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DESTINATIONS
Reykjavík
AUTUMN/WINTER 2024/2025
18
Karpathos
Amazing beaches, mountain villages and relaxation
p. 24
Travelling Light
p. 8
FRANKFURT IS BACK
Conveniently travel long distance from Innsbruck again
p. 12
MEDITERRANEAN DREAMS From Italy to Greece
How to save space in your carry-on luggage
Dear Readers, Winter is just around the corner, bringing its own frosty magic with it. Whether you long for sun and warmth or want to experience the season in all its glory, Innsbruck Airport offers the destination for you. From Madrid to Warsaw to Riga – there is something (and somewhere) for everyone. We wish you a wonderful winter and happy travels, and we hope you enjoy perusing our newest issue.
Imprint — Media owner, issuer and publisher: Tiroler Flughafenbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Fürstenweg 180, 6020 Innsbruck. Production: TARGET GROUP Publishing GmbH. Editorial team: Daniel Feichtner (senior editor), Barbara Kluibenschädl (senior editor), Michaela Ehammer, Wiebke Hammling, Markus Wechner, Haris Kovacevic. 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.
BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS AND THE
p. 28
TRACTOR MEETS PLANE
What farmers do at the airport
32
APPLE STRUDEL IN THE AIR
A crew and their favourite pastry
The Starclean team at Innsbruck Airport 16
p. 36
A TIDY AFFAIR
Winter Wonderland
Latvia
In the winter, Riga’s old town transforms into a magical wonderland of snowy cobblestone streets and Gothic spires reaching up into the frosty sky. The Christmas market on the cathedral square offers hot mulled wine, hand-crafted souvenirs and traditional food.
1 flight per week
Every Sunday morning there is one flight from Riga to Innsbruck and back.
Three Cities at Your Fingertips
Intrepid and determined city trippers will find that many destinations reachable from Innsbruck are both well worth a visit even in the winter months and easy to do as independent travellers. Here are three quick forays through Riga, Warsaw and Madrid.
SHORTCUTS
MAD
Many facets
If you are looking for a slightly different skiing experience, you will find it just a few miles from Madrid: Xanadú SnoZone is the country’s only indoor snow resort. Culinary adventures await at San Miguel market. First opened in 1916, this covered market near Plaza Mayor is considered the city’s gourmet temple: homemade ice cream, churros, traditional rice dishes such as paella or the huge varieties of tapas will warm the cockles of every gourmet’s heart.
MAD Colourful festivals
Christmas markets, the San Silvestre Vallecana New Year’s Eve run, the Three Kings Parade, the Chinese New Year’s Festival or Carnival including the Masquerade Ball – the winter months in Madrid are a treasure trove of parade pageantry and splendid spectacles. The Cabalgata de Reyes is an especially elaborate cavalcade featuring the Magi (Three Wise Men). The colourful hustle and bustle only comes to an end with the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, celebrated here with the Entierro de la Sardina (the burial of the sardine).
Pure excitement
WAW
LOFTY HEIGHTS
Want a bird’s eye view of Warsaw? You can get it from the Palace of Culture and Science, a 237-metre (778 ft) high-rise building in the city centre. You should have a good head for heights, though: The observation deck is on the 30th floor. For a skyline view that isn’t quite as high but no less beautiful, try the public roof gardens at the university library.
RIX LOCAL DELICACIES
Be sure to sample hearty home cooking, such as piragi and sklandrausis, or Riga Black Balsam, an herbal liqueur often considered Latvia’s national drink. The hip bar Ala Pagrabs is known for its historical wine cellar and superb Latvian pub grub. The central market is also well worth a visit: Located in old airship hangars, it offers a large selection of regional products and foods.
RIX
ICY ADVENTURES
RIX
Rich culture
Whether you’re most drawn to the Dairy, Glass, War or Doll Museum, the “Pearl of the Baltic” is known for its vibrant art and culture scene. History lovers and culture vultures will enjoy the Latvian National Museum, which offers insights into the country’s eventful history. The “Laima” Chocolate Museum is a feast for all the senses and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The city is just as exciting at night, especially at Riga’s Opera, which offers firstclass opera, ballet and theatre.
WAW
With the arrival of cold weather, the largest city in the Baltic states transforms into a true winter wonderland. The Daugava River often freezes over, attracting photographers and strollers. Locals and tourists alike love to glide across the skating rink in Esplanade Park – there’s a reason why ice hockey is Latvia’s national sport. For something with more adrenaline, why not try a husky sledging tour from Riga?
Living history
Praga, a district of Warsaw long dominated by labourers and tradespeople, is perhaps best known abroad as being the filming location for Steven Spielberg’s war drama “Schindler’s List”. Today, it is a popular hotspot for students and the burgeoning art scene. Must-sees for any street art fan include the Neon Museum, located on the premises of the old Soho factory. It is home to over 200 neon signs that tell of a bygone era in Polish history.
WARSAW
Frankfurt is Back
Travelling to distant destinations is once again more convenient from Innsbruck. With the start of the winter flight schedule, the capital of Tyrol will be re-connected to the international aviation hub in Frankfurt.
In late March, the flight route between Innsbruck and Frankfurt had to be discontinued due to unforeseen capacity bottlenecks at Lufthansa. Losing the link to this international aviation hub meant a major loss in flight volume and travel options for Innsbruck Airport. In summer, passengers’ only options to travel from Innsbruck out into the world were via Vienna and Amsterdam.
Between the bus and a solution
To compensate for the cancellation, Lufthansa set up four daily bus connections between Innsbruck and Munich starting in late March. While this was a welcome alternative for many, it was not a viable permanent solution for Airport Director Marco Pernetta. “Despite the bus option, we continued to work behind the scenes to bring back the Innsbruck-Frankfurt flight route,” he says.
Since October 27, Air Dolomiti has been offering flights between Innsbruck and Frankfurt.
From Innsbruck to Frankfurt to …
Istanbul
Bucharest Dubai
Ho Chi Minh City
FLIGHTS
OUTBOUND
Daily 18:35 Innsbruck 19:45 Frankfurt
Tue, Thu, Sat 10:40 Innsbruck 11:50 Frankfurt
INBOUND
Daily 16:50 Frankfurt 18:00 Innsbruck
Tue, Thu, Sat 08:55 Frankfurt 10:05 Innsbruck
The efforts paid off, and in May the airport was able to announce the reintroduction of the route. “Air Dolomiti will operate up to two flights per day between Innsbruck and Frankfurt on behalf of Lufthansa starting October 27, 2024,” Pernetta explains. This means that, for the 2024/25 winter season, Innsbruck will once again be connected to the international aviation hubs Vienna and Amsterdam as well as Frankfurt. Pernetta emphasises the importance of this connec-
one daily evening flight to and from Frankfurt. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there is an additional flight in the morning.
Tomorrow’s flights
Whether this connection will be maintained in summer 2005 is still uncertain. One positive indicator: Frankfurt airport seems to have overcome operational difficulties due to staff shortages. The close cooperation with Lufthansa is another hopeful sign. “In the past months we have been having very intense but constructive talks,” says the managing director of Innsbruck Airport. He hopes that this will continue in future.
Take the line to your hotel, the main station and the airport.
Monday - Friday until 7:20 pm every 15 minutes, after 7:40 pm every 30 minutes; On Saturday every 20 minutes between 8:03 am and 7:43 pm.
Before and after every 30 minutes. On Sundays and holidays every 30 minutes.
your ticket online or at the ticket machine
Hidden Treasures of the Mediterranean
A warm and gentle sea breeze on your skin, breathtaking landscapes and a view of crystal-clear waters: Discover the immaculate Mediterranean beauties of Greece and Italy that just a short flight from Innsbruck can reveal.
Kefalonia GREECE
With its turquoise waters and spectacular plays of light, Melissani cave is truly magical.
© Tom Pircher, Giorgio Filippini, Shutterstock.com
Lefkas
The Greek island paradise
The jewel in the Ionian Sea, connected to the mainland by a bridge, is famous for its breathtaking white beaches, which are considered among the most beautiful in all of Greece. Porto Katsiki beach, with its shining blue waters and white cliffs, is only one of many dream beaches in Lefkas.
Epirus
Nature and rich culture
The mountainous region in the north-west of Greece is an insider tip for anyone who wants to experience the original Greece. The area is known for its wild natural landscapes, deep gorges and clear streams. The colourful town of Parga is a magnet for holidaymakers and offers everything you need for a perfect stay: cafés, tavernas, bars, shops and a portside promenade that makes strolling a pleasure.
Lush green vegetation, picturesque coastlines and barren lunar-like landscapes reflect the diversity of Greece.
Kalamata
Culture and cuisine on the Peloponnese
Kalamata, capital of the Messenia region on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is far more than just the home of the world-famous Kalamata olives. The region unites historical sites, a vibrant cultural scene and amazing beaches. The area around Kalamata is a treasure trove of historical gems, including ancient sites like Messene.
Lesbos
The original Greece
Lesbos, the third largest of the Greek islands, is a paradise for those who love culture or the outdoors. With pristine beaches, warm hospitality and idyllic fishing villages, this island in the north of the Aegean Sea exudes a charm that is unique to Greece. Those who love exploring will find what they’re looking for on this very multi-faceted island, whose varied terrain ranges from lush green vegetation to barren landscapes that look like they could be on the surface of the moon.
Chalkidiki
Three “fingers” full of beauty
The peninsula in the north of Greece is known for its three smaller peninsulas that stretch out into the Aegean Sea like fingers. Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos each have their very own charm: Kassandra features lively seaside resorts and a vibrant nightlife while quiet coves and pine forests make Sithonia a haven for those seeking calm and tranquillity. Athos, the spiritual centre of Greece, is home to numerous Orthodox monasteries and world-famous for its religious significance.
PORTO KATSIKI
Kefalonia
Pure nature on an Ionian island
The largest of the Ionian islands is a true paradise for nature lovers and for anyone craving peace and quiet. Kefalonia is famous for its breathtaking beaches, including Myrtos beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The island is also famous for its impressive caves –particularly Melissani Cave, a cenote whose subterranean lake shimmers and shines in the most astounding shades of blue.
If you love nature, then the south of Italy is the place for you.
Calabria
Italy’s untouched gem
Italy’s southernmost region is a true paradise for nature lovers and those looking for relaxation. The region impresses with its rugged coastlines, charming mountain villages and picturesque beaches. The “Costa degli Dei” (coast of the gods), with its crystal-clear waters, truly lives up to its name. Hidden coves and sheer endless sandy beaches invite you to relax and unwind.
MYRTOS
CHALKIDIKI
Flüge jeden FR ab 16.05. Portes Lithos Luxury Resort***** inkl. Flug, Transfers, DZ Superior, 8 Tage 7x HP mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.154,- p.P. Modern & luxuriös
LESBOS
Flüge jeden FR ab 16.05. Michaela Beach House***+ inkl. Flug, Transfers, Appartement, 8 Tage 7x OV mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.134,- p.P. kleine & feine Anlage
LUST AUF SOMMER? flügeDirektab Innsbruck
KALAMATA
Flüge jeden SO ab 11.05. & DO ab 12.06. Camvillia Resort****+ inkl. Flug, Transfers, DZ Superior, 8 Tage 7x ÜF mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.026,- p.P. DZ mit Sharing Pool
LEFKAS
Villa mit Privatpool
Flüge jeden SA ab 17.05. & DI ab 10.06. Angello Villas*** inkl. Flug, Mietauto Kat. A, Villa, 8 Tage 7x OV mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.278,- p.P.
EPIROS
Flüge jeden SA ab 17.05. & DI ab 10.06. Villa & Suites Apolis***** inkl. Flug, Mietauto Kat. C, Suite Privatpool, 8 Tage 7x ÜF mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.237,- p.P. in traumhafter Hanglage
KEFALONIA
Flüge jeden SA ab 10.05. Studios & Appartements Axion***+ inkl. Flug, Mietauto Kat. A, Studio, 8 Tage 7x ÜF mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 923,- p.P.
ideal für Familien
KALABRIEN
Flüge jeden SO ab 11.05. Falkensteiner Club Funimation Garden Calabria**** inkl. Flug, Transfers, DZ Classic, 8 Tage 7x AI mit 20% Frühbucherbonus bis 10.01. ab € 1.136,- p.P. All Inclusive Anlage
Ideal beraten für einen sicheren Urlaub!
Gleich Termin vereinbaren oder telefonisch buchen!
Corsica A Mediterranean Paradise of Beaches and Mountains
Relaxation in the sun, a refreshing dip in the ocean or active adventures in the mountains – Corsica offers all this and more. In summer 2025, there will once again be weekly flights from Innsbruck.
Just a 100-minute flight from Innsbruck, a true holiday paradise awaits those seeking relaxation or craving adventure. Corsica has far more than ‘just’ high mountains and turquoise coves – it offers original and authentic experiences that few other destinations can. Somehow, Big Tourism seems to have passed over this jewel in the Tyrrhenian Sea – the section of the Mediterranean between Italy and France. And that’s a good thing! It means that Corsica has managed to remain what it has always been: an enchanting place shaped by the rhythms and ways of its amiable inhabitants and full of pleasant surprises.
Beach and adventure
If you are looking for beach fun, you have come to the right place. Corsica’s waters are crystal clear, and its beaches are simple, very natural and romantic.
Hikers and mountaineers have long considered Corsica – with its 2000+ metre peaks –a hidden gem.
Finding accommodations near the beach – at any level of comfort and luxury – is a breeze. But what you should really do in Corsica is go exploring. The landscape and vegetation are unique, characterised by mountains, the ‘macchia’ shrubland biome, picturesque coves, breathtaking views from on high and quaint villages where you will always find a restaurant or tavern serving the delectable dishes of the French-Corsican cuisine. Hikers and mountaineers have long considered Corsica – with its 2000+ metre peaks – a hidden gem.
Mediterranean meets Alpine It is this combination of salt-of-the-earth authenticity, of the contrast between the high mountains and the sea, of Mediterranean cuisine and of the range of hotels from small but wonderful to luxury accommodation that make Corsica such a magical destination.
© Rhomberg
BREATHTAKING VIEWS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF CORSICA
ERLEBE KORSIKA
Experten beraten unter 05572 22420
Online buchen: www.rhomberg-reisen.com oder in Ihrem Reisebüro Rhomberg Reisen GmbH, Eisengasse 12, 6850 Dornbirn
VORTEILE FÜR FRÜHBUCHER
Bei Buchung bis 31.12.2024 – Größte Auswahl – Attraktive Frühbucher-Preise – Kinder reisen ab € 199,– Volle Flexibilität* Kostenfrei umbuchen oder stornieren bis 30 Tage vor Reiseantritt mit Geld-zurück-Garantie.
*Gültig für ausgewählte Pauschalreisen.
95,Bearbeitungsgebühr bei Storno.
The port town of Lefkos: a true blue view
Karpathos Amazing Beaches, Mountain Villages and Relaxation
This holiday island in the south-west of the Aegean Sea has a coastline featuring a variety of beaches and coves and dotted with small villages. Characterised by Greek tradition and untouched nature, Karpathos is still a real insider tip that is accessible directly from Innsbruck in summer 2025.
AKarpathos holiday offers so much: wonderful beaches, quiet coves, Greek flair and an exciting landscape just waiting to be discovered on a hike. The tradition-rich village of Olympos, one of the most unusual mountain villages in Greece, is one of the island’s special highlights. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or a family with children, Karpathos truly has something for everybody.
Soak in the Greek ambiance
Besides its untouched nature and the Greek way of life, this island is known for its many rustic mountain villages and traditional tavernas, where visitors will definitely want to sample two of the island’s culinary specialities: “makarounes” and stuffed zucchini leaves. Holidaymakers can experience this unusual island and its highlights on one of the many and various tours and excursions on offer. Choose what best suits you and experience unforgettable moments on a guided hike through the epic countryside, on a boat tour to the island’s most beautiful beaches or at an art workshop with locals, where you can sit and listen to many an entertaining island tale.
The best beaches in Karpathos
This island attracts water sports enthu-
Island specialities, which are served in the tavernas of the local mountain villages, include makarounes and stuffed zucchini leaves.
siasts and hikers as well as beach fans and families with children. Karpathos has an impressive selection of beaches and places to swim. The scenic Kyra Panagia cove with its surrounding forests and high bluffs is probably one of most beautiful beaches on the island. Amoopi has several beaches and coves that are especially suited to families, and Amoopi beach is also a popular snorkelling hotspot. Apella and Achata coves are especially lovely in the shoulder season. The pebble and sand beaches along the eastern coast of Achata are perfect for nature lovers and those looking for some peace and quiet. No matter whether it is discovering the untouched landscapes of Karpathos or spending a few quiet hours on the beach in a tranquil cove that appeals to you, this destination offers a combination of options that will make for an unforgettable holiday.
www.tui.at
KARPATHOS MUST-DO s
• Wander through Olympos, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Greece
• Spend relaxing hours at the beach in gorgeous Kyra Panagia
• Sample some traditional makarounes in one of the island’s typical taverna
• Go on a snorkelling adventure near Amoopi beach
Stroll along the long harbour promenade in the capital of Pigadia
Sonnige Aussichten.
Jetzt die besten Angebote für den Sommer sichern.
Angebote entdecken:
Mit TUI geht es im Sommer 2025 direkt ab Innsbruck auf die griechischen Inseln Kreta, Kos, Rhodos und Karpathos sowie in die Sonnenziele Mallorca und Kalabrien. Neu im Programm ist die Direktverbindung nach Antalya.
Advertising Potential at Innsbruck Airport
Innsbruck Airport offers a wide range of attractive advertising options to put your company in the limelight. Seize this opportunity to present your brand to an international audience and profit from the high volume of travellers and visitors.
Large and small performances
The impressive, large-scale advertising spaces on the multi-storey parking garage are the ideal place to broadcast your message far and wide, and to reach both arriving and departing travellers as well as visitors to the airport. For a more targeted approach, smaller advertising spaces in the main hall and check-in area are ideal. They allow you to reach passengers while they are queueing to check in or waiting for their flight. In arrivals, there are both wall spaces and light boxes by the conveyor belts to display your advertising. These spots are a guaranteed way to make sure arriving travellers see your message.
Something different
If you’re looking for something special, have a look at our baggage trolleys or
parking lot signs. These surfaces offer a creative place to present your brand and are guaranteed to stick in travellers’ minds. Want to give departing passengers one last message? Then the large advertising space in the gate area is perfect for you. Place your advertising prominently and make sure everyone flying out is guaranteed to see it.
If we have piqued your interest, we will be happy answer all your questions and put together an offer at any time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by E-mail at marketing@innsbruck-airport.com
JOIN THE TEAM.
SicherheitskontrollBediensteter
(m/w/d) | Innsbruck Airport | Ø € 2.383,- brutto inkl. Überzahlung | 35h
Jetzt einsteigen - Ihr Job bei Securitas am Flughafen. Wir bieten Ihnen:
Welcome-Bonus € 500,attraktive Arbeitszeitmodelle mit flexiblem Schichtplan fundierte, fünfwöchige Ausbildung kostenfreie Parkmöglichkeit für den privaten PKW
Lohnvorrückungen ab dem 2. Dienstjahr
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Einfach QR-Code scannen und bewerben
Travelling Light
Flying with just a carry-on bag can save you time and money but requires clever packing. Here are some ideas on how to make the best use of limited space.
BANISH BULK
Compression cubes or bags can help you save extra space. Fill them, then close the zipper or pull the tabs to remove excess air from the contents. By preventing clothes from moving around, these canny cubes can also help reduce wrinkles.
MAKE USE OF HOLLOW SPACES
Don’t waste the valuable space inside your shoes – it’s the ideal place to stuff small items like jewellery, hair clips or socks.
Shampoos, creams and toothpastes are also available in travel sizes in most drugstores. This will not only save on weight but will also help you to get through security check without any hitches. In general, containers of liquids, creams or gels may not be larger than 100 ml / 3.4 ounces. All of these small containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre / 1 quart, and only one such bag is allowed per passenger. For older bottles in particular, it’s a good idea to tape the cap shut to prevent any leaks or spills.
Solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars, lotion bars, deodorant sticks or toothpaste tablets, are a great alternative to liquids.
PACK BATTERIES SAFELY
Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in many devices, can sometimes overheat or sustain damage. Packing each battery or power pack in a separate baggie or pouch can help protect against short circuits or shocks and bumps from other items in the luggage. In any case, electronic devices, batteries and power packs must be presented separately at most security checks.
Thanks to their flexible shape, empty fold-up water bottles can be stuffed into nooks and crannies in your suitcase. They also tend to be lighter than regular bottles 3 4 5 5 6 8 7
Fold and roll
Save space and reduce wrinkles when packing non-delicate items of clothing, such as t-shirts or underwear, by rolling them up. Jackets and trousers, on the other hand, travel better folded flat. The most effective method of packing combines these two techniques and layers clothes without leaving gaps.
Get organised
Packing cubes and other organisers can help you keep your things sorted in your bag. Not only do they make packing simpler, they also make it easier to quickly pull out whatever you need without having to rummage around and mess things up.
DIGITAL BEATS ANALOGUE
A tablet, e-reader or smartphone certainly take up less space than several books, magazines or documents. In addition to storing this reading material, digital devices offer access to music, movies or games, making them the perfect all-around entertainment go-to while on the go.
A Sea of Bags
Thousands of pieces of luggage pass through the terminal at Innsbruck Airport every year. Here are a few fascinating facts.
Each year, about - 385,000pieces of luggage are checked at Innsbruck Airport. If all these bags and suitcases were lined up, that line would cover the driving distance between Innsbruck and Zurich.
Peak hour
The highest number of bags ever inspected within one hour at Innsbruck Airport was well over 1000.
March tends to be the month with the highest volume of luggage.
Besides regular travel bags and suitcases, some 44,000 pieces of bulk or oversized luggage are checked each year at Innsbruck Airport. These include skis, bicycles, strollers and prams or large musical instruments.
8,600
Tractor Meets Plane
Take a look around the grounds at Innsbruck Airport, and in between planes, you’ll also spot agricultural equipment. A total of seven farmers cultivate the meadows within the fenced-off premises. The majority of this work is done by Franz Abenthum and Andreas Heis.
Franz Abenthum’s family has been mowing the green areas on the airport’s grounds for more than 50 years. Abenthum, who keeps 60 cows and 50 to 60 calves and young cows on his farm on Fürstenweg, is 74 years old and supports his son with the farming. “We are just regular tenants and pay rent. Originally, we only had small areas of land at the airport, but it grew over time”.
Andreas Heis, 39, also works the land at the airport, and his family have been tenants there for three generations. “There used to be more farmers there; now, there are only a handful left,” says
© Heis, Gerhard Berger
“We have to pass security checks just like any passenger.”
Andreas Heis
Heis. He looks after around 100 cows and calves and 40 goats at Planötzenhof. Just over half of this full-time farmer’s total meadows are at the airport.
Lots of land, lots of work
The farmers can enter the well-secured grounds through two gates: one to the north and one to the south. The north side is mowed five times. “That’s to do with glider planes – we can’t let the grass get too high there,” explains Franz Abenthum. The glider pilots get in touch, and then the farmers mow – weather permitting. The south side, in contrast, is mowed four times. The Abenthum family does not
bring in hay but produces silage, which is chopped or pressed into round bales. They also fertilize the fields, which are mostly on water protection areas. “When the farming is done properly, nothing seeps into the groundwater,” says Abenthum. Andreas Heis also farms a small part of the area used for glider flight operations and makes sure the grass is kept short. This means he may mow up to five times, but “that’s pretty normal in the Inn Valley if you fertilize well.” He is active on the airport premises from mid-March to mid-November and also produces silage. If you add the time invested in the mowing and in the preparation and postprocessing of the fields to the ensilage process, Heis spends about 25 to 30 days a year working the airport’s lands. This also includes fertilizing the meadows in spring and after mowing, clearing molehills and reseeding the area.
High fodder quality
Is feed grown right next to an airport runway safe for the animals? Franz Abenthum answers this with a clear yes. “We took
fodder produced right next to the runway and had it analysed.” The results: In terms of contamination, the levels are far below the limit values.
Andreas Heis, too, had his feed examined and found nothing of note. He even sees certain great advantages to farming airport grounds: “Thanks to everything being fenced in, we don’t have to worry about trash or dog poo.”
Safety first
However, certain aspects of agricultural work at the airport are different and more time-consuming than what farmers are normally used to. Entering and exiting the fields, in particular, is quite unusual, as Franz Abenthum notes. “You get checked there.” On every trip to and from their fields, the farmers have to go through a security checkpoint at the gate and pass through the type of scanner most people are familiar with from air travel. Their vehicles, too, are individually inspected
every time. To make sure everything is done in accordance with regulations, the farmers contact the airport’s head of operations in advance before starting their work. While working, farmers must take the protective zone around the runways into account: Working here is only allowed between 8 pm and 9 am.
“We get checked just like any air travel passenger,’” says Andreas Heis. Both he and his tractor have to go through security. The 80-metre (2,625-foot) safety zone around the runways has been in place for three years. Before, runway lighting was switched on as a warning signal to leave the area, so to speak. In addition, airport access credentials need to be renewed every five years. The annual airport training course at the end of February is mandatory in any case. “It’s not like your normal, everyday field work,” Heis explains, “but you get used to it. You’re always working with one eye on your tractor and one on the airplane.”
“We are just normal tenants there.”
Franz Abenthum
A total of seven farmers cultivate the land on the airport’s grounds.
© Michael Abenthum, Peter Norz
Discover your future: www.welcome.tirol
Apple Strudel in the Air
The traditional Tyrolean baker Bäcker Ruetz at Innsbruck Airport is not only popular with travellers. The baker’s yellow paper bags are also regularly spotted out on the tarmac.
HDeep roots
Bäcker Ruetz works closely with farmers in the region. By doing so, seven of their bread types can be made year-round from grain that is 100% sourced in Tyrol.
aving regional companies represented at the airport is not a given these days, when large chains tend to dominate shop windows and storefronts. Innsbruck Airport is all the more proud that, for many years now, it has been home to a long-established, traditional Tyrolean enterprise serving baked goods and drinks to guests and staff. Ruetz opened its branch in the terminal building at Innsbruck Airport in December of 1996 and has been making a name for itself ever since, both here and abroad. Their apple strudel is a particular favourite with British and Dutch flight crews. Bas Neuteboom, a Dutch pilot who has been flying for Transavia for 18 years, has been coming to Innsbruck regularly since 2008. He first learned about the delicious pastry from colleagues. Occasional purchases
soon became regular large-scale orders for his crew and their families. “We don’t have apple strudel in the Netherlands, and the apple strudel from Ruetz is not only conveniently available right at the airport but also particularly delicious,” says Neuteboom, who is better known at the airport by his nickname of ApfelstrudelExpress.
Born and “bread“
That it was the apple strudel of all things that turned into an export hit was a pleasant surprise for master baker Christian Ruetz. He has been running the family business together with his brother Benedict and his two cousins Simone and Martina Fagschlunger since 2020 – the fifth generation to do so. The company is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and can look back on quite a history. That’s how long Ruetz has been based in the town of Kematen, and today 41 bakery-cafés receive fresh deliveries from this headquarters twice a day. “We set ourselves very high quality standards and produce all the baked goods ourselves,” Ruetz emphasises.
© Privat, Der Bäcker Ruetz
The pre-ordered apple strudel from Bäcker Ruetz waiting on the tarmac for the eager Dutch Transavia crew.
TIROLER RUETZ-WECKEN
Würziges Mischbrot aus Tiroler Getreide.
Damals wie heute nach Familienrezept mit Natursauerteig gebacken.
F o r L i ttle TravellersCuriosities in aviation
Black triangles
Take a careful look around, and in many airplanes, you will spot small black triangles next to or above four of the windows. They’re not there for decoration: Sometimes, the crew has to inspect the wings or landing flaps while on the tarmac or even while in the air – for instance, to see if ice has formed there. The triangles mark the windows with the best view of the wings. This makes the crew’s job a lot easier. outfit.
Give the snowman a colourful
© F. Schmidt
Foto: F. Schmidt
A Tidy Affair
© Franz Oss
Since 2005, the Starclean company has been keeping things clean and tidy at Innsbruck Airport. Every year, the winter season means a lot of challenges for the ‘clean team’, but thanks to the latest technology and an unflagging can-do attitude, these ‘grime fighters’ have been rising to meet these challenges for nearly a quarter century.
WPortrait
Dilara Kilic has been working for Starclean in various areas since she was 16. She has been in charge of quality management and client acquisition since 2018.
hen 16-year-old Dilara Kilic set out to find a job, her father Ecevit Kilic quickly hired her at his own cleaning company. “I was the boss’ daughter, but I got no special treatment whatsoever,” she laughs today. Together with her co-workers, she cleaned airplanes after landing – a generally quite stressful task that can sometimes be even more demanding in the winter high season.
The job at the airport was Dilara’s first foray into the working world. She began taking on office and administration work for Starclean in 2018 and has since become an integral part of this family-owned company. “There is a lot connecting us to the airport,” says her father, Ecevit Kilic, who is managing director of the company. “When I founded Starclean in 2005, the airport was my first client. Because it was such a sizeable one, I was able to grow my own business rapidly.”
Large, great team
Today, Starclean has a total of 77 full-time employees. In addition to the airport, the company is also active in maintenance, construction and hotel cleaning, both within Tyrol and beyond. The business
also includes a car-cleaning service, run by Dilara’s brother. Starclean provides workers to other cleaning companies and hotels as well.
The number of Starclean employees present at the airport varies depending on the day of the week and the flight schedule, but their services are always available. This is necessary because the airport has a ten-minute policy: If at all possible, all tasks must be accomplished within ten minutes, or at least inspected, assessed and taken over by Starclean. There are also many routine tasks that need to be done on a daily basis: In addition to the arrivals and departures halls, the VIP lounge, the baggage storage area, the counters, desks and tables need to be cleaned every day; the trash bins need to be emptied. Baggage conveyor belts have to be cleaned and their stainless-steel edges disinfected. “Some airlines also maintain offices on the premises that are under our care,” explains Dilara. The baggage trolleys, baggage carousels and security check areas are cleaned as well. In the latter, the bins and trays in particular need to be closely inspected before being disinfected – or replaced if they have become especially dirty.
A variety of tasks
The job can be especially challenging in the winter season, which goes from early November to March – as Dilara remembers
Portrait
Ecevit Kilic is the founder and managing director of the cleaning company Starclean. The family-run business has been serving a wide range of clients in Tyrol and beyond since 2005.
all too well from her very first job. “As we all know, Tyrol is a very popular destination in winter. At the airport, you can really tell,” she explains. More passengers and more through traffic mean an increased need for cleaning, and snowy, rainy or damp weather do their part as well. “Our staff are always working hard to rise to meet these challenges and to keep the airport with all its safety and security regulations well maintained and sparkling.”
Not all visitors and travellers handle trash the same way, and there are some who find separating recyclable packaging from residual waste a challenge. Starclean does everything it can to promote cleanliness and appeals to guests’ common sense. “We work closely with airport staff to support waste separation, for instance.” The smoking zones are another area where the cleaning company emphasises respectful behaviour and is always doing their utmost
to improve conditions. “Even though we sometimes face difficulties, we see every challenge as an opportunity to further develop the services we have to offer and to improve everyone’s travel experience,” says Dilara.
Always up to date
Despite these challenges, the cooperation with the airport continues to be outstanding. “We have always been able to win public tenders and are confident that we will continue to be successful in this in future,” Evecit Kilic says proudly. Innsbruck Airport is and continues to be a flagship client for his company and provides him with an incentive to never stand still, but to always keep up to date on the state of the art in technology.
In order to continue to meet the various challenges in the future, it is important to invest in the future. Not only is the Innsbruck-based cleaning company willing to undergo ever-more stringent ecological certification processes, it also uses the newest methods and equipment in its cleaning. Up until a few years ago, each plane had to be cleaned using a corded vacuum cleaner plugged in to its own generator. Now, Starclean are equipped with slim, compact, cordless backpack vacuums. These not only make life and work easier for the workers, they are also more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Ecevit and Dilara are confident that this sustainable spirit of innovation will continue to accompany the airport and Starclean over the next decades.
For some time now, the cleaning company has been using cordless vacuum cleaners to clean aircraft.
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50 Years of BRITISH AIRWAYS –22 Years at Innsbruck Airport
IMG. 2
Starting in 2006, British Airways increasingly used the Airbus A320-200 (here: registration code G-EUYJ) to fly the Innsbruck route.
IMG. 1
In the early days, British Airways used the twin-engine Boeing 737-400 (here: registration code G-GBTB) on their flights to Innsbruck (February 2003)
It has been 50 years since the ‘birth’ of British Airways (IATA code: BA). On March 31, 1974, the United Kingdom’s national airline, which is based in London, emerged from the merger of BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation, founded November 24, 1939) and BEA (British European Airways, founded August 1, 1946). Its home airport is London Heathrow, and London Gatwick serves as an additional hub. On May 1, 1984, the airline was fully privatised. Counted among the largest airlines worldwide, BA is also one of the founding members of the established global aviation alliance Oneworld, which was founded on February 1, 1999. With a total of 288 aircraft (status: April 2024), British Airways has one of the largest fleets in the world. This fleet includes a total of 168 Airbus planes (A319-100: 29, A320-200: 65, A320neo: 20, A321-200: 11, A321neo: 13, A350-1000: 18, A380800: 12) and 120 Boeing planes (B777200: 43, B777-300: 16, B787-8: 12, B7879: 18, B787-10: 7, plus 4 Dornier 328-300
TANJA CHRAUST
© Benjamin Radner, Stams
© Walter Kaller, Innsbruck
IMG. 3
BA Citiexpress operated its Innsbruck flights on the four-engine shoulder-wing aircraft Avro RJ100 (here: registration code G-BZAX).
IMG. 4
On June 1, 2024, BA CityFlyer began operating the weekly summer flight route Edinburgh-Innsbruck on the twin-engine regional jet E190 (here: registration code G-LCYU; 98 seats)
and 20 Embraer E190). An additional 49 aircraft have been ordered (A320neo: 13, A321neo: 7, B777X: 18 and B787-10: 11). Since its very first landing on April 6, 2002, this airline and its subsidiaries have been present at Innsbruck Airport for 22 years. It all began in the 2002/03 and 2003/04 winter seasons with charter flights from London Gatwick and Newcastle on the twinjet Boeing 737-400. Starting in winter 2004/05, BA focused on London Gatwick for its flights to Innsbruck; since December 8, 2023, these scheduled flights have been operated by the subsidiary BA Euroflyer. Since December 4, 2016, BA has also been offering winter scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Innsbruck. From 2006 on, British Airways increasingly used the twin-engine Airbus A320-200 on the Innsbruck route. Its subsidiaries also continued to fly to Innsbruck. In the 2003/04 winter season, this was BA Citiexpress (founded in 2002) on the fourengine jet Avro RJ100 (formerly known as
BAe 146-300), which first took off from Manchester and landed in Innsbruck on November 15, 2003. Birmingham was added in winter 2003/04, and Cardiff replaced Manchester in 2005/06. In 2006, BA Citiexpress moved to a low-cost carrier model and was renamed BA Connect. The flight plan soon included both Birmingham (summer 2006, winter 2006/07) and Edinburgh (summer 2006). After selling BA Connect to Flybe on March 1, 2007, British Airways founded the subsidiary BA Cityflyer and retained the existing flight schedule to Innsbruck (summer 2007: Birmingham and Edinburgh; winter 2007/08: Birmingham). This was followed by a long hiatus: BA Cityflyer didn’t resume the Edinburgh-Innsbruck route until summer 2024 with the twin-engine jet E190.
In 22 years of good partnership between British Airways and Innsbruck Airport, BA has carried out a total of 2,396 landings in Innsbruck (as of autumn of 2024). While only 1,476 BA passengers were processed in Innsbruck in 2002, that number was 44,859 in 2023. With this record and the numerous flights to Innsbruck (from London Heathrow and London Gatwick) that British Airways has planned for the 2024/25 winter season, the management of Innsbruck Airport is looking forward with confidence to a continuing successful cooperation that not only makes an important contribution to British air tourism at Innsbruck Airport but also provides Tyrol with a vital connection to London, one of the world’s foremost air travel hubs.
© Walter Kaller, Innsbruck
© Leonid Ringler, Innsbruck
6.
Pioneers in Flight
For aeons, human flight was only a dream. Making this dream a reality required not only a great deal of ingenuity and inventiveness, but also a healthy dose of adventurous spirit from quite a number of daredevils.
The first solar-powered flight took place in 1974; however, it was unmanned. The first human to pilot a solar-powered aircraft was 13-year-old Marshall McCready. He test-flew the “Gossamer Penguin”, an aircraft developed by his father, before the official pilot, Janice Brown, undertook several longer flights (over 3 km) in it.
5.
The first manned round-the-world flight in a solarpowered aircraft was carried out by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. In their “Solar Impulse 2”, they circumnavigated the globe in 558 hours of flight, landing 17 times along the way.
1.
On the first motorised flight in human history, Orville Wright covered 37 metres (120 ft) in 12 seconds. That is about the distance between the left-hand entrance to the departures hall and the door to General Aviation at Innsbruck Airport.
4.
Test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first human in history to break the sound barrier in level flight He reached a speed of 1125 kph (700 mph or Mach 1.06) in a rocket engine-powered aircraft.
2.
Parisian aviatrix Raymonde de Laroche became the first licensed female pilot in 1910. This made her the proud owner of only the 36th officially issued pilot’s licence in the world
3.
1927 Charles Lindbergh became the first pilot to make a solo non-stop crossing of the Atlantic. The flight from New York to Paris (5,800 km / 3,600 miles) took 33.5 hours. Among other unusual features, Lindbergh’s stripped-down propeller plane, the “Spirit of St. Louis”, had no forwardfacing windshield so as to leave more room for the fuel tank.
GOOD REASONS TO BE OUTDOORS
EMOTIONAL AND EXCITING MOMENTS IN THE INNSBRUCK REGION
What would a winter be without adventure on the slopes? Probably only half the fun. It‘s a good thing that there are 12 ski resorts in the Innsbruck region and the neighboring Stubai Valley that have something for everyone. But there is also plenty on offer away from the slopes in the Tyrolean capital during the cold season: from sightseeing tours and culinary excursions to impressive events. The packed calendar of events includes top sporting performances, moving festivals and magical, sparkling wow moments. There‘s all this and more to experience this winter in the Innsbruck region.
15.11.2024–6.1.2025 – Christmas in the Mountains, Innsbruck
15.11.2024–2.2.2025 – LUMAGICA Innsbruck , Hofgarten Innsbruck
7.–8.12.2024 – Luge World Cup, Olympia-Eiskanal Igls
29.12.2024–6.1.2025 – New Year’s Eve in the Mountains, Innsbruck
3.–4.1.2025 – 73. Four Hills Tournament , Bergisel Sprungschanze Innsbruck
17.–19.1.2025 – Natural Track Sledge World Cup, Kühtai
30.1.–2.3.2025 – Innsbruck Winter Dance Festival, Innsbruck
More information at www.innsbruck.info/events
KEY FACTS SKI PLUS CITY PASS
1 TICKET – 12 SKI RESORTS –269 KM OF PISTES
22 LIFESTYLE OFFERS – 2 MOBILITY SERVICES – 1 INDOOR POOL
WINTER 2024/25
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DIRECT FLIGHTS ALL YEAR ROUND
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www.innsbruck-airport.com