Multimedia bus tour provides a Schiphol behind-the-scenes look
On 11 April, Chief Commercial Officer of Schiphol Group Maarten de Groof and Lovers Company director Karel Lovers launched 'Schiphol behind the scenes', a multimedia bus tour that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the airport. This spectacular tour grants access to places at the airport that visitors would not normally see, such as the fire service, the snow clearance fleet, the cargo aprons with their large hangars, and the terminal for private jets. The tour has been specially designed for young and old, day-trippers, tourists and passengers arriving or transferring at Schiphol.
About Schiphol behind the scenes
When getting on the bus, passengers are made to feel they are boarding an aircraft thanks to sounds from the air traffic control tower, the welcome screens and their boarding passes. A video presentation then takes visitors through Schiphol’s operations, explaining everything that needs to be done to allow air traffic to run at Schiphol. This includes information on the terminal, the runways, flight paths, runway maintenance, baggage and the bird control units.
Anecdotes are feature throughout the tour, such as the fact that the first flight in 1916 was a military flight, that cargo was also transported on the first passenger flight in 1920, and that there are three different theories on the origin of the name 'Schiphol'.
In short, Schiphol behind the scenes is much more than just a guided tour: it is a way to experience the dynamic nature of the airport.
Schiphol behind the scenes - itinerary
Schiphol behind the scenes starts and ends at Schiphol Plaza, and takes just over an hour. The tour goes past the take-off and landing area towards Schiphol East, past the old air traffic control tower, passes the aircraft hangars, continues on to the snow clearance fleet and fire service post in Sloten, from where it returns to Schiphol Plaza.
Tickets and prices
For the tour schedule and ticket sales, please visit www.schipholbehindthescenes.nl. Tickets can also be purchased at the airport in the Arrivals Hall or beyond passport control on Holland Boulevard between Piers E and F. Adults pay €15, children aged 4 to 12 €7.50. Tickets purchased online qualify for a 10% discount.
