Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated hi-tech teaching equipment to Stansted’s Aerozone.
Students from Saffron Walden County High School were the first to try out the new interactive experiences in the aviation classroom next to the airport’s runway, which offers a chance to meet airport staff and includes a viewing platform where youngsters can watch planes take off and land.
Alex Smith, Stansted’s education co-ordinator, said: “We’re very excited to welcome schools back to the Aerozone this autumn, and with this donation from Emirates we have lots of exciting new interactive experiences for students to enjoy.
“We really appreciate Emirates’ support, and I’m sure the new additions will be welcomed by the thousands of students who will use them each year.”
The Aerozone aims to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills and encourage children aged 4 to 18 to consider aviation careers when they leave school college, or university. Almost 20,000 have visited since it opened in 2015.
Alex said: “The education hub is just one of our many educational initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation talent who might end up working here at London Stansted or elsewhere in the industry.
“This term we’ve also introduced a new online booking system to make it easier for schools to arrange visits to the Aerozone. We’ve already received a lot of interest, so we encourage schools to sign up as soon as possible.”
The Emirates equipment includes interactive displays that teach students about aerodynamics and the principles of flight, as well as demonstrate what happens during an aircraft turnaround at airports such as Stansted.
Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ divisional vice president in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our support for Stansted Airport and enhancing the education facility with new interactive equipment within the Aerozone.
“It’s fantastic to be able to highlight the range of career opportunities within the industry and inspire the next generation into a rewarding career in aviation.
“Stansted is a key hub for Emirates in the east and south-east of the UK, and we recommenced services this summer as we continue to scale up travel following the pandemic. We’re looking forward to the continued success of the Aerozone facility and our long-standing partnership with the airport.”
Schools can book visits via https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/STNAeroZone@magairports.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
