DestINNation (Oktober 2023) ENG

3 x Across the Pond Winter Trips to New York, Las Vegas and L.A.

ALSO

Greece

Mediterranean Dream Holidays for Every Taste

destINNation

AUTUMN/WINTER 2023/24

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Contents

AU T U M N/ W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 / 2 4

Dear Readers,

DESTINATIONS

Reykjavík

Gothenburg Stockholm Manchester

Helsinki

Edinburgh

Newcastle Billund Copenhagen

Dublin Rotterdam

Birmingham

Eindhoven Bristol

Hamburg Berlin Frankfurt

London Antwerp

Brussels

Paris Vienna

New York

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T R AV E L W I T H A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

Rhomberg Reisen Las Vegas

The days are growing shorter and colder, so it’s high time to look into a winter vacation or plan ahead for the summer holidays. You will find a few ideas to inspire you in this issue’s pages. We hope you enjoy reading our magazine!

Sincerely, The team at Innsbruck Airport

p. 26

JOB PROFILE

From check-in to take-off: seasonal workers at the airport

Los Angeles

p. 10

SUMMER, SUN, GREECE!

The most gorgeous spots on the Mediterranean

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Crete GREECE

p. 20 3 x USA Wintering across the pond

p. 30 BACK THEN

ÖLAG and Innsbruck Airport

Dream island Imprint — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck Production: TARGET GROUP Publishing GmbH Editorial team: Daniel Feichtner, Barbara Kluibenschädl, Tanja Chraust Graphics: Katharina Angerer Photos, unless specified otherwise: Shutterstock.com Print: Intergraphik GmbH, Innsbruck — Information disclosure in accordance with § 25 MedienG can be found at www.innsbruck-airport.com/impressum.

p. 32

B E P R E PA R E D

An interview with airport fire brigade commander Thomas Reiner

EN An English version of destINNation is available online!

Acropolis All in White GREECE In early 2021, the ‘Medea’ cold front produced an unusual spectacle in Athens, covering both the Greek capital and the Acropolis in a thick blanket of snow. This didn’t quite catapult Greece onto the list of classic winter destinations – but you never know what the future may hold.

1 x per week from Innsbruck to Athens on Aegean Air (Winter 23/24, Fridays)

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Ready for Winter

The delights of anticipation: NEW destination for summer 2024: Karpathos (Greece) – every Tuesday from Innsbruck.

SHORTCUTS

© Shutterstock.com, hs, Swarovski Kristallwelten / David Schreyer

Northwards

KXXX

It has been almost forty years since the last direct flight to Reykjavík took off from Innsbruck. Last offered from 1982 to 1985, this flight connection is due for a revival! From January 27 to March 2, 2024, Iceland Air will be flying to Keflavík airport. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to experience a bit of “pure winter”.

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More is More

Eurowings and Innsbruck Airport have been working together wonderfully for quite some time. This winter, the airline is expanding its flight roster and adding extra flights to two destinations.

HAMBURG Harbour & city

From December 20, 2023, to March 31, 2024, there will be four flights per week to Hamburg. We will be adding a Wednesday flight to the existing connections on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to the Free and Hanseatic City.

BERLIN Capital times

This winter, there will be two flights per week to Berlin. Whether you want shopping, culture, a long weekend of clubbing or just a bit of big-city atmosphere, from December 23 to March 9, Eurowings will fly you to the German capital and back every Wednesday and Saturday.

Staycation

SPARKLE AND SPOOK Get ready for some eerie excitement this autumn as Swarovski Crystal Worlds celebrate Halloween: From October 26 to November 5, 2023, “Rendezvous of Masks” has the perfect blend of sparkle and spook. Journey round the world and learn fascinating facts about Halloween traditions on the scavenger hunt. Kids can decorate their own masks at the Crystal Studio or join the masked ball in the Playtower.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WORLDS

Find the programme and more at: kristallwelten.com/halloween

Varied Winter Flights from Innsbruck Starting a journey from Innsbruck Airport is the best way to guarantee shorter travel time and personal service, no matter whether you’re travelling alone, with friends or as a family. Innsbruck Airport is easy and convenient to reach and offers all the comforts and amenities you could wish for.

Fo llo w us on Yo u’ ll fi nd so ci al m ed ia : , us on Fa ce bo ok or m In stag ra Li nked In .

TYROL BUSINESS LOUNGE

www.innsbruck-airport.com 9

© Shutterstock.com, Peter Norz

W

inter 2023/24 is the ideal time to discover the multi-faceted beauties of Europe. Innsbruck offers flights to Antwerp, Amsterdam, Birmingham, Bristol, Brussels, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Paris, Rotterdam, Stockholm or Vienna.

Thanks to additional flight connections, city trips to some of these destinations are now even easier. This includes Hamburg (four weekly fights on Eurowings), Berlin (two weekly flights on Eurowings) and Gatwick (new flights on British Airways).

Moreover, we have some completely new routes on our roster this winter season: We now offer weekly flights to Athens (on Aegean Air) and Reykjavík (Icelandair).

New York, Thailand, South Africa If you want to travel further afield, yearround flights from Innsbruck Airport to international hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London or Vienna make

connecting to onward flights a breeze. And when you’re returning from a trip, especially a long one, landing (close to home) in Innsbruck is particularly pleasant.

Worth a visit: the Tyrol Business Lounge We highly recommend stopping in at the Tyrol Business Lounge before your flight – it is a wonderful place to “breathe freely and relax”. Its atmosphere is both inviting and restful, and makes you feel like you’ve arrived before you even leave.

Admission to the lounge includes a buffet featuring various snacks and delicacies, a large selection of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, various newspapers and magazines for you to peruse and free WiFi – all in an oasis of calm.

You will find the lounge past security check by Gate 11/12 on level 1.

Open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission fees apply.

You’ll find everything else about Innsbruck Airport at www.innsbruck-airport.com

If the Tyrol Business Lounge had a motto, it would be “breathe freely and relax”.

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Summer, Sun, Greece The most beautiful spots in Greece are just a hop, skip and a jump from Innsbruck: Get in, lean back, relax, and let the plane whisk you away to some of the most magical beaches in the Mediterranean – in just a two-hour flight.

With Four Seasons airport taxis, the R&R can start right at your own doorstep.

Lefkas

GREECE

Sun-worshippers will find their bliss between the cliffs and the ocean at Katsiki Beach.

Chalkidiki ONE PENINSULA WITH THREE FACETS

Sleepy villages, secluded beaches, multifaceted nature – these are just some of the features that define Lesbos, the birthplace of Ouzo. Discover the island’s beautiful and varied landscapes, including the petrified forest and hot springs.

Visitors are welcomed everywhere with warm hospitality, making this rustic island the perfect destination for all those who love Greece.

The peninsula’s three long ‘fingers’ are like three very dissimilar siblings. Kassandra to the west is the most cosmopolitan: With plenty of festivals, music, and culture, it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life.

Sithonia in the middle is the wild child of the trio: Here, nature reigns supreme.

The beautiful forests and natural landscapes are a paradise for hikers, and the peninsula’s waters are especially great for divers and snorkelers. Athos to the east is the secretive, ascetic sibling that has renounced all things worldly – and it is also mostly inaccessible to visitors.

TIP

TIP

Visit the small town of Molyvos in the north and enjoy the many restaurants and small shops dotted around the harbour.

If you are holidaying in Kassandra, don’t forget to take a stroll through Afytos and soak in the gorgeous little town’s Mediterranean flair.

Lesbos GREEK ROOTS

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Epirus & Lefkas ADVENTURE AND RELAXATION

EPIRUS

Epirus, Greece’s north-westernmost region, is full of gorgeous coves, impressive natural landscapes and historical sites. The latter include the picturesque town of Parga and the 14th century fortress enthroned above it. The island of Lefkas (also called Lefkada) may be modest in size at just 354 square kilometres (137 mi2), but it is definitely worth a visit, not least for its traditional Ionian villages and the white sandy beaches that can make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.

TIP

Just off the small port town of Syvota you will find several small islands with beaches that can be explored by licensefree motorboat.

Epirus is home to impressive natural landscapes and historical sites.

Thassos AN ISLAND OF CONTRASTS Lush green vegetation and a rich flora and fauna have earned this mountainous island the nickname “The Emerald Island”. The coast features a string of coves with turquoise waters and shining white sands. Soak in the charms of the many rustic mountain villages of Aliki, a peninsula that is home to ancient marble quarries, fascinating archaeological sites and gorgeous beaches.

TIP

Visit the traditional mountain village of Panagia with its white buildings and narrow streets and be sure to sample local delicacies in one of the taverna (small traditional Greek restaurant).

Kalamata AS MULTIFACETED AS GREECE ITSELF Quaint, rustic fishing villages, rambling olive groves and picturesque coves with their beaches of sand or pebbles are waiting to be discovered in Kalamata. The region on the Peloponnese peninsula, with its varied natural landscapes, is also home to numerous cultural sites.

Small seaside towns like Finikounda and Methoni are wonderful for strolling and whiling away many a pleasant hour. And, at every turn, visitors will encounter the traditional hospitality for which Greece is so well known.

TIP

The beach at Voidokilia, with its crystalclear waters, impressive natural backdrop and unusual shape is a must on any trip to Kalamata.

AN DIE SCHÖNSTEN STRÄNDE DES MITTELMEERS

direkt ab/bis Innsbruck

Wöchentliche Flüge ab Mai nach Griechenland & Italien THASSOS CHALKIDIKI KALAMATA LEFKAS

NEU! 2024 Lesbos

Ideal beraten für einen sicheren Urlaub!

Gleich Termin vereinbaren oder telefonisch buchen!

05 77 10 idealtours.at ... und in Ihrem Reisebüro

EPIROS KEFALONIA LESBOS KALABRIEN

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Bálos Beach

CRETE

With its white sands and turquoise waters, the lagoon at Bálos in the north of Crete looks like it could be in the Caribbean.

www.innsbruck-airport.com 15

Pure Crete There’s no place like Crete for enjoying all the Mediterranean variety Greece has to offer. Greece’s largest island is a dream destination for those seeking rest and relaxation as well as travellers looking for activities and outdoor adventure.

E

ven those who have been to Crete countless times will always find that there is still something they have not yet discovered. The largest and southernmost of the Greek islands truly offers something for every taste and holiday style. Families and couples love the isle for its multifaceted landscapes, the carefree bathing experience on Caribbeanlike beaches, the eclectic culture and the famously warm-hearted Greek hospitality.

It is the ideal destination both for first-time visitors to Greece and for Crete afficionados who simply can’t get enough of this gem.

Caribbean flair in the Mediterranean There are more than 60 mountain peaks over 2000 metres (approx. 6,500 ft) high, over 50 deep canyons and gorges, and some 3,500 caves waiting to be explored.

Bálos Beach with its crescent of white sand and the turquoise lagoon behind it is unique in Europe and looks like it could be in the Caribbean. In the south of the

island, Preveli Beach is admired for its groves of palm trees.

Discover Greece at its best Numerous holiday towns and resorts are dotted along the coast. Culture and history lovers will find lots of destinations for excursions in the north, including the towns of Chiana, Rethymno and the capital Heraklion, as well as the nearby Palace of Knossos. To see the other side of Crete, head into the heartlands – on foot, by bike, by (rental) car or on a guided tour.

You will find plenty of places to sample local delicacies, monasteries to visit, and wine cellars and olive mills to discover.

The backcountry is also the best place to truly experience the island’s tranquillity: Oftentimes, the whisper of the wind and the tinkling of goats’ bells are the only sounds you will hear. The scent of wildflowers and herbs will put you in the mood to try the many Cretan specialties, such as wine and olives.

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C R E T E – S O WO R T H I T !

Easy to reach (2.5 h flight) Ideal for families, couples and solo travellers Year-round destination with some 300 days of sun per year Large hiking and biking trail network Must-sees: Bálos Beach, Samaria Gorge and Knossos Palace More information and booking available from quality travel agents or at www.tui.at/fluege/fluege-ab-innsbruck.

Spring and autumn are the best time for an active holiday in Crete.

Active holidays Spring and autumn are the best time for active holidaymakers to visit Crete.

Mild autumn temperatures allow for delightful walks, rambles and hikes of varying difficulty. From Samaria Gorge to the neolithic man-made caves at Matala, adventure-seekers will find exactly what they are looking for on their active holiday.

On the north coast, numerous hotels offer a large variety of water sports and activities including sailing, diving or water skiing. Cyclists also flock to Crete to explore the island via its wellorganised road network, and the north is especially great for e-bikes. Why not cycle through the Gorge of Myli, past forests of cypress and pine, to discover the many hidden villages?

Regeneration for all ages In the north of Crete, miles of gently sloping sandy beaches lined with a great selection of family-friendly hotels are a huge draw. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, the island is the ideal place for a relaxing seaside holiday from spring until late into the autumn. Lonely coves and crystal-clear waters will make a beach vacation in Crete an unforgettable experience for both the young and the young at heart. There is also lots of great kidfriendly hiking on the island, such as the hike to the palm forests at Preveli Beach.

© TUI

TUI KIDSCLUB FODELE BEACH

Premium Club Robinson Ierapetra on Crete’s south coast features a gorgeous ocean view and beach right outside your door.

www.innsbruck-airport.com 17

Sonnige Aussichten.

Jetzt TOP Angebote für den Sommer sichern.

MIT TUI DIREKT AB INNSBRUCK NACH GRIECHENLAND, SPANIEN UND ITALIEN. Buchung und Details auf www.tui.at und in Ihrem Reisebüro.

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Travel With a Clear Conscience

MARCO WOHLFAHRT

It all began with a coach to Corsica. Today, Rhomberg Reisen, a family-run travel company with a team of 35, offers holidays at eight destinations. And they take their responsibilities very seriously, both towards their clients and towards the places these travellers go.

Bus & plane The business model soon took off – in fact, it was so successful that the Corsica holiday soon became fixture in many clients’ summer plans. This is why, only three years later in 1962, the Müllers

Rhomberg Reisen began with bus tours to Corsica in the late 1950s …

took a leap and made their first large investment, buying one hectare (approx. 2.5 acres) of land not far from Calvi. This site would soon become the resort “Feriendorf zum störrischen Esel” (“The Stubborn Donkey Holiday Village”). “Rhomberg Reisen as we know it today began in 1965,” explains Wohlfahrt. Bus tours boomed well into the early 1980s. “1983 was the year we offered our first flight,” says Wohlfahrt. “As flight routes expanded, flying quickly began to replace the busses.” Rhomberg was soon offering charter flights from southern Germany, Austria and, of course, Innsbruck.

© Rhomberg Reisen GmbH

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hen Kurt and Grete Müller organised a bus trip from Dornbirn to the Corsican town of Calvi in 1959, this type of trip was far from common. “At the time, holidays to places that far away were really only doable by car,” recounts Marco Wohlfahrt. He is now general manager of the company whose foundations the Müllers laid over sixty years ago. “Back then, that route took two days and involved an overnight stay along the way. It was tiring, expensive and also very difficult to plan and organise.” It’s no wonder, then, that people jumped at the opportunity and that the fifty places on the organised tour were filled in no time.

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… today this responsible, sustainable tour operator offers holidays at eight different destinations.

Expanding Today, Rhomberg offers twelve full charter flights per week. The volume has long exceeded the capacity of the bungalows at The Stubborn Donkey, so Rhomberg now cooperates with over one hundred carefully selected hotel partners in Corsica alone. Popular destinations in their catalogue include Epirus, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Menorca, Madeira or Calabria. These days, Rhomberg also offers tours to two more unusual destinations: Iceland and Lapland. “We make it a point to try and move with the times,” explains Wohlfahrt, “and winter destinations in particular are an exciting addition to our programme.”

Conscientious Rhomberg has their finger on the pulse of the time in more ways than one. Travel and the travel industry in general are undergoing profound changes. “On the one hand, sustainability has recently become very important,” says Wohlfahrt.

“We’ve been on board with that since the very beginning, both in terms of environmental and social sustainability.”

The general manager and his team take care to choose airlines whose fleets contain the most modern aircraft that meet their space requirements. “A new plane that is filled to capacity is the most efficient and produces lower emissions.” You won’t find flights at dumping prices in their catalogue. “When the ticket costs less than taxes and airport fees, then there is something fishy

going on, and you have to consider who might be paying the true price.”

In addition, Rhomberg only works with hotels that the team have tested themselves. Their focus is not just on the guests’ comfort and wellbeing, but also on environmental friendliness and on how the hotel treats its staff. For several years, Rhomberg has been certified with the TourCert seal of approval. “This means we have an external assessor and objective guidelines to help us make our products responsible and sustainable.”

Trust On the other hand, the travel industry, like everything else, has been strongly impacted by the digital revolution.

Online platforms and portals that offer flights, accommodation and more have become a normal part of holiday planning. However, Rhomberg offers a quality of service that customers value. “We’re talking about a different clientele here. As a tour operator, we offer a complete package for which we hold ourselves accountable,” Wohlfahrt explains. “We are the ones who ensure quality, and we are the point of contact for any problems or requests. We do everything in our power to give our clients the most relaxed holiday possible and provide travel with a clear conscience. And, by the way, this year, after a long hiatus, we are once again offering trips from Innsbruck to Calvi.”

“As a tour operator, we offer a complete package for which we hold ourselves accountable.”

Marco Wohlfahrt, General Manager, Rhomberg Reisen

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Wintering Across the Pond USA several times a day

Wake up in the City That Never Sleeps, take in the glamourous lights of Sin City out in the desert, or stroll among stars and starlets in Tinseltown. All this and more can be yours this winter – starting with a flight from Innsbruck Airport, of course.

via Amsterdam Frankfurt, Lon don, Vienna

The Big Apple New York is many things to many people – the Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps – but it is, without a doubt, a metropolis that offers something to suit every taste.

Culture vultures can feast on the huge variety of museums: You’ll find everything from history to classical and modern art (plus everything in between) to an aircraft carrier (USS Intrepid) that is open to the public. For entertainment, there are Broadway musicals, the Metropolitan Opera, live concerts by stars from around the world – and that’s just the beginning!

If shopping is more your thing, then head for the

hectic hustle and bustle of Times Square, saunter past the windows of the luxurious designer stores on the Upper East Side, or pop into the many trendy shops in SoHo. Sightseers will love ambling through the ‘canyons’ between the skyscrapers as well as strolling through Central Park. A visit to Lady Liberty on Liberty Island is also a must. And if you find yourself here in winter, make sure to lace up your skates and glide out onto the ice at the famous Rink at Rockefeller Center.

City like no other No other city’s skyline can compare to the imposing skyscrapers and veritable canyons of New York.

Sin City Las Vegas is the USA’s number one tourist destination, and with its dry desert climate, it is also the perfect place to escape the winter chill, soak up some sun and have some adventures along the way. The adventure part is as easy as a stroll along the famous Las Vegas Strip. But coming to Vegas just to admire the glam and glitz from the outside would only be half the fun, so a visit to one of the many casinos should be a must on any

visitor’s list. The Bellagio, with its world-famous fountain, is a special highlight – whether you want to drop in for a quick cocktail, enjoy one of the many buffets or try your luck at the tables. Visitors to Vegas will also definitely want to take in at least one or two of the many shows on offer.

And when you need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, take a trip into breathtaking desert surrounding this metropolis.

CASINOS According to the Nevada Gaming Commission (status 2022) Las Vegas has 144 casinos. The majority can be found along the legendary Vegas Strip, on Boulder Strip, in the northern part of the city, or in the downtown area.

SANTA MONICA

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Most of L.A. is spread out between the beaches of Santa Monica and the famous Hollywood sign.

Tinseltown

Los Angeles is all about stars of the past, the present and the future.

Los Angeles is all about stars (and starlets) of the past, the present and the future, so you definitely won’t want to miss a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), a luxurious movie palace which once hosted the Academy Awards (Oscars). If you want to immerse yourself in the glamorous world of the movies, there is a sheer endless choice of guided tours on the history of Hollywood, the famous film

studios, the luxurious homes of the rich and famous, and much more. Another can’t-miss on any visit to the City of Angels is Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll find fun rides and a huge variety of street food. For a breather, try Runyon Canyon Park. Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, this local leisure and recreation area is a great place for a hike or a run. Celebrity sightings are not uncommon there, so who knows who you might meet if you’re lucky?

H E R Z D ER AL PE N

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Who flies the plane if the pilot has to use the toilet?

Luckily, there are always two pilots in the cockpit: the captain and the first officer, also known as the co-pilot. The captain steers the plane and keeps an eye on the autopilot system.

The co-pilot monitors the weather and fuel usage and handles radio communication.

If the captain needs the loo, the co-pilot takes over.

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ALPENZOO INNSBRUCK-TIROL 2 000 Alpentiere von 150 Arten

täglich ab 9 Uhr Foto: F. Schmidt

Weiherburggasse 37 / A-6020 Innsbruck Tel: +43/512-29 23 23 / office@alpenzoo.at www.alpenzoo.at Kombiticket: www.nordkette.com vergünstigtes Parken + Hungerburgbahn + Eintritt Alpenzoo

© F. Schmidt

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From Check-in to Take-off For Sebastian Bernardin and Eva Stramitzer working as seasonal employees at Innsbruck Airport provides more than just a touch of adventure. What makes their jobs special is the unique blend of working in a close-knit, family-like team in the middle of all the comings and goings that make an airport.

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or several years now, Sebastain Bernardin and Eva Stramitzer have been working as seasonal hires at Innsbruck Airport: Bernardin in baggage handling and Stramitzer in passenger services. Both natives of Vorarlberg (Austria’s westernmost province), their paths to the airport were similar: When they started out, both were looking for student jobs. Sebastian found his job through an ad on a notice board at the university. Eva was considering becoming a flight attendant at the time but was hesitant. “Cabin crew felt a bit too ambitious to me back then,” she recounts. She found her job on the airport’s website.

Allrounders Seasonal employees work in various areas of the airport, the two explain. This season, Sebastian Bernardin worked mostly at baggage check: “I’m the one who takes the suitcases and bags off the conveyor belt and sorts them for the plane,” he explains. He also helps load and unload baggage directly at the aircraft.

Eva Stramitzer also works at check-in, but in a different role. She mainly checks tickets, passports and other documents.

“On many days, I also handle boarding right at the gate,” she says. Every now and then, she also helps out at the service desk in the departures hall.

“I love the close-knit and family-like atmosphere.”

Sebastian Bernardin

About our interviewee Name: Sebastian Bernardin At the airport since: 2019 Job: seasonal worker in baggage handling Favourite destination from Innsbruck Airport: Heraklion (Greece)

Besides sorting luggage, Sebastian Bernardin’s tasks also include loading and unloading planes.

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About our interviewee Name: Eva Stramitzer At the airport since: 2015 Job: seasonal worker in passenger services Favourite destination from Innsbruck Airport: London

I M P O R TA N T S K I L L S S E A S O N A L WO R K E R S N E E D :

Ability to concentrate Attention to detail Resilience Language skills (multilingualism) Team spirit

Airport Action: Find out about job openings at the airport here.

In her position, attention to detail and unflagging concentration are key. “Each piece of luggage and every passenger has to make it onto the right flight,” Eva Stramitzer explains. Sebastian Bernardin agrees and adds that, in his position in baggage handling, physical strength and endurance are also important attributes.

However, it is the strenuous physical side of the job that he particularly likes: “My job provides a nice counterbalance to my very mentally taxing studies,” he says.

Every so often, there are also challenges at the airport that require quick thinking and independent problem solving. At the beginning, this can be difficult and taxing, both recount, but after more time spent on the job, you gain more experience and your ability to face challenges, think on your feet and take charge to solve any problem grows and expands.

Job with an expiration date Seasons vary in length, explains Eva Stramitzer. The winter season generally lasts from November to April, the summer season from May to October, with a

six-week break in between. Depending on their shift, work for these two begins at 5 a.m. “It depends a lot on the flight schedule,” explains Sebastian Bernardin.

“If there are no take-offs or landings, there’s not much sense in being on site.”

The longest shift goes until 8 p.m., but no shift is ever longer than ten hours. Both employees are especially happy about the airport’s flexible policy on hours and days. “For each season, you can choose how many hours you can or want to work. This is very handy, especially as a student,” says Bernardin.

When asked if they would ever want to work at another airport, both replied with a clear and resounding “no”.

“I really love the family-like atmosphere here, even though I don’t actually like that term,” Sebastian Bernardin says with a wry smile. Eva Stramitzer heartily agrees. “I love how everyone who works here know everyone. It makes the work so much easier when you know who will react how and who to turn to with what problem.” Moreover, both say that everyone knowing them even though they are only ‘seasonals’ makes them feel valued and appreciated.

Boarding Jetzt einsteigen - dein Job bei Securitas am Flughafen.

Sicherheitskontrolle (m/w/d) Innsbruck Airport

— € 500 Welcome-Bonus — attraktive Arbeitszeitmodelle mit flexiblem Schichtplan — kostenfreie Parkmöglichkeit für den privaten PKW — Lohnvorrückungen ab dem 2. Dienstjahr

jobs.securitas.at Einfach QR-Code scannen und bewerben

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ÖLAG and Innsbruck Airport

® Privatarchiv: T. Chraust, Innsbruck

® Archiv: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Innsbruck

TA N JA C H R AU S T

IMG. 1 All of ÖLAG’s Innsbruck routes used the single-engine Junker F13 aircraft (length: 17.75 m/58.2 ft; height: 4.1 m/13.5 ft; travel speed: 140 kph/87 mph)

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n the years following World War I, the terms of the peace treaty of SaintGermain-en-Laye (1919; aviation ban for Austria) and the economic conditions stymied the development of civilian aviation in Austria. It wasn’t until the restrictions were lifted in September of 1922 that it became possible to begin establishing civil aviation in the young republic. For this purpose, the ÖLAG (Österreichische Luftverkehrs A.G. or Austrian Aviation Company) was founded on February 18, 1923 (inaugural meeting).

By May 23, 1923, the company had taken up flight operations between Vienna and Munich. With a view to establishing an inland route network, ÖLAG began examining the possibilities for landing and take-off around Innsbruck in the spring of 1924. This task was given to Raoul

I MG . 2 The Junkers F13 above the grass runway of Innsbruck Airport (operations: spring to autumn, no night flights). In the background: the two hangars and the onestorey airport building.

Stoisavljevic, who was born in Innsbruck on July 29, 1887, and achieved fame as a pilot and flying ace in the AustroHungarian Imperial forces.

The Tyrolean provincial government had already taken the decision to establish a “Luftverkehrsstation” (air traffic station) in Innsbruck in late February of 1920, but their efforts had ground to a halt due to the difficulty of finding financing and a suitable location. Test flights at the originally designated site in Höttinger Au (west Innsbruck) failed due to the resistance of local landowners, so ÖLAG was forced to turn their sights toward a farming estate in Reichenau (east Innsbruck) that was owned by the city. When test flights there proved satisfactory, this gave a new boost to the endeavour. By June 1, 1925, all difficulties had been overcome

www.innsbruck-airport.com 31

Innsbruck was only served on the SalzburgInnsbruck route. The only addition came in 1937, when this route was expanded to include Linz. On March 17, 1938, mere days after the “Anschluss” (annexation), control of all Austrian airports was transferred to the German Reich, ending ÖLAG’s tenure at the helm of Innsbruck Airport (begun in 1929). Now under the control of the German Lufthansa AG, ÖLAG only briefly (July 1 to October 3, 1938) served the Tyrolean capital on the new Munich-Vienna-LinzSalzburg-Innsbruck route: On October 3, 1938, the last civil scheduled flight landed at this site. The official discontinuation of all ÖLAG flight operations on December 31, 1938, brought the era of ÖLAG at Innsbruck Airport to an end. This also heralded the beginning of the end for Innsbruck’s airport at Reichenau (established in 1925), which ultimately came in 1947.

® Privatarchiv: T. Chraust, Innsbruck

and the airport in Innsbruck Reichenau was officially established. A trial operation of the planned ÖLAG route between Vienna and Innsbruck was successfully completed the following year (November 1-20, 1926; financial aid provided by the Province of Tyrol and the City of Innsbruck). Thanks to this and to a guaranteed “flight kilometre” subsidy from the state, ÖLAG soon added the flight route Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck to its roster (flight time 3:15 hours vs. train time 10:35 hours; ticket price 95 Austrian Schillings). In the summer months, this route was extended to Konstanz (Germany), and later (1928/1929) to Zurich (Switzerland). However, the market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression soon left their mark: By the summer of 1930, Konstanz had been dropped from the flight route, and Zurich followed in 1931. To make up for this loss, in 1931 the newly established summer connection Innsbruck-SalzburgKlagenfurt was added to the existing Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck route.

However, the bleak economic conditions soon made further cost cutting necessary, and between 1932 and 1936

IMG. 3

® Privatarchiv: T. Chraust, Innsbruck

During the inter-war period the ÖLAG grew into the fourth-largest airline in Europe. Pictured: ÖLAG flight routes from 1929.

IMG. 4 The all-metal Junker F13 aircraft featured an enclosed cabin for four passengers, but the flight deck was open.

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Be Prepared Innsbruck Airport is one of the Tyrolean businesses that has its own dedicated internal fire brigade. Day and night, this group ensures fire safety both in the terminal and out on the airfield. We interviewed Thomas Reiner, Commander of the Innsbruck Airport fire department and also the new of Commander of Fire Services for the district of Innsbruck Land.

About our interviewee

What is special about Innsbruck Airport’s fire department?

Unlike the fire brigades at international mega airports, the one here is not staffed by full-time firefighters. Instead, the team is made up of employees from ground staff and workshop staff who have received special education and training

for this task. There are currently a total of 74 members of staff who have completed this training, and at any given time, there must be at least nine members of the fire brigade on duty. Another thing that sets Innsbruck’s airport fire brigade apart is that, due to being located so close to the river Inn, it must operate a rescue boat.

What sort of equipment and training does the airport fire brigade have?

In order to fulfil their duties in the service of everyone’s safety at the airport, the fire brigade is very well equipped and has seven emergency vehicles at their disposal. The two “Panther” fire engines – ARFF (aircraft rescue and firefighting) vehicles that are specially designed to fit the needs of Innsbruck Airport – are

© Anton Wegscheider, BTF Flughafen

Why does the airport have its own fire brigade?

To ensure safe operations in accordance with the Regulation on Civil Aviation Incident and Emergency Measures and with the provisions of the ICAO (International Civilian Aviation Organisation) all airports must have their own airport fire department. Inspections concerning this are conducted by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology.

Name: Thomas Reiner Lives in: Gries im Sellrain Position: Commander of the district fire service; fire marshal and rescue operations officer at Innsbruck Airport Firefighter since: 1980 At the airport since: 1992

www.innsbruck-airport.com 33

“The airport’s fire department team is made up of employees from ground staff and workshop staff.”

Thomas Reiner

unique in Tyrol. The team receive regular internal training in accordance with the Austrian training guidelines. There are also frequent education and training courses at the Provincial Firefighting School in Telfs or so-called “hot training” (using real heat, fire and smoke) at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. Our team members also regularly attend specialised training courses in Stuttgart and Frankfurt (Germany) or Teesside (United Kingdom). In an average year, our team members take part in 40 training courses and 80 drills. Every two years, we also hold a large-scale disaster drill right here at the airport in cooperation with various other emergency services.

As the new Fire Services Commander for the district of Innsbruck Land, what are your duties and responsibilities?

In my new post I oversee 74 fire departments with some 7,500 members, and I am responsible for some 183,000 inhabitants – round the clock. Since the airport borders right on the district, there are many points of contact. The skills and expertise I have been able to acquire over my many years of working at the airport are now serving me well – particularly team management and specialised knowledge in the field.

How does the Innsbruck Airport fire brigade keep itself ready at all times?

Per shift there are always at least nine designated team members on hand (one on-duty commander and eight firefighters). In an emergency, they man the vehicles and take over pre-defined roles, such as working while wearing a breathing apparatus. Those firefighters qualified to use self-contained breathing apparatus must have their fitness levels checked at regular intervals (depending on age) at the Institute for Occupational Health and Medicine.

FA C T S A B O U T T H E I N N S B R U C K AIRPORT FIRE BRIGADE

Number of missions: approx. 50 per year Members: 74 Vehicles: 7, plus a rescue boat Special apparatus: hydraulic rescue devices, special rescue devices for aircraft

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Gadgets in Our Baggage Laptops, tablets, phones and other electronic gizmos have become as ubiquitous in our luggage as toothbrushes. However, not every device or rechargeable battery is allowed everywhere on board, so a bit of thought and planning while packing is always a good idea.

www.innsbruck-airport.com 35

Rechargeable batteries – in phones, headphones, cameras or even in our (smart) luggage itself – are an integral part of our everyday lives at home and when we travel.

Most electronic devices are no problem on board an aircraft, but the rules can be complicated and may vary between airlines. To save yourself frantic re-packing at check-in, here are some basic rules to follow. However, when in doubt, ask the airline.

Capacity In general, batteries with a life of 100 watt-hours or less can be brought on board without declaration or pre-registration.

Since this applies to the majority of consumer products that contain rechargeable batteries, most passengers will have no problems with the devices they use on a daily basis. However, devices such as professional video cameras may use batteries with a higher capacity. If you want to transport these, they must be declared as dangerous goods in advance. Usually, a maximum of two such devices are allowed in checked baggage.

Integrated Most smartphones, tablets and laptops have non-removable (i.e. integrated) batteries. These types of devices can be taken on board in the cabin; some airlines also allow them in checked baggage. However, if you put them in your checked suitcase, they need to be secured so that they cannot turn themselves on in the hold.

In general, you are better off keeping them on your person or in your carry-on, as airport security can check them more quickly and easily this way.

Removable, external, spare External power sources such as exchangeable batteries or portable chargers (power banks) may only be transported in carry-on luggage, and they need to be packed in a way to prevent them from discharging or being damaged.

This means covering the metal terminals with a protective cap or taping over them to make sure they cannot short circuit.

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Exchangable and external power sources may only be transported in carry-on luggage.

Clever bags In recent year, so-called smart luggage has been gaining popularity on the market.

These suitcases and bags have built-in electronics that serve all sorts of purposes, from automatic locks to alarms to GPS tracking.

Before checking this type of bag, you must remove the battery; it can be transported in your carry-on.

Attention divers!

Scuba diving lights can be hazardous for two reasons: First, their rechargeable batteries can overheat if they are damaged or short-circuit. Second, many lamps that are meant to be used underwater get very hot when switched on in the air. If possible, batteries from these types of devices should be removed and transported separately in cabin baggage.

If they are not removeable, extra caution must be taken to ensure the lamp cannot be switched on accidentally.

Holy smokes!

E-cigs, vapes and other electronic smoking paraphernalia are a relatively new phenomenon. They must be transported in your carry-on baggage.

Re-fillable devices should be emptied before the flight to prevent any leaks. And, naturally, the devices may not be used during the flight.

Say something!

In general, modern rechargeable batteries are very safe so long as they are not damaged and don’t short circuit. However, should you ever notice a device overheating, beginning to smoke or actually catching fire during a flight, alert your cabin crew immediately! They are specially trained to handle the situation.

Also, if a tablet or phone should ever fall or slide into a gap (e.g. in your seat), inform cabin crew right away.

It is important that no part of the seat (seatback, armrest) be moved until the item has been retrieved, as this could cause damage to the device or its battery.

RAUM FÜR AUSTAUSCH. Congress Innsbruck ist ein Haus voller Kontraste, das neue Perspektiven eröffnet und zum Austausch inspiriert. Kongresse mit bis zu 2.500 Teilnehmer:innen finden hier genau jene Freiräume, nach denen Forschung und Wissenschaft verlangen und das inmitten der Universitäts- und Wissensstadt Innsbruck mit ihrem alpin-urbanen Flair.

ALPIN. URBAN. ZUKUNFTSORIENTIERT. cmi.at

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Passport, Please The passport is the most commonly used form of travel document. Most Europeans have one.

But did you know that ...

... Charles III. does not have a passport? In the United

Kingdom, passports are issued “in the name of His Majesty”. As sovereign, the king does not need to give himself permission to travel or issue himself a travel document.

... the World Service Authority, a non-profit organisation in the USA, issues global passports?

So far, however, only a handful of countries have recognised this document for visa-free entry.

... Finnish passports contain a hidden flip-book?

Use your thumb to flick through the booklet, and you can see a moose walking along the bottom right corner.

... the Nicaraguan passport is probably the hardest to counterfeit?

... Pharaoh Ramesses II has an Egyptian passport? However, it was

A total of 89 security features should make forgeries nearly impossible.

issued in 1974, 3,188 years after the pharaoh’s death, in order to allow his mummified remains to travel to France for restauration.

193 COUNTRIES

... passports are mentioned in the Bible? ... according to the Henley Passport Index, the Singaporean passport is considered the most powerful in the world? It grants bearers visa-free entry into

In the Old Testament the Persian King Artaxerxes I writes a document granting Nehemia safe passage to Judea.

193 of 227 countries and territories (85%). Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Spain and Sweden tie for second place at 190 points; Austria comes third (189 points) along with Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Data privacy statement: If you no longer want to receive destINNation airport magazine, you can cancel your subscription at any time without giving any reason. Please contact us by e-mail at marketing@innsbruck-airport.com.

You can find more information on privacy and data protection (in accordance with the EU’s GDPR) on our website at www.innsbruck-airport.com/de/datenschutz.

© Shutterstock.com / Mircea Rosca, Shutterstock.com

... if you put a Norwegian passport under a UV light, you can see the Northern Lights glow on its pages?

www.innsbruck-airport.com 39

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