Winter is here, so Gatwick is training ‘polar bears’ and ‘yetis’
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But at London Gatwick airport, says aerodrome trainer Fred Bigsby, the unwelcome wintry visitor is classified into exactly “seven snow states”. open image in gallery Cold spell: volunteer for snow clearing at Gatwick Their corresponding colleagues “landside”, clearing the access roads around the airport, are called “yetis”. “As soon as one winter is finished, we’re already planning for the next winter,” says Mark Johnston – the man with the unenviable task of ensuring Gatwick is ready for whatever the weather gods may choose to send in his direction. The airport says: “We have in stock 4,000 blankets, 600 mattresses, 8,000 bottles of water, 600 folding beds, 20 snow shovels, four baby bottle warmers, 10 travel cots and a mixture of baby food and nappies.” For an enterprise focused on helping people fly south for winter, preparation is everything.
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