails,
so innovative and passionate.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL?Either a mango and ginger daiquiri, or a reconstructed
piña colada with pineapple foam and coconut shavings.
33
COMPETITION
The Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport opened its doors on
1st September 2015, and boasts a Bar & Grill restaurant,
Starbucks coffee, 165 luxury bedrooms, a gym, 10 state
of the art meeting rooms, 125 car parking spaces and
free Wi-Fi.
For your chance to win this great prize enter online at
www.aberdeenairport.com/competition
A one night stay for two with dinner and a bottle of wine at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport!
REVIEW
34
Mark McKenzie the restaurant manager was delightful and
made us feel relaxed and welcome and was ready to answer
our questions and give advice. The Offshore Bar & Grill’s menu
is extensive and interesting and we took our time to choose
from the delights that were on offer.
My guest Val chose the sweet potato soup which she found tasty
while I enjoyed homemade Balmoral bread served with olives.
Val wanted seafood and the chef recommended the hake, Val was
happy to take his advice and enjoyed the hake served on a bed of
peas and potatoes. My roast lamb, potatoes with onion and green
beans was served with the most delicious jus, and was cooked to
perfection. Desserts were tarte tatin for Val served with vanilla ice
cream and I enjoyed a very large portion of raspberry cranachan.
The Starbucks coffee was excellent, the size of the large mugs
made us laugh!
Our servers were attentive but not overly, so we did not feel
rushed, giving us time to enjoy the comfort of the restaurant. The
restaurant was busy for a Sunday evening. We had a very pleasant
dining experience and we both will recommend the Offshore Bar
& Grill to family and friends.
Offshore Bar & Grill
The recently opened Offshore Bar & Grill restaurant at Aberdeen Airport Crowne Plaza Hotel next to Aberdeen International Airport greets diners with a warm and friendly welcome.
International Ave, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0BE | 01224 608350 | www.cpaberdeen.com
HEATHER MORRISON
Operations Director, Forget Me
Not Club - Dementia Support
(Banchory).
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Stahlwille Tools Ltd Unit 2D, Albany Park Industrial EstateFrimley Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7PL | + 44 (0) 1276 24080 | [email protected]
www.stahlwille.co.uk
AUTHORISED UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR:
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37
38
CITY BREAKS
From the moment you touch down in Dublin Airport, your
welcome is on the mat. Dubliners aren’t just happy to be there,
they’re happy that you’ve come to visit, and delighted to share
their friendly, buzzing city with you.
I travelled on a whistle stop tour to Dublin with
Aer Lingus Regional, a mere 90 minutes from Aberdeen
International Airport. Within minutes of arriving I was on a bus
which took me to the city centre in less than half an hour. One
of the best deals for travelling around once you’re there is the
Dublin Freedom Ticket, which for 33 euros gets you to and
from the airport, plus unlimited travel on the Hop-on Hop-off
tour bus and city buses for 72 hours.
Being a great fan of the open-topped introduction to a city,
I hopped on and then quickly off again at St. Stephen’s Green,
a lovely little central park with beautiful trees and gardens, some
interesting statuary and a duck pond with a waterfall. Directly
across the road I nipped into The Little Dublin Museum where
the city is celebrated through the decades with a fascinating
collection of historic objects - all collected by public appeal in
2011. The collection is housed in a lovely Georgian building and
rather than being a particularly small museum, celebrates a lot
of the small things in Irish life as well as dedicating a room to
Alfie Byrne, Dublin’s favourite Lord Mayor.
Around the corner is Grafton Street, packed with a fantastic array
of shops, but I chose to pop into the Powerscourt Townhouse
Centre which houses over 40 shops, boutiques and restaurants
under one gorgeous Georgian roof. You can pick up an antique
find, bag the latest fashions and keep out of the autumn chill
in here.
Onto the bus again and soon I’m in the vast Guinness
Storehouse, home of the famous black stuff. The experience
is a total immersion in all things Guinness, from the smell of
the malt, via seven floors of fascinating interactive experiences,
to the breathtaking 360˚Gravity Bar, where I was treated to a
complimentary pint - Sláinte! Booking online saves queuing and
10% of the ticket price.
Definitely time to head for Dawson Street and the fine mix of
eclectic bars and restaurants there. I popped into the Café-En-
Seine which is a true visual delight, hidden behind plain red doors
but full of Parisian Art Nouveau decoration and perfect for an early
evening aperitif. Next I stopped by Number 37 which has
a lovely menu and lots of quirky seating areas, as well as a whole
wall of old-fashioned sweets! A few steps away is the Peruke
and Periwig Bar where the super-friendly barmaid makes liquid
nitrogen cocktails amongst displays of barristers’ wigs, while
customers watch old movies on a black and white TV.
upBEAT editor Jan Leatham flies to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional, and with help from Tourism Ireland discovers just how much you can fit in on a 24 hour whistle stop tour to the capital city of Ireland.
39
CITY BREAKS
I wouldn’t be doing the city justice if I didn’t give some live music a
whirl, and suffice to say there was plenty to choose from, even on a
week night. There were banjos in O’Donoghues, a rock band in the
Porterhouse Temple Bar and countless others, in fact I was printed
out a sheet of live music venues at the Tourist Information in the
airport - there’s helpful for you!
The next day dawned brightly over the fair city and
I joined the smallish queue for the Book of Kells which is within the
Trinity College grounds. It’s delightful to stroll amongst the students
and staff in tranquil academia just seconds away from a busy
intersection and main shopping street. The doorman at this attraction
is full of banter, as are so many of the people you meet. Inside, the
glorious colours and intricate designs of the precious 1,000 year-old
Book of Kells keep me spellbound for a while, before heading upstairs
to the Long Room, a towering library of 200,000 ancient books under
a barrel-vaulted ceiling. This room also houses the fifteenth century
harp which appears on today’s Irish coins.
Determined to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of my trip to
Dublin, I knocked at the door of National Wax Museum Plus, again
located very centrally beside the imposing Bank of Ireland building.
Housed in a Georgian townhouse, this attraction is definitely one for
the family. I entered through the Writers’ Room, past the Time Vaults
of Irish History and became positively unnerved in the Chamber
of Horrors! Kids of all ages will love the Wax Factor, where you can
record your own pop video.
Time to leave and I had the strangest feeling that Dublin didn’t
want me to go, the welcome really is that friendly.
SHOP AT... Grafton Street, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre,
and in Creative Dublin including the Irish Design Centre for
traditionally crafted items. Temple Bar has three dedicated
Saturday markets: the Food Market selling artisan produce,
the Designer Mart where you can meet the makers, and the
Book Market.
EAT AT... Blazing Salads for a super-healthy lunch on the go,
Fade St. Social for tapas and wine pairing, Butlers Chocolate
Café for an upscale chocolatier and coffee shop.
LISTEN AT... O’Donoghues and The Cobblestone for traditional
nightly sessions, or The Bank on College Green for sophisticated
piano music.
STAY AT... Brooks Hotel for a personalised luxurious experience
in the heart of the city.
Tourism Ireland, www.ireland.com
© 2014 Rob Durston/Fáilte Ireland
We are giving one lucky upBEAT reader the chance to win
a pair of return flights from Aberdeen to Dublin with Aer
Lingus Regional. Aer Lingus Regional offer daily flights from
Aberdeen to Dublin with fares starting from just £29.99
each-way including taxes and charges. Experience the
perfect city break in Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional,
book now at www.aerlingus.com
Enter online at www.aberdeenairport.com/competition *Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
A PAIR OF RETURN AER LINGUS REGIONAL FLIGHTS FROM ABERDEEN TO DUBLIN!
41
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42
WHAT’S ON
ROAD TO WATERLOO Exhibition,
Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen
SHIRE AT SEA LEVEL Star of BBC TV
series Trawlermen Jimmy Buchan takes
a look at the history and future of the
fishing industry. Scottish Maritime
Academy, Peterhead
DANCELIVE Various venues in Aberdeen
City & Shire
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
His Majesty’s , Theatre Aberdeen
BRAEMAR CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL. Braemar, Aberdeenshire
SOUNDFESTIVAL Various venues in
Aberdeen City & Shire (Until 9th Nov)
GRANITE EXPO 2015 AND HOLIDAY 2015/16 Hilton Treetops, Aberdeen
FOSSILS & FUNNY BONES multisensory
exhibition, Aberdeen Science Centre
3-28
7
9 - 20
12-27
21-25
2229UNTIL
31
22
25
THE ILLUMINATOR RUN
Half-marathon. Glen Tanar, Aberdeenshire
4TH CULLEN SKINK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Cullen Bay Hotel,
Aberdeenshire
FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET*
Frankfurt, Germany (Until 22nd Dec)
THE PROCLAIMERS
AECC, Aberdeen
GEORGE JAMESONE Portrait painter
exhibition. Maritime Museum, Aberdeen
COLIN CLOUD – FORENSIC MIND READER The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
SPE ICOTA 21ST EUROPEAN WELL INTERVENTION CONFERENCE AECC, Aberdeen
POSTGRADUATE OPEN DAY
Aberdeen University
WHITE CHRISTMAS His Majesty’s
Theatre, Aberdeen
111-12
1418
18
28UNTIL
28
43
WHAT’S ON
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON PARADE Aberdeen City Centre
AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL*
The Netherlands (Until 17th Jan)
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Union
Terrace, Aberdeen (Until 3rd Jan)
PANTOMIME Peter Pan, His Majesty’s
Theatre, Aberdeen (Until 3rd Jan)
2828
2929
53
9
1727
9-10
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN LA SAINTE CHAPPELLE* Paris, France (Until 29th Dec)
ABERDEEN MINISTRY OF CRAFTS
Crown Terrace, Aberdeen
ANDRE RIEU AECC, Aberdeen
ABERDEEN & GRAMPIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS Ardoe House, Aberdeen
RSNO: CHRISTMAS CONCERT - THE SNOWMAN Music Hall, Aberdeen
SIX DEGREES OF SOUND Littlejohn Street, Aberdeen
1 BAD MANNERS CONCERTThe Tunnels, Aberdeen
‘SAIR HEAD’ ROUND GOLF OPEN
Cullen, Aberdeenshire
SOUND OF MUSICHis Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
CLASSIC ROCK SHOW 2016Music Hall, Aberdeen
SHETLAND LACE KNITTINGMaritime Museum, Aberdeen
BURNS SUPPER AND CEILIDH
Woodend Barn, Aberdeenshire
12-16
172223
2
44
WALKING TRIPS
45
WALKING TRIPS
Autumn brings with it some of the best walking weather;
crisp autumn days, snow-capped hills and the magnificent
spectacle of turning leaves.
Aberdeenshire Coastal Path goes from North Water
Bridge just south of St. Cyrus to Cullen on the northern coast
of the region. There are 38 maps splitting the walk into
manageable day sections which include information about
features of interest and the coastal bus route.
The Formartine to Buchan Way is another waymarked
walk going from Dyce to Fraserburgh. Stretching for 40
miles, with an additional spur to Peterhead, the route
follows the path of the old railway line and affords unrivalled
views and a pace of life that is easy to miss by road. The
Aberdeenshire Council website provides maps for day-sized
walks so you can tailor your outing.
Day trips are popular with locals and visitors and a firm
favourite is the Burn o’ Vat - a circular walk through the
Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire
which includes a geological wonder. The Vat is a deep
hollow in the rock gouged by centuries of water which can
be visited through a fissure in the rock by way of stepping
stones. The walk then heads gradually uphill through
pinewoods for 4 miles.
Most recently completed is the Deeside Way which again
traces the path of the old railway line from Duthie Park to
Ballater for 41 miles and includes the 13 mile Tarland Way
spur. Pick a favourite section for an afternoon stroll or tackle
the whole trail, there is something for everyone. Keep your
eyes peeled for wildlife as you pass along Deeside, you
might catch a glimpse of an otter, a leaping salmon or
a disappearing deer!
Lastly there is the Gordon Way which is not yet complete,
but still offers two days of walking from Suie to Esson with
the magnificent backdrop of Bennachie.
Of course, there are many more walks available and certainly
something to suit even the most fair weather rambler. Just
remember to take a biscuit to have with your cup of tea and
you’ll have a day to remember!
Maps for most of these walks can be found at
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk and
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
If you like nothing better than to pull on a pair of walking boots, make a flask of tea and set off into the great outdoors, then Aberdeen City and Shire has a wealth of strolls, hikes, day walks and week-long excursions right here on our doorstep.
46
BEHIND THE SCENES
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES?My role is to co-ordinate all passenger facing airport operations
within the terminal. My team looks after the allocation of
check-in desks, provision of special assistance needs, first aid,
cleaning of the terminal, self-service check in kiosks, distribution
of flight information, the passage of VIPs including politicians,
royalty and celebrities, through the Terminal and passenger flow
within the airport and ensuring we have the appropriate resources
to manage the operation. We work very closely with the handling
agents who operate at the airport and also with the support of all
other airport departments.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES?When flights are delayed or we experience operational disruption
events, for example bad weather or air traffic delays, then we
need to react quickly to ensure we have staff when and where we
need them. Often one of the most challenging areas of my role is
balancing the needs of all the parties involved within the terminal
operation so that we work together to make sure we are providing
customers with the best experience we can. Many passengers
perceive the airport to be one big company, rather than separate
companies working together, therefore it’s important that we do
work seamlessly.
WHO IS IN YOUR TEAM?There are 19 of us in total, five Airport Duty Managers, six
Terminal Safety Officers, three Customer Feedback Co-
ordinators, one Terminal Operations Co-ordinator and four
Airport Ambassadors. The team are dedicated to providing the
best experience for our passengers while ensuring we remain
compliant with safety and security requirements. Between us we
concentrate on passenger safety, customer service, conducting
customer surveys that provide valuable feedback, provide
the information used at check-in kiosks and desks, as well as
departures and arrivals screens. The Airport Duty Manager plays a
pivotal role in the daily airport operation.
Kevin Douglas, Terminal Operations Manager at Aberdeen
International Airport gives us an insight into the role of his team.
47
BEHIND THE SCENES
We are one big team at the airport, whoever we work for, and that’s
what is important in getting the job done.
HOW DID YOU GET TO THIS POINT? I have spent most of my career in aviation in one way or another.
I started working in a ground based customer facing role with
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and as the industry changed and more
airlines used third party handling companies rather than keeping
it in house, I then moved to express courier company DHL. I took
the chance to join Aberdeen International Airport in 2006 as an
Airport Duty Manager, from which I became the Terminal Operations
Manager in 2011. Having a broad airport and airline experience from
past jobs has proven to be invaluable for this role.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES IN THE AIRPORT OVER THE YEARS?Security has changed greatly and especially after Lockerbie in 1988.
This has affected the way in which we work - not just the process
for passengers. Airport and airline IT systems have developed
dramatically over the years. From passengers being checked-in using
“manual check-in” processes with paper and pen, we are now at
a point where passengers have the choice now to check-in online,
use kiosks or traditionally at the desks. The terminal building has
also evolved over the years to meet the needs of ever changing
operational and customer demands and is quite different now in
a number of ways compared to how the building opened in 1977.
WHAT KIND OF PERSON DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO WORK IN AN AIRPORT?When we recruit, we look for those who can think on their feet and
be innovative. We can plan in advance, but it’s difficult to prepare
for every eventuality, as our passengers are individuals, and every
passenger has individual needs and requirements. Situations and
consequences change daily, for instance if a flight is delayed, so
we need our staff to be able to consider different solutions whilst
being alert and flexible. No two days in an airport are the same!
It’s a vibrant and dynamic environment where you learn to expect
the unexpected!
48
LOCAL INTEREST
Belinda describes herself as an artist, craftsperson
and weaver and began her colourful journey with
a Certificate in Handweaving from Bradford College.
She says, “I love the opportunity to handle beautiful
fabrics, and the synergy created between texture and
colour to create fabric and artwork. Although I use
traditional looms to create items such as cushions,
hangings, ties and scarves, my most recent fascination
is with jacquard weaving”.
In 2007 Belinda acquired a digital jacquard hand
loom, enabling her to design using image editing
software which governs the digitally operated part of
the loom. The jacquard technique opens up a world
of possibilities for colour combinations and designs,
giving the weaver more freedom to create. Belinda still
carries out the weaving part by hand which allows her
to study and respond to the pattern as it grows. She
is inspired by drawings, paintings and photographs
covering a wide range of subjects.
In 2012 the Roses built an inspirational but simple
new studio, The Colourbothy. It makes full use of
natural daylight and creates a bright working weaving
environment. It covers 64 square metres and using
wood, glass and more modern materials, makes a
bright punchy statement within the cottage garden.
Belinda adds, “It’s north-facing with a steady light, and
when I’m working there, I feel a real sense of stillness
and connection with nature”.
She offers tuition at all levels, the only requirement
is for students to be curious about texture and colour.
Students are encouraged to explore using tablet
weaving (a simple traditional technique using cards
with four holes), along with table looms and foot
powered treadle looms. Jacquard students are usually
established weavers who want to extend their skills
and come to The Colourbothy from all over the world.
Details of all Belinda’s classes are on her website
www.belindarose.co.uk, including beginner,
refresher and jacquard. For individual tuition, simply
get in touch through the website.
Belinda Rose has been weaving most of her life, but although what she does is rooted in tradition, there is nothing remotely old-fashioned about her approach and her workspace, The Colourbothy Studio in Deeside. The studio is spilling over with yarns of every hue and texture, and examples of her work provide ready inspiration, as well as the view of the garden.
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49
50
WORDS WORTH READING
I’m more of a thriller reader on holiday, but this time round I would have to pick Harper Lee’s GO SET A WATCHMAN, and not without a touch of trepidation. This is because To Kill a Mockingbird is my
favourite book of all time, and has been since I was in my teens, when everything else was all about
The Beatles, miniskirts and boys. Later, I found it intriguing that she only ever wrote one book and
a legendary best-seller at that (in my head, the book-I-have-never-written is based on a sinister
interpretation of that fact!). So how could I resist Go Set A Watchman, the genesis from which my
favourite book sprang, and I am fairly confident I won’t be disappointed.
JOYCE SUMMERS, Press & Communications Manager,
Aberdeen Performing Arts
Although this is the 20th in the Jack Reacher series, I always find them ‘thrilling’ and can’t wait until the next
day to keep reading about his next challenge. In MAKE ME, Jack Reacher plunges into another action-packed
page turner. Reacher is a military policeman turned drifter who travels light and changes direction on a whim,
this time getting off a train in the middle of miles of wheat fields because he is curious about the name of
the town - Mothers Rest. The intrigue starts there and builds up to a final twist, making this book hard
to put down.
STEWART SPENCE,
Owner of The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa
Three North-east Airport users recommend some riveting in-flight reading from WHSmith’s latest list of top 20 bestsellers.
GONE GIRL is a book I love to recommend because I found it gripping, right from the start. The characters
were very three dimensional, and I loved hearing their internal thoughts and opinions. I don’t like a book with
bland ‘’good guys’’ and ‘’bad guys’’. In Gone Girl sometimes you agree with the characters and sometimes
you don’t, which makes it a bit more realistic. It keeps you guessing right from the start, and for me is just
the right side of ‘’eerie’’ without being terrifying. I would definitely recommend the book rather than the film,
the only problem is, it is very hard to put down!
STEVE DAUN, Sales Manager,
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC)
Check in - and check out the latest releases at WHSmith, in the main terminal building at Aberdeen International Airport.
51
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33 Exchange Street, Aberdeen AB11 6PHTel: 01224 571771
www.musaaberdeen.com
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS & HOGMANAY!
DIARY
52
01 & 02 | WDF BERTIE BASSET & WDF BALVENIE World Duty Free have had lots
of visitors recently, including
Bertie Basset and Denny from
Balvenie!
03 | NHS ROAD SHOW We saw a two day NHS
roadshow visit the terminal
where the team spent time
talking to staff and passengers
on healthy working lives,
including alcohol consumption,
smoking and sugar intake.
There were a number of
interactive demonstrations
which highlighted how much
sugar is in everyday items
and discussions around
blood pressure, stress and
healthy eating.
04 | ICELANDAIR FAMILIARISATION TRIP The Icelandair team visited
Aberdeen following their
announcement of a new
direct route from Aberdeen
to Reykjavik. They spent two
days exploring Aberdeen City
and Shire and meeting local
travel businesses.
05 | SAFETEA TEAM
The Aberdeen International
Airport’s SafeTEA Party saw
the re-launch of the ‘Keeping
Health & Safety Alive’ campaign
to drive home the message of
safety across the campus.
06 | SPITFIRE BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY The airport
recently hosted a memorial
service in conjunction with
Aberdeen’s Royal Air Force
Association to celebrate the
75th Anniversary of the Battle
of Britain. Led by airport
Chaplain Lewis Rose, the short
ceremony was attended by
members of RAFA and local
Air Cadets.
07 | CR UK The Cancer
Research team spent time
in the terminal speaking to
passengers and staff alike on
early warning signs of cancer
and how to keep yourself fit
and healthy.
08 | AFC TEAM We caught
the Aberdeen Football Team on
their way to Kazakhstan to play
Kairat Almaty in the Europa
League qualifiers.
09 | FRIENDS OF ANCHORS CHARITY BALL Our partner charity, Friends
of Anchor held a Masked
Ball, with a silent auction
raising over £84,000 for the
charity. bmi regional donated
a pair of tickets to be used on
any destination on the bmi
regional network.
10 | BA BALL Almost
200 guests attended British
Airways’ annual Aberdeen
Flying Start Ball, in support
of Comic Relief, when it was
held at the Aberdeen Skyway
Hotel (formerly The Thistle).
The Ball raised £25,000.
Television personality Shane
Richie and Britain’s Got Talent
finalist Danny Posthill provided
top-class entertainment.
53
DIARY
07.
08.04.
03.
05.06.
02.01.
09. 10.
Win a £100 VOUCHER to spend at World Duty Free, at Aberdeen International Airport!
See how far and wide you can take your copy of upBEAT - go on, be creative! Send your photo to
[email protected] Please submit high resolution images, at least 1MB in size at 300dpi print resolution.
See the winning picture in the Winter 2015/16 upBEAT - it could be yours! (Deadline: 10th December 2015)
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
10. 09. 08.
11. 12.
01 | PETER MILLAR, Kaohiung, Taiwan 02 | LISA WEST, Niagara Falls, Canada 03 | MAUREEN BARBOUR, Oslo 04 | H YOUNG,
Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland 05 | CHRISTINE WILSON, Biltmore House South Carolina, USA 06 | ELIZABETH SCOTT, Brazil
07 | ANN MELDRUM, Boston, USA 08 | ANNA & ROSIE STERK, New York, USA 09 | MAGGIE GIBSON, Verona, Italy 10 | TONY
CERNAN, Paris 11 | DAVID MASSON, Chisinau, Moldova 12 | MANDY LAW, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
55
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