CAFFEINE FIX WITH FIRST ABERDEEN PARK AND RIDE

A new bus stop outside the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) on Ellon Road is sure to prove popular with First Aberdeen Park and Ride users looking for a caffeine fix.

New busport opens this week

An £84,000 project to transform the busport at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is nearing completion, with the turning circle due to re-open on Thursday [10 May].

North-east haulage firm in convoy for major fundraising challenge

A leading North-east road haulier has teamed up with an Aberdeen oil services firm to champion a fundraising cycle set to raise thousands for local charities.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT FOCUS FOR FIRSTGROUP

FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, last week (24 April) hosted its annual Safety and Environmental Awards. The awards reinforce First’s commitment to safety and the environment by recognising the achievements of its people and companies throughout the UK.

FIRSTGROUP GRADUATE SCHEME ATTRACTS RECORD NUMBER OF APPLICANTS

FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, today revealed that its highly popular UK graduate scheme attracted more than 800 applications this year – a record for the company.

Record Turnover for North-east Transport Firm

A leading North-east road transport firm has exceeded targets and hit a record turnover just three years after launching the business.

Aberdeen-based Grampian Continental has reported a £15m turnover at the end of the financial year for 2011-2012 and is estimating a £20m figure for the coming 12 months.

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK FOR FIRST ABERDEEN WEEKLY SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Weekly Season Ticket Holders to Receive Extra Day’s Travel on Services 3, 12 and 19 for Eight Week Period

Eight is the magic number at city bus operator, First Aberdeen. The company has revealed details of a new EIGHT week promotional initiative that will provide weekly season ticket holders on Services 3, 12 and 19 with EIGHT days travel instead of seven.

NEW ABERDEEN TO LONDON CITY ROUTE LAUNCHED

British Airways is to launch a new route between Aberdeen and London City Airport with three return flights a day.

Last chance to register for Commonwheels business breakfast

Nestrans is urging business people who want to attend the Commonwheels breakfast briefing to sign up today before the event takes place on Wednesday 25th April.

FIRSTGROUP WINS SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE AT SCOTTISH PLC AWARDS

Aberdeen based FirstGroup enjoyed a successful evening at last night’s (18 April) Scottish PLC Awards in Glasgow. The UK’s leading transport operator picked up the much sought after Sustainability Award. FirstGroup shared the award jointly with Stagecoach.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF FUTURE INVESTMENT

Aberdeen Harbour continued to strengthen its position as a key economic driver throughout 2011, with record growth in traffic. In line with previous years, overall vessel tonnage increased by seven per cent, from 24.2 million gross tonnes in 2010, to 25.9 million gross tonnes in 2011.

EXTRA PARK AND RIDE SERVICES FOR FORESTERHILL STAFF

The journey to and from work has got easier for nursing staff with NHS Grampian after city bus operator First Aberdeen added extra services to it's Park and Ride from the Bridge of Don timed to coincide with 12 hour shifts.

AECC Park and Ride - Grab a Lift and a Latte!

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) in cooperation with Aberdeen City's bus operator First Aberdeen are delighted to announce the introduction of our "Grab a lift and a latte" campaign.

Council to consider introduction of cap on Taxi Licences

Aberdeen City Council’s Licensing Committee has ordered a report into its policy on Taxi Licences in the city.

New election transport service to be piloted in Portlethen

Aberdeenshire Council will pilot a new transportation service in Portlethen during the upcoming Local Government Elections on May 3.

Aberdeen Airport launches “largest ever” consultation on development blueprint

Public and business invited to comment on draft Master Plan

The largest public consultation ever held by Aberdeen Airport is now underway, following the release of its ambitious new Master Plan.

FIRST APPOINTS REGIONAL PROJECT DIRECTOR

First Bus, Britain’s leading bus operator, has appointed a new Project Director for its Scottish operations. Paul McGowan joined the company at the start of April from the Abellio Group where he was latterly its European Bus Strategy & Business Development Director.

New car club on the menu at business breakfast

Businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire will be told how they can save time and money, when the Getabout partnership, Aberdeen City Council and Nestrans brings a new car sharing scheme to the table at a breakfast briefing later this month.

FIRST ABERDEEN EXPANDS AECC EVENT SERVICES

“Gig’n’Go” Family Ticket Launched

Following increased demand, city bus operator First Aberdeen has launched a new family ticket to support its popular “Gig’n’Go” service, which transports customers to and from events at the AECC.

Commonwheels Car Club

Date: Wednesday April 25, 2012

Time: 7.30am for 8 - 9am

Venue: Park Inn by Radisson, Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen, AB11 6EQ

Read more...

FIRSTGROUP STAFF RAISE £2,500 FOR SPORT RELIEF

Staff at Aberdeen based, FirstGroup the UK’s largest transport operator, have raised £2,500 for Sport Relief.

FIRST VESSEL TRIALS NEW MULTI-MILLION POUND BERTH AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR’S TORRY QUAY

The first phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment project of Aberdeen Harbour’s Torry Quay has been completed.

FIRST APPOINTS REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

First Bus, Britain’s leading bus operator, has appointed a new Regional Commercial Director for its Scottish operations. Kevin Belfield will join the company at the end of April from Midlands based, The Wellglade Group.

Cross border rail services

The Transport Minister has this morning announced that there will be no cross border rail services hub at Edinburgh Waverley and that through trains to England will be maintained from Aberdeen Station.

FIRSTGROUP LAUNCHES HERITAGE TRUST

Historic Vehicles to be Restored and Preserved

FirstGroup, the UK’s largest transport operator, has created a new trust to restore and preserve some of the company’s historic vehicles.

Council launches new community bus service

Aberdeen City Council’s community transport team has launched a new trial bus service for the Lower Deeside area of the city.

FIRST ABERDEEN SHORTLISTED FOR TWO SCOTTISH TRANSPORT AWARDS

First Aberdeen today confirmed that it has been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Scottish Transport Awards, the Scottish transport industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Chancellor urged to give Scottish airports fighting chance against European rivals

Leading airports warn of impact of spiraling APD levels

Scotland’s main airports have urged Chancellor George Osborne to rethink a planned hike in Air Passenger Duty (APD) “to give our airlines and airports a fighting chance” to compete against European rivals.

Travel less, more actively and more effectively, encourages new Local Transport Strategy

Individuals and businesses in Aberdeenshire are encouraged to consider their travel choices as a new Local Transport Strategy (LTS) for the region is adopted.

FIRST ABERDEEN INTRODUCES RETURN LATE NIGHT TICKETS

City bus operator First Aberdeen has introduced a new ticket for the month of March designed for customers of its late night Friday and Saturday services.

Service 93 ceases operating on Friday

The number 93 bus service, which links Peterculter, Garthdee and the city centre, will be withdrawn from Friday [9 March].

FIRST ABERDEEN RECOGNISES A DRIVEGREEN CHAMPION

First Aberdeen bus driver, Malcolm Wilson, took centre stage at the company’s bus depot recently after senior management recognised him as one of First’s best drivers.

Aberdeen City Council welcomes court ruling on AWPR

Aberdeen City Council today welcomed a Court of Session decision to reject a second legal challenge against the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route [AWPR].

EASTERN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES CODESHARE WITH AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES

UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, which operates more flights from Aberdeen than any other airline, has entered a codeshare and ticketing agreement with Azerbaijan Airlines.

Sustainable Travel and Transport: A vision of the future

Date: Thursday 15 March

Time: 7pm

Venue: RobertGordonUniversity- H234, Faculty of Health & Social Care, Garthdee, Aberdeen, AB10 7QG

FIRSTGROUP’S PROCUREMENT TEAM SECURES PRESTIGIOUS CIPS ACCREDITATION

The UK’s largest transport operator, FirstGroup, has been awarded the coveted CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply) ‘Standard of Excellence’ accreditation for its procurement and supplier management activity in the UK and becoming the first public transport operator to do so.

FIRST ABERDEEN EXPANDS AECC EVENT SERVICES

City bus operator First Aberdeen has expanded its popular ‘Gig’n’Go’ service between the city centre and AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition and

Conference Centre) following a big increase in customer demand.

AGCC response to RailConsultation 2014

Transport Scotland has launched its Rail2014 Consultation, which offers passengers, as well as those who don't currently travel by train, and any other interested parties, the opportunity to express opinions on how future rail passenger services in Scotland should be delivered in 2014, both the current contract for rail passenger services (ScotRail) and the funding arrangements for Network Rail in Scotland are due to come to an end and new arrangements have to be in place.

Community bus service to be withdrawn

The number 93 bus service, which links Peterculter, Garthdee and the city centre, is to be withdrawn next month [March].

STAGECOACH INCREASE JET 727 FREQUENCY

Stagecoach Bluebird are to extend the frequency of their Jet 727 bus route, which runs between the city centre and Aberdeen Airport, from Monday 12th March 2012.

Rail 2014 – Public Consultation - Written Response by Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Introduction

Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) is Scotland’s largest business representative organisation, with one hundred and seventy staff in the offices of its twenty one constituent member Chambers, representing over 10,000 businesses employing over half of Scotland’s private sector workforce.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR BOSS WELCOMES THRIVING CRUISE SEASON

Aberdeen Harbour is preparing to welcome 10 cruise calls this summer, with four vessels making their first ever visits to the city.

Win a pair of tickets and hotel stay in Frankfurt.

Stand a chance to win a pair of tickets and hotel stay with breakfast in Frankfurt. To enter the draw all you have to do is, provide your details at www.lufthansa.com/aberdeen and stay informed by signing up for the Lufthansa newsletter. Good luck!

SUCCESSFUL NIGHT FOR FIRSTGROUP AT RAIL BUSINESS AWARDS

FirstGroup enjoyed a successful evening at last week’s (16 February) Rail Business Awards. The UK’s largest rail operator picked up six awards at the prestigious central London ceremony.

PAUL LAWRIE’S NEW COACH….

FirstGroup Names Coach After Open Golf Champion

Paul Lawrie, Aberdeen’s most celebrated golfer, may be in the form of his life, following four top ten finishes in a row, but even his victory at the Qatar Masters two weeks ago could not have prepared him for the trophy he received at FirstGroup Headquarters today.

Volunteers sought for travel disruption study

People from Aberdeen city and shire who have recently experienced travel disruption are being asked to share their experience as part of a major new study.

EASTERN AIRWAYS LAUNCHES ALL NEW CHARTER SERVICE

Private charter specialist, Eastern Airways, which operates more flights from Aberdeen Airport than any other airline, has introduced a new enhanced charter product aimed at corporate customers, international companies, blue chip organisations, sports teams, the music industry and private clients.

Northern Rail links energy efficiency improvements to ISO 50001 Certification

LRQA Business Assurance helps UK’s largest train operator achieve reductions in both electricity and gas consumption.

Aberdeen’s first-ever car club getting ready to roll out

The Granite City is just weeks away from the launch of its first ever official car club.

AER ARANN ANNOUNCES AER LINGUS REGIONAL SUMMER SCHEDULE 2012

Aberdeen-Dublin Increases to Daily Service

(Wednesday, 1st February 2012) Aer Arann today announced its summer 2012 Aer Lingus Regional flight schedule which will see its Aberdeen-Dublin route increase in frequency to a daily service from 25th March.

35 Year Milestone reached by CHC Helicopter Engineer

AN ABERDEEN engineer is celebrating after clocking up 35 years with world’s largest helicopter services company, CHC.

Fantastic savings with bmi Regional between Aberdeen and Manchester

- full service benefits at low-cost prices with bmi Regional

- over 2000 seats available at £99 return including taxes and charges

- book until 30 April for travel until 30 June 2012

Council backs major hydrogen transport project

Aberdeen city councillors have unanimously agreed to support a multi-million pound European project to introduce hydrogen buses in the North-east.

NEW INDEPENDENT RESEARCH CONFIRMS STAGECOACH IS BRITAIN’S BEST VALUE BUS OPERATOR

• Stagecoach provides regular passengers with lowest cost weekly bus travel

• Weekly travel on average 17.5% cheaper, saving passengers £150 a year

• Major survey of nearly 1,100 bus routes in England, Scotland and Wales

Aberdeen Airport has unveiled details of a major investment boost for 2012

Millions of pounds are set to be invested this year upgrading the busy terminal building to improve passenger facilities and provide more capacity.

Budget cuts 60% from funds for switching freight to rail: Scottish Government attacked for “pitifully small” investment

The Scottish Government’s announcement of a 62.5% cut in funding for Freight Facilities Grants [1] means that hundreds of thousands of tonnes of freight which could have switched to rail transport will stay on the roads.

Do you live in Aberdeen City or Shire? Tell us where you’d like to fly to!

At Aberdeen Airport we’re working hard to provide the air services you really want to use.

RAIL INDUSTRY UNITES TO LAUNCH 18-MONTH WORK PLACEMENT SCHEME

One in four (26%) people who graduated from university in the last two years have turned down a job offer because they felt they were overqualified or the role wasn’t appropriate for them. This startling figure is revealed as more than 25 companies across the rail sector, including Aberdeen based FirstGroup, have joined together for the first time to help up to 100 graduates get their careers on track by launching a new cross-industry, paid internship scheme.

Scottish Transport Awards 2012

Call for Entries Deadline - 26 January 2012

Entries for the 2012 Scottish Transport Awards are being accepted up until 26 January 2012. The awards ceremony will take place on 14 June 2012 at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.

NEW REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR FIRST’S SCOTTISH BUS OPERATIONS

First UK Bus, Britain’s leading bus operator, has appointed a new Regional Managing Director to head up its Scottish operations. Neil Barker joined First from National Express and began his role on December 1.

Aberdeen Airport flying high in 2011

Aberdeen Airport is the fastest growing airport in the UK – according to new data.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR ANNOUNCES PLANS TO SPEND £24MILLION TO ENSURE SUSTAINED SUCCESS ACROSS 2012

The import and export of goods by sea remains a vital part of the regional economy of the north-east of Scotland and this has been demonstrated more than ever this year, with a positive rise in activity levels at the port.

FIRST’S BUSES SHOWCASE NORTH EAST SCHOOLS ART WINNERS

Aberdeen based transport operator, FirstGroup, has donated twenty of its buses to showcase winning self portraits created by North East secondary pupils in Thorpe Molloy Recruitment’s annual art competition.

Air BP Expands in Brazil to Meet Growth in Aviation

Air BP announced today the purchase of aviation fuel assets at seven Brazilian airports from Shell Brasil Holding B.V. and Cosan S.A. Indústria e Comercio for R$185 million (ca. US$100 million). The acquisition will give Air BP access to Guarulhos, Recife, Viracopos, Curitiba and Pampulha airports, as well as increasing capacity at existing Air BP operations in Galeão and Brasília. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012 subject to regulatory approvals.

FREE PARKING AND FREQUENT BUSES INTO THE CITY CENTRE THIS CHRISTMAS

A temporary park and ride service will be available for last minute Christmas shoppers heading into town this weekend.

FERRYHILL PUPILS TRAVEL FIRST CLASS TO SEE SINBAD PANTO

SIXTY pupils from Ferryhill Primary School, Aberdeen, travelled in style this morning (15 December) to see ‘Sinbad’ at the Aberdeen Arts Centre.

Nestrans welcomes business case for HSR

The Chair of Nestrans, the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the North East of Scotland, has welcomed today’s announcement (Wednesday) by the Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown, confirming the Scottish business case for high speed rail.

FIRSTGROUP PROVIDES £10K CHRISTMAS CASH BOOST TO SAVE THE CHILDREN

Transport Operator’s Support of Save the Children Since 2007 Tops £4.5m

The UK’s largest transport operator, FirstGroup, today revealed that it has donated £10,000 this Christmas to its national charity partner, Save the Children. This brings its total in-kind support and cash donations to just over £4.5 million since the partnership began in 2007.

Council to investigate independent survey’s recommendations for taxi fleet

Aberdeen City Council will carry out a wide-ranging review of the city’s taxi service following the results of an independently-conducted Taxi Demand Survey.

Winter weather guidance for A2B passengers

With winter approaching, passengers of Aberdeenshire’s A2B dial-a-buses should be aware of how winter weather can affect services.

New Aberdeen City Public Transport Guide published

A revised edition of the Aberdeen City Public Transport Guide has been published.

INTEREST-FREE LOW CARBON TRANSPORT LOANS TO SCOTTISH BUSINESSES

--- Transport loans of between £500 and £50,000 offered with up to 6 years repayment period---

Night time bus service changes tonight

Improvements to Aberdeen’s night-time bus service come into effect tonight [Friday 28 October].

Night time bus service just gets better

Improvements to Aberdeen’s night-time bus service come into effect this Friday [28 October].

EASTERN AIRWAYS IS NAMED NUMBER ONE CHARTER AIRLINE

Eastern Airways, which operates more flights from Aberdeen Airport than any other airline, has been named the Best Passenger Charter Airline at a prestigious industry awards ceremony in London.

SUCCESS FOR FIRSTGROUP AT NORTHERN STAR BUSINESS AWARDS

FIRSTGROUP, the UK’s largest transport operator, enjoyed a successful evening at yesterday’s (6 October) Northern Star Business Awards. The Aberdeen based company picked up the coveted ‘Student Placement Award’.

FIRSTGROUP HONOURED AT SAVE THE CHILDREN’S INAUGURAL CORPORATE BUSINESS AWARDS

The UK’s largest transport operator, FirstGroup, was recognised last month (22 September) at Save the Children’s inaugural Corporate Business Awards for its outstanding contribution to the charity's work.

Tender Ready In 10 Steps

A practical training programme for businesses new to public sector tendering

Dates: Monday October 17, 24 & 31

Time:1.30-5pm

Venue: Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB

FIRST CLASS TRAVEL BOOST FOR ST MACHAR PUPILS THANKS TO FIRSTGROUP

Pupils from St Machar Academy embarked on a once in a lifetime school excursion on Monday (26 September) to Loch Eil, near Fort William, courtesy of FirstGroup, the Aberdeen based transport giant.

New Carbon Capture and Storage study outlines key opportunities for Scotland

Around 70 million tonnes of CO2 per year could be captured, transported and stored offshore in Scotland by 2040, through the formation of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) infrastructure network and an estimated £4.5 billion of capital investment.

Aberdeen airport pulls out all the stops for OE2011

The figures are just in and it is official, Offshore Europe week 2011 was a record breaker!

Boost for city centre night-time taxi ranks

Aberdeen city centre will have four night-time taxi ranks operating from midnight until 5am seven days a week from Monday 19 September.

OVER 55s SET TO ENJOY CHEAP RAIL FARES WITH FIRSTGROUP

The UK’s largest rail company, FirstGroup, today revealed that its hugely popular Club 55 - a discounted, walk up and go rail travel offer for people aged 55 and over - is to return this year.

MORE ABERDEEN UK SERVICES TO BENEFIT NORTH-EAST TRAVELLERS

Eastern Airways is introducing even greater choice of services to benefit north-east Scotland business and leisure travellers, with more flights from Aberdeen Airport to Leeds Bradford and Bristol.

EASTERN AIRWAYS ADDS THIRD DAILY ABERDEEN – STAVANGER FLIGHT

UK regional airline Eastern Airways is to increase services offering three flights each weekday from Aberdeen to Stavanger, which will launch on the eve of Offshore Europe 2011.

Former Open Champion, Paul Lawrie, Unveils Great Britain and Ireland Coach

Former Open Champion, Paul Lawrie, paid a special visit to transport operator, FirstGroup, today. Aberdeen’s most celebrated golfer helped unveil one of the coaches that will transport the Great Britain and Ireland and American golf teams around Aberdeen when they compete next month in the world’s leading amateur golf tournament, the Walker Cup.

£150K FIRSTGROUP BOOST TO SAVE THE CHILDREN

TRANSPORT GIANT DONATES ADVERTISING SPACE ON ITS BUSES

New Public Transport Guide available

Visitors to the area and residents alike should benefit from a new guide to public transport services throughout the north-east of Scotland.

Whinhill Road to close for mast repairs

Whinhill Road in Ferryhill will be closed to traffic from Great Southern Road on Friday 04 March from 9.30am–2pm to allow repairs to be carried out on a communications mast.

Third Don Crossing wins City Council approval

Aberdeen city councillors have approved plans for a Third Don Crossing by 27 votes to 14.

Aberdeenshire Council welcomes Audit Scotland report

Audit Scotland has highlighted the good condition of Aberdeenshire’s road network in a national report released this month.

Happy New Year from Club 55

ScotRail’s most popular ticket offer is back – from 17 January 2011 – with prices held at autumn 2010 rates.