Here at Aberdeen Airport Parking, we will bring you some of the latest news stories about Aberdeen Airport, which we hope you will find of interest.
Aberdeen Airport joins in National Bike Week July 1 2010
Aberdeen Airport owners,BAA, have announced support for National Bike Week. The website carries the following story:
"Aberdeen Airport and GetAbout have formed a tandem partnership ahead of national bike week which kicks into gear this Saturday (June 19).
The popular event is designed to promote sustainable forms of transport as part of a bigger overall push to encourage healthy living and ease congestion problems.
GetAbout will also stage a special bike event at the airport on Thursday (June 24) with Nestrans Chairman and Councillor Kevin Stewart on hand to mark the official opening of a new cycle shelter at the terminal. The partners have been working closely to help passengers and staff make the most out of the new cycling facility which even boasts solar panel lighting. The newly constructed bike shelter has the capability to store 20 bicycles and 16 motorcycles at the busy hub and it comes in response to demand from employees, travellers and members of the Aberdeen Cycling Forum.
The new move also comes on the back of the recent cycle2work scheme which has seen almost 30 airport employees sign up to the popular initiative with staff encouraged to travel to work on their bikes for the event on Thursday.
Nestrans, the regional transport partnership, has helped fund the bike shelter project as part of their overall GetAbout campaign to encourage people to leave their cars behind and get on their bikes. Donald Kent, GetAbout co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted Aberdeen Airport has come on board ahead of national bike week. We’ve enjoyed a healthy working relationship with them which has already seen us create the new cycle facility which passengers most likely on short haul flights will be able to utilise.
“The airport staff have also benefited from the initiative and we’re pleased to support projects that help to promote sustainable transport methods like national bike week.
“We’re looking forward to the specific bike day which will give us the opportunity to further encourage people to leave their cars at home.”
Stuart Torpey is the airport's environmental compliance manager and worked closely with Nestrans on the introduction of the state-of-the-art shelters. He said "It is great to see these shelters going in and people using them already. Right from construction they have proved really popular and proves that our passengers and staff are really keen to embrace sustainable travel. As an airport we are committed to playing our part environmentally and are grateful to Nestrans for their considerable help with this projects which will make a difference to a lot of people."
Airport staff are also taking part in the GetAbout corporate challenge which encourages companies to travel to work by bike and the firm who clocks up the most miles wins a prestigious prize and trophy. GetAbout will also launch a new Aberdeen cycle map at an event at Union Square on Saturday (June 19) morning while the Belmont Cinema is also screening the mountain bike film Follow Me on Monday (June 21) evening as part of national bike week."
A very laudable endeavour.
Aberdeen Airport has received planning permission for a £60 million investment plan which will include a new runway and a larger international arrivals hall.
Projections are that that more than 4 million passengers could pass through Aberdeen Airport by 2015, with a significant increase of international travellers
Flybe only airline flying from Aberdeen Airport to Belfast January 15 2010
Flights to Belfast from Aberdeen Airport are currently available with only one airline. Flybe.com flies from Aberdeen into the George Best Belfast city airport.
After leaving the plane passengers can enjoy a short 10 min taxi ride to the city centre of Belfast, where the best hotel,shops,bars and restaurants await them.
Aberdeen Airport Passenger numbers fall January 12 2010
PASSENGER numbers at Aberdeen Airport have dropped, new figures today revealed.
The airport, owned by BAA, had three million passengers in 2009, a 9.4% drop from the year before
Scanners to be installed at Aberdeen Airport January 6 2010
Scanners are to be introduced at Aberdeen Airport.
Each machine scans three or four people a minute and security delays are expected to lengthen as a result.
However, Aberdeen-based terrorism expert David Capatanchik believes passengers will be more concerned with personal safety.
He said: “I know sometimes people complain how long they are waiting – but I think they will feel more secure with the new measures.
“I’m pleased to see Aberdeen being included.
“It is a busy airport, and with our links to the oil industry, there could be a threat to passengers.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the £100,000 body scanners needed to be installed to pick up explosive traces.
He said: “We have found there is a new form of explosive not being detected by ordinary machines.
“We have got to go further. Our first duty is to the security of the people of this country.”
A BAA spokeswoman said: “Now that the Government has given the go-ahead, we will introduce full body scanners as soon as practical.
“It is our view that a combination of technology, intelligence and passenger profiling will help build a more robust defence against the unpredictable and changing nature of the terrorist threat to aviation.”
Services cut at Aberdeen Airport December 29 2009
TWO more routes at beleaguered Aberdeen Airport are to be axed.
Loganair and Eastern Airways are scrapping flights to Cardiff and Oslo from the middle of January.
The two airlines yesterday blamed market forces, saying the services – both less than a year old – were not being used by enough passengers.
The move could hardly have come at a worse time for Aberdeen Airport, which was hit hard by the loss of international routes after the recent collapse of low-cost operator Flyglobespan.
Loganair’s Cardiff service, operated on behalf of Flybe under a franchise deal, and Eastern’s flights to Oslo were aimed mainly at business passengers.
North-east business leaders were disappointed, but not surprised given the economic climate, to hear of further services being pulled.
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Bob Collier said: “While all predictions are that we are moving out of recession, we will continue to feel its effects for some time.
“One of the consequences is that we have not been able to reap the benefits we should be enjoying as a result of the recent major investment at Aberdeen Airport.”
Mr Collier said company cutbacks on business travel meant services were being lost at a time when “we should be seeing a greater choice of routes from the north-east”. He added: “We’ll continue to support the airport in encouraging the route development.”
Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future chairman Tom Smith said: “These announcements by Loganair and Eastern are very disappointing. Connections to other parts of the UK and Norway are vital to making Aberdeen city and shire an attractive place in which to work and invest.
“We will continue to work with the airport and airline operators to ensure that these services can be resumed or reconsidered as the economy recovers.”
Scottish Council Development and Industry north-east manager Ian Armstrong said it was unfortunate, but understandable, in light of the commercial environment facing airlines.
It is just over four months since Paisley-based Loganair hailed its fledgling Aberdeen-Cardiff route as a success – with total passenger numbers on the service, which ran six days a week, growing to nearly 1,000 in July alone.
Demand for the flights was said to have grown month-on-month.
A spokesman for the airline yesterday said: “After a promising start, passenger numbers on our Aberdeen-Cardiff route have not grown in line with our expectations. As a result, we are stopping this service on January 11.”
Eastern launched its Oslo flights in January, but the service was reduced from six to three days a week in November. An Eastern spokesman said: “We have taken a tough decision to suspend the service from January 18.”
An Aberdeen Airport spokeswoman said: “We are hopeful that these are not routes which are gone forever – they may be picked up again in future by the same or another carrier.
“While a small number of services are suffering from a reduction in demand, many of the routes out of the north-east are going from strength to strength.”
Eastern said it was increasing its flights from Aberdeen to Newcastle from four to five flights each weekday from January 11, while an earlier daily weekday departure to Bergen will operate via Stavanger from January 18.
Meanwhile, charter operators are putting on new or extra flights to some of the destinations previously served by Flyglobespan.
Bad weather hits Aberdeen Airport December 22 2009
Grampian Police said heavy snow had been causing "mayhem" on the roads in Aberdeen, with a number of lorries getting stuck in snow on the A90.
The airfield at Aberdeen Airport closed twice, due to "persistent and heavy snowfalls", to allow clearing work.
The Met Office issued a flash warning of heavy snow for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Lothian and Borders, Strathclyde and Dumfries and Galloway.
More bad news for passengers at Aberdeen Airport December 17 2009
Thousands of airline passengers are facing travel chaos after Scotland’s largest airline, Flyglobespan, confirmed it was going into administration, with the loss of 800 jobs.
Flights were cancelled and holiday plans abandoned after accountants PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) assumed control of Globespan Group, the budget carrier’s owners. All flights ceased with immediate effect.
Some 5000 customers due to fly with the airline were advised to contact a helpline set up by administrators, which will open at 10am today.
Any passengers due to travel today were being urged not turn up at the airport “as there is no prospect of their planned flight taking place”.
Flyglobespan operated flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports to destinations in Europe, Egypt and North America. Routes from Belfast and Cardiff airports have also been cancelled.
There were four flights due to depart from Glasgow today and two from Edinburgh. A weekly flight to Tenerife was also due to take off from Aberdeen airport tomorrow, but will no longer take place.
The Civil Aviation Authority will be responsible for the repatriation of those who have booked flights as part of a Globespan package holiday, while passengers who booked through a travel agent should be protected under the Atol scheme. Airport staff and other airlines were assisting stranded passengers last night.
Meanwhile, the administrators confirmed that the majority of the workforce would be made redundant, with only a minimal number retained to help wind down the company.
The fall of Flyglobespan adds to the chaos after British Airways staff voted to strike over Christmas in a row over new conditions and job losses.
Bruce Cartwright, of PWC, said: “We are acutely aware of the distress this situation will cause those travellers who are currently abroad, as well as the impact on those holidaymakers who have booked travel for later this year or 2010.”
A decision in the legal action brought by BA in a bid to prevent the crippling strikes is expected to be given by a High Court judge later today.
Rival airline Ryanair has stepped in to offer an £89 “rescue fare” to Edinburgh and Glasgow for passengers left stranded by Globespan’s collapse.
Linda Blackley, 32, from Troon, had been due to fly home for Christmas from Gran Canaria with Globespan but has now rebooked with Ryanair.
She said: “The service was always top-notch. My gran, who’s 82, flies with them, and my parents. You’re like sardines on some other companies. Much as I respect Ryanair for getting cheap flights, they don’t breed so much loyalty.”
The failure of the no-frills carrier, set up in 2002 amid a boom in demand for cheap flights, follows days of mounting speculation about the financial stability of the Edinburgh-based travel firm.
On Monday, chairman Tom Dalrymple claimed the firm had secured investment that would allow it to “continue to prosper and grow”.
It is the latest in a string of budget airlines to go bust during the past 18 months, including Zoom and XL, and comes amid looming strikes by BA cabin crew and a series of 48-hour walk-outs by check-in staff and baggage handlers at Aberdeen and Heathrow airports.
Aberdeen Airport hit by BA Strike December 17 2009
MORE than a million passengers face Christmas travel misery after British Airways cabin crew announced 12 days of strikes.
In a bitter row over jobs, pay and working conditions the union Unite stunned the airline by announcing a series of walkouts
The strikes will run from December 22 to January 2 following a 9-1 vote in favour of industrial action.
The airline operates flights between Aberdeen Airport and Heathrow – the only service to and from the Aberdeen airport provided by the carrier.
Up to 180 flights are scheduled between Aberdeen and London over the 12-day period to be affected by BA cabin crew strikes.
A BA spokesman insisted it was too early to say how many Aberdeen/Heathrow services could be disrupted or cancelled as the company was “working on contingency plans”.
Len McCluskey, Unite’s assistant general secretary, said he hoped the size of the vote would force BA to reopen negotiations.
“We have taken this decision to disrupt passengers with a heavy heart and we are hoping that the company can still avoid it happening.
The strike by BA cabin crew will ground hundreds of flights and cost BA millions of pounds on top of its current losses of around £1.5 million a day.
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh called the strike “senseless”. He said: “Unite must understand that there can be no return to the old, inefficient ways if we want to ensure long-term survival.”
Aberdeen Airport Protestors in Court November 16 2009
Nine people who allegedly forced Aberdeen Airport to close down during a protest have appeared in court.
Five men and four women were detained following an incident at the airport in March 2009.
The nine - from areas such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ballater - are alleged to have destroyed property and put the public in a state of fear and alarm.
They denied the charges when they appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, and are due to appear for trial next year.
Advice to Aberdeen Airport passengers October 9 2009
HOLIDAYMAKERS at Aberdeen Airport were urged not to line the pockets of human traffickers, gun runners and drug dealers by buying fake goods on their trips abroad.
Officers from the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) visited the north-east gateway to warn air travellers of the consequences of buying counterfeit products while on holiday, and highlighted the industry’s links to organised crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Ronnie Megaughin, deputy head of interventions at the SCDEA, said many passengers were shocked money spent on counterfeit goods could be traced back to human trafficking, guns and drugs.
He said: “People need to be aware the trade in fake goods is not a victimless crime, it is linked to a bigger and more serious picture.
“Whether you are buying fake goods at home or abroad, you can be sure your money is lining the pockets of organised criminals.”
Counterfeit products including DVDs, football shirts, handbags and electrical items were on display at the SCDEA’s stand at the airport, and DCI Megaughin said some people who visited the stand said the fakes were very similar to the originals.
He said: “A luxury brand would not sell their products through street vendors, market stalls or discount stores.”
New Aberdeen Airport Car Park opens October 7 2009
THE new £5 million Aberdeen Airport car park has been officially opened.
The priority parking area at the Dyce air base has been completed marking the final stage of the project.
An extra 500 spaces have been provided at Aberdeen Airport’s multi-storey short-stay car park since September taking the number of parking bays to 1,244.
And the new priority parking at Dyce marks the completion of the scheme, which is part of a £16 million investment at the Aberdeen Airport campus.
Aberdeen Airport managing director Kevin Brown, pictured, was joined by representatives from car park contractor Goldbeck Construction for the completion ceremony at the Dyce airport.
Mr Brown said “This is one of our most prominent projects of the year so far.
“We have spent our money on things that passengers tell us they want. The concept of the parking deck came from customer feedback.”
The Aberdeen Airport boss added: “For us, keeping customer standards high is of the utmost importance.”
Call for Runway extension at Aberdeen Airport October 6 2009
Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North has today written to BAA Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, asking him to reinvest any money made from the sale of either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, in Scotland, and use the cash to bring the forward the extension of Aberdeen Airport runway.
A Competition Commission report earlier this year ordered BAA to sell either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport, which could raise hundreds of millions of pounds for the company.
Aberdeen Airport, which is in Mr Adam’s constituency, has permission to lengthen the runway by 300 metres. A longer runway would allow larger and more fuel efficient aircraft to use the airport as well as opening up the opportunity for new routes to Aberdeen.
An early implementation of the plan would give a boost to local jobs and business during this recession, and would help Aberdeen secure its place as a leading conference venue, following the success of Offshore Europe this month.
Mr Adam said:
“BAA is set to make hundreds of millions from their sale of either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport, and I believe this money should be reinvested back into their Scottish Airports, creating a better service for tourists and businesses.
“Upgrading and expanding their services in Aberdeen and other airports will allow Scotland to have more direct flights to cities around the world, cutting down the need to fly to airport hubs down south, and reducing carbon emissions.
“In Aberdeen we have a popular plan which was approved over two years ago to extend the runway by 300 metres. This would allow larger planes to land at Aberdeen and open up the potential for more long haul direct routes to the city. BAA should use their profit from the Airport sale to give an early go-ahead to the lengthening of the runway.
Mr Adam continued:
"Aberdeen has been used as a cash cow for BAA for too long, they have recently been starting to invest back into the Airport, but they must now up this rate and bring forward the runway extension.”
Ends
Notes
1. Mr Adam's letter to BAA Chief Executive
Dear Mr Matthews
Re: Investment in Scottish Airports
I write regarding BAA’s investment in Scottish Airports, and specifically Aberdeen Airport which is in my constituency.
With the Competition Commission requiring BAA to sell either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, your company will receive hundreds of millions which could be reinvested in improving your other airports in Scotland.
It would like you to bring forward the investment in the Airport and the plans for its expansion such as the longer runway.
This would give a huge boost to the local economy, as larger and more fuel efficient planes would be able to land. It would benefit Grampians significant tourist industry and allow greater business links which would help both local and international businesses in Aberdeen, many of whom are global players in the Oil and Gas industry.
Aberdeen Airport for a long time has generated profits which you have invested elsewhere in your business; it is now time that Aberdeen Airport was paid back and benefited from your profits elsewhere.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Brian Adam MSP
Aberdeen North
Burning toast sets off alarm at Aberdeen Airport September 17 2009
The Aberdeen Evening Express carries this story:
"MORE than 1,000 people were forced to flee Aberdeen Airport because of a burned slice of toast.
Travellers were sent out into the car park after fire sirens sounded at Aberdeen Airport.
And passengers on board a flight from Aberdeen Airport to Manchester were also held up after the aircraft was forced to sit on the runway due to the fire alarm.
But the Aberdeen Airport emergency was cancelled after a red-faced member of staff revealed the breakfast blunder.
Passengers, staff and families waiting to meet loved ones were evacuated when the fire alarm was raised at Aberdeen Airport.
Firefighters arrived at Aberdeen Airport six minutes after the fire alert.
But it was understood a member of staff – who does not work for BAA – came forward immediately and admitted burning toast had set off the Aberdeen Airport fire alarm.
The toaster was inside a staff room, away from members of the public.
An Aberdeen Airport spokeswoman today said: “We would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience and there were some delays to travel plans.
“But when there is a fire alarm we simply have to evacuate the terminal as the safety of the public is our top priority.”
Hundreds of passengers who had already passed through the security area had to be re-processed, leading to lengthy queues.
But airport staff pitched in by helping to load passengers’ personal items into x-ray machines, speeding up the process.""
Passengers numbers at Aberdeen Airport decline September 10 2009
Aberdeen Airport recorded a 9.8% drop in passengers with the airport handling nearly 270,000 travellers last month.
Large Investment near Aberdeen Airport September 8 2009
The Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF) has linked up with energy industry groups and private investors to develop the Energetica project – a 30-mile business and lifestyle corridor designed to give the Scottish oil capital ‘global energy hub’ status.
The partnership moving the £1.75 billion project forward includes Oil & Gas UK, the Oil & Gas Academy and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group.
“Aberdeen is recognised as the oil capital of Europe but as the energy industry evolves to meet the challenges of long-term sustainability, it is vital that the region repositions itself as a global energy hub,” said ACSEF chairman Tom Smith.
The estimated 15-year project will focus on bringing new energy companies and their employment base to the stretch of land between Aberdeen Airport and the Bridge of Don to Peterhead.
The partnership has a workshop scheduled with a new group of developers to seek new investment for the project.
A project steering group is expected to be formed in the next two weeks to guide the corridor as it matures.
Short term Car Park at Aberdeen Airport open. August 31 2009
The new £5 million short term car park at Aberdeen Airport officially opened today. Aimed at the "kiss and fly" drop off passengers, the car park has 500 places.
For medium and long term aberdeen airport parking, check out our offers. Best prices are guaranteed.
Aberdeen Airport shop owner supports protestors August 17 2009
"A FIRM that owns one of Aberdeen’s most colourful shops, today admitted backing green protesters who brought Aberdeen Airport to a standstill.
The Evening Express can reveal the cosmetics giant Lush has given cash to Plane Stupid, which is also opposing Donald Trump’s £1 billion golf resort at Balmedie.
Nine protesters were arrested after a demonstration that saw 19 flights cancelled and cost Aberdeen Airport and operators an estimated £1 million.
Lush owner Mark Constantine, 57, has donated more than £500,000 to radical green and humanitarian activists.
This included paying the legal costs incurred by Plane Stupid after its members camped on a runway at Stansted in December last year, effectively shutting down the airport.
Lush campaign manager Andrew Butler said the firm was opposed to “unchecked aviation expansion” – but admitted flying staff overseas.
Mr Butler said no money went directly to the Aberdeen protest but did not rule out Lush backing Plane Stupid again.
He said: “We have supported them in the past and may do so in the future.”
Mr Butler said that “unchecked” airport expansion was not compatible with promises to cut aviation emissions.
Mr Butler said that when Lush flew people overseas for meetings it paid its own “internal carbon tax”.
However, he did not accept bringing golfers to the North-east was a “necessity”.
He said: “Using soap and shampoo is a great deal more a part of our lives than playing 18 holes of golf.”"
Thanks to the Aberdeen Evening Express for the story.
Unions take a stand at Aberdeen Airport August 5 2009
Union leaders are urging offshore workers to stand up for their rights as oil firms cut budgets in the face of the economic downturn. The RMT/OILC union is manning a stand at Aberdeen Airport to offer support to those concerned about their jobs.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow launched the stand. He said: "We are upping our game in an effort to assist workers through these difficult times. Aberdeen Airport has the biggest throughput of offshore workers in the UK and that's why we chose it as a location to kick off this campaign."
The union says many offshore firms are announcing cost cutting measures in response to the effects of significant reductions in investment brought about by the banking crisis and volatile oil prices. Project delays, restructuring and cuts to maintenance budgets all add up to extra pressure on staff, the RMT claim.
"We are being inundated with concerns bout wage cuts and redundancies and how these cuts may impact on health and safety," said Jake Molloy, RMT Regional Organiser.
He added: "While we will be using this exercise to provide information and support to workers, we will also be taking time to gather information about the effect of the cost cutting."
Aberdeen Airport celebrates 75th Birthday July 28 2009
More than 2,500 people who work across Scotland's third biggest airport are celebrating today (Tuesday 28th July) as the Dyce terminal marks its 75th birthday.
The airport officially opened on the 28th July 1934 and since then has been through many guises, from a World War II Air Force base to its current position as a lifeline service for the oil and gas industry, business and tourism across the North-east.
Aberdeen Airport's story began on a much smaller scale, with the operation based in the original terminal on the east side of the runway. The current terminal building was opened just over 30 years ago - as the North Sea oil and gas boom saw a dramatic increase in the airport's fortunes. Now around 500,000 people are transported on and offshore each year from Dyce, and more than three million people pass through the terminal annually.
Airport Managing Director Kevin Brown said “It is fascinating to look back over the long history of this airport, and I am proud that we have all played our part. I am also proud of the role being undertaken by the current team in shaping the airport's future.”
Ken Massie, the VisitScotland Regional Director, said: "We are delighted to be part of the 75th birthday celebration for Aberdeen Airport. The airport is a key hub for bringing in UK and international visitors for both leisure and business tourism, which are vital contributors to the local economy. As the airport continues to attract new international and domestic routes and increasing numbers of flights, opportunities are there to attract new visitors and also encourage those who have been to come back and experience more of what Aberdeen City and Shire has to offer.”
Bob Collier, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said “The airport is a pivotal part of the infrastructure of the North of Scotland and it has grown, especially over the past four decades, alongside our oil and gas industry. The challenge which it faces now is to continue to expand to meet the needs of one of Scotland's truly global industries. It has been really encouraging therefore - and very welcome by business - to see the record levels of investment which are bringing about the much needed improvements.”
Rita Stephen, who is Development Manager with ACSEF said “Aberdeen Airport is a major contributor to the economy of the North East of Scotland, an economy which is very dependent on international business, particularly in food and drink exports and the oil and gas industry. The globalisation of oil and gas means that a successful and expanding airport is absolutely essential not only for Aberdeen City and Shire but also for the UK generally. The investment in Aberdeen Airport, particularly over the past ten years, has made Aberdeen City and Shire more accessible for both leisure and business travellers. “Aberdeen Airport works pro-actively with ACSEF to expand business activity locally, nationally and internationally. We look forward to the next 75 years of continued expansion and prosperity for this vital link in the connectivity and therefore economic development of our region.”
Graeme Ross, Eastern Airways' Scotland director, said: “We would like to congratulate Aberdeen Airport on reaching a truly magnificent milestone. Aberdeen Airport has played a hugely significant part developing its facilities into a first class hub for the energy sector, enabling airlines like ourselves to build a comprehensive network over the last decade. Our relationship with the airport has been key in helping to attract new destinations and increase connectivity to benefit the regional economy.”
Stewart Adams MD bmi Regional said: “bmi has enjoyed a long and positive relationship with Aberdeen Airport and today operates to six destinations from Aberdeen including Esbjerg, Groningen, Manchester and Norwich, also flying to London Heathrow and beyond to a variety of destinations within Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. The only carrier with it's headquarters in Aberdeen as well as being the UK's most punctual airline, bmi Regional continues to grow and in March this year launched the Aberdeen to Birmingham route. We are proud of our ongoing relationship with the city of Aberdeen and its airport - and look forward to maintaining and growing this positive collaboration in the future.
The airport is not resting on its laurels at this milestone anniversary either as Kevin Brown explained “There is a lot of work going on just now, with our new parking deck close to completion, the start of an investment in international arrivals well underway, and major works continuing to re-surface our runway.
“Just a few years ago a study was carried out by the Fraser of Allander Institute, which concluded that the airport contributes around £500 million a year to the Scottish economy. Approximately 2,500 people are employed across the campus by a whole range of companies and more than three million passengers a year pass through the terminal annually. It is their future that we are investing in.”
Source : BAA Aberdeen
Aberdeen's former Open champion Paul Lawrie has got the ball rolling for the city's European Golf and Leisure Show - by teeing off on an airport runway.
"The major show will take place at the Aberdeen and Exhibition Centre in February next year.
Some of the leading manufacturers are expected to feature, as are football, rugby, cycling, snooker, mountain biking and snow sports.
Lawrie teed off at Aberdeen Airport to launch the sales drive.
He famously won the Open at Carnoustie in 1999"
Thanks to the BBC for the story.
Pilots call for action over ‘laser louts’
Published: 08/07/2009
BRITISH pilots have hit out at the number of laser beams being shone into cockpits.
The move comes after the number of laser pen incidents in the UK rose from just three in 2003, to 206 last year.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) warned the dangerous laser pens can cost less than £10 and are available from websites and some corner shops.
Now the pilots’ association has written to the Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis in a bid to end the laser pen problem.
BALPA secretary Jim McAuslan said: “Passenger lives are being put at risk every week now.”
So far this year, seven laser pen incidents have been recorded at Edinburgh, five at Glasgow and two at Aberdeen.
In January, pilots of two flights into Aberdeen Airport were distracted by a green laser light.
The lasers were fired at the planes – heading into Aberdeen Airport from East Midlands and Teesside – from the Northfield or Mastrick areas of Aberdeen. Both aircraft landed safely at Aberdeen Airport.
Now BALPA has called for talks between industry bosses, the police and the courts to discuss how to restrict sales and about the possibility of tougher penalties.
An Aberdeen Airport spokeswoman said: “We work on a range of safety regulations and we absolutely support any work they do to crack down on this problem.
“Shining a laser into the eyes of anyone – whether they are driving a car or flying a plane – is extremely dangerous.”
We agree entirely, and thank Alan Majury of the Aberdeen Evening Express for the story.
Aberdeen passenger numbers fall
BAA, the owner of Aberdeen airport, has announced a drop in the number of passengers using the Airport in June 2009. Numbers were 9.8% down on the same period last year.
New Aberdeen Airport Car Parking
There was an air of celebration at Aberdeen Airport this week, as the terminal’s new parking deck reached its highest point.
The ‘topping out’ ceremony was performed by Airport Managing Director Kevin Brown and Stefan Staack, the project manager for contractors Goldbeck.
The £5 million construction is due to open in early September offering 500 additional short stay spaces over two extra floors in front of the terminal building.
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