London Stansted Airport’s Aerozone Celebrates 25,000th Young Visitor with Special Event – Travel And Tour World

London Stansted Airport’s Aerozone education centre has reached a significant milestone, welcoming its 25,000th young visitor since its opening in 2015. To celebrate this achievement, an aviation-themed event was held for 30 excited students from Forest Hall School in Stansted Mountfitchet. The pupils were given a unique, hands-on opportunity to discover how airports operate and explore the various careers within the aviation industry.

Aerozone has become a key resource for local schools, offering interactive educational sessions that bring airport processes and aviation careers to life. This milestone highlights Aerozone’s growing role in inspiring young people and fostering a deeper understanding of the aviation world.

Alex Smith, Education Manager at London Stansted, said: “Seeing young people’s faces light up when they learn about aviation is what makes this job special. We’re not just teaching them about planes but we’re opening their eyes to future careers they might never have considered.”

The Aerozone has become such a hit with local schools that it is now fully booked until next summer. The centre provides children aged 4 to 18 with the opportunity to engage in aviation-themed science and engineering activities, all while gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a busy international airport.

Jennifer Crossling, Senior Education and Employment Manager at London Stansted, said: “This isn’t just about reaching a big number. It’s about the thousands of young people who’ve discovered new possibilities here. Some might become pilots, engineers, or air traffic controllers, others might invent something that changes how we fly.”

The centre’s success is a vital component of London Stansted’s broader commitment to supporting education and skills development within the local community, while also inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

Marcella M’Rabety, Group Head of Social Sustainability, added: “At London Stansted, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. Through our three dedicated education initiatives – Aerozone, Stansted Airport College in partnership with Harlow College, and our Academy—we’re committed to opening doors to exciting careers in aviation, whether that’s through hands-on experiences for kids or specialised training that turns dreams into careers.”

London Stansted is dedicated to shaping the future of aviation through three key education and skills initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.

The Aerozone Education Centre offers children aged 4 to 18 an exciting opportunity to explore aviation and transport through interactive, hands-on workshops. Situated at the airport, Aerozone encourages interest in STEM subjects while also introducing students to the diverse career paths within the aviation industry.

The Stansted Airport Employment and Skills Academy, managed by London Stansted in partnership with Harlow College, serves as a comprehensive resource for job seekers. It provides a bespoke aviation training programme designed to equip local residents with the essential skills needed to secure roles with one of the airport’s 200+ employers.

In collaboration with Harlow College, Stansted Airport College is the UK’s only college located directly on an airport campus. The college offers specialised aviation courses that combine industry-relevant qualifications with practical experience, helping students prepare for successful careers in aviation.

Collectively, these initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for young people to gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary for a thriving career in aviation, ensuring the development of a highly skilled workforce for the future.