My Life - Robert Smith, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport
Where is home? And work?
Wilmslow. Weβve lived here for around 12 years after a short stint in Didsbury.
Iβm lucky to travel a lot with work, so the office does tend to be a hotel lobby or an Airport lounge. However, if Iβm not travelling somewhere, then the office is at Manchester Airport.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
In my early years I wanted to be a pilot. I suppose that was the only job that I knew about which meant that Iβd be involved with aircraft and aviation day in, day out. As I got older and realised that being a pilot was maybe a little out of reach, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to have a job where I had to wear a suit. So, at least I got one out of two!
What travel experience would you recommend for a special occasion?
I think we got our honeymoon pretty much spot on. We spent a couple of weeks exploring the southern part of India, Kerala. We saw the great hustle and bustle of Cochin and stayed in some amazing hotels up in the tea plantation hills and also on a safari. A real adventure. But then we finished it all off with four days in the Maldives. A superb way to relax in absolute luxury after a busy couple of adventurous weeks.
Name a few of your favourite beach breaksβ¦
I must admit, lying on a beach is not high up on my list of things to do on holiday. I can enjoy it for a couple of hours, but I certainly couldnβt spend a whole day on a beach. But that said, I do of course appreciate a lovely beach spot, and if it includes a nice cold drink as the sun goes down then Iβm all in. English Bay in Vancouver is one of the spots I really love. That city has it all. Another place I loved was Lizard Point in Cornwall. Me and my wife found a spot overlooking the sea there, and it was bliss. Finally, Iβd really recommend Port De Soller on Majorca. A beach with a marina, surrounded by a beautiful village full of great places to relax.
What adventure holiday would you recommend?
This one is easy. Skiing. I was lucky enough to go on a school skiing trip when I was younger, which gave me the bug. This year we went as a family and flew into Salzburg and then drove to Kaprun in the mountains. The snow this Easter was perfect, and my two young boys really got the bug as well! I think weβll have to go back.
What city excites you?
Thatβs a hard one to pick. When I arrive in New York I get a buzz like no other city. The cinematic skyline of Manhattan and the amazing places to explore, I think New York is hard to beat. That said, the development Iβve seen in Manchester whilst living in the area makes me excited about its future and I love telling international airlines just how the city is developing and what a great place it is.
If you had to choose 3 different high profile companions to holiday with, who would you choose for 1) a city break 2) a beach break 3) an adventure holiday?
1) For a city break Iβd go for Singapore during a F1 weekend. Iβve been a fan for years and to see the night race under the lights would be amazing. I was lucky to visit Singapore last year and would love to go back. As for a high-profile companion, how about Jenson Button? Iβd get the benefit of a F1 world champion to tell me all about it, but heβd open loads of doors in Singapore during the weekend! Win win.
2) Iβd probably go for Calvin Harris in Ibiza and have one great big party on the beach!
3) Iβm not sure how high profile the British ski team is, but could I take one of their coaches on a ski holiday with me to give me and the family some personal tips? Iβd love that.
What travel experience is on your bucket list?
Iβd love to travel around the world during one trip. Out from Manchester Airport, via the Far East. on to Australia and New Zealand, then over the Pacific and back home, stopping off along the way. My in-laws just did this very trip and it sounded like a real once-in-a-lifetime trip. Iβve also not yet been to South America, which feels like an enormous part of the world that I need to visit.
What or who inspires you?
Iβve found inspiration from the women in my life. My mum, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago, had an enormous capacity for so much. A passionate teacher in the arts sector, she committed so much to the development of her students, but outside of work she was a local governor for a deprived school in the town I grew up in. She later became a local councillor, trying to make the town a better place. She was amazing. And at the risk of sounding a little cheesy, my wife inspires me, daily. Whilst juggling a high-pressure job, she still seems to find a way to make mine and my childrenβs lives better. Itβs these types of people that fuel me.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
On business trips I try to bring home something for the kids from the region. I brought home some Australian candy from my last trip. I must say, they werenβt that impressed!
Tell us a secret/fun fact?
Before working in the transport sector, I worked as a film and TV location scout in London. It was a great experience receiving briefs and hunting for fantastic places to use for film and TV. I found myself in some amazing places that the public just would not get access to.
Your mastermind subject?
Probably a little dull, but I think Iβd have to say airport codes. I donβt think that would make for very interesting TV though!
Whatβs been your biggest life lesson?
Retraining. Iβd say donβt be afraid to take a risk and try something new, and I mean that in a professional sense. In my mid-twenties I was lucky enough to have some fantastic people around me and the opportunity to change what I was doing. I went back to university and took a completely different direction in my career. It was the best thing I ever did, and it led me to the role that I currently have.
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