Manchester opens education facility

Manchester Airport has unveiled a state-of-the-art education centre aimed at inspiring future generations to take up a career in aviation.

AeroZone is expected to welcome more than 5,000 children and young people aged between four and 18 every year, with curriculum-linked sessions focused on the wide range of careers available in aviation.

Cutting-edge design and educational technology will be used to link aviation-related activities to the curriculum at the AeroZone, which offers a mix of classroom space and interactive zones. The design of the centre is influenced by aviation, boasting a cabin with real seats and a cockpit, complete with flight simulator.

A dedicated “careers wall” showcases the wide range of careers available in aviation, and information and advice about how to access them. Airport staff will also appear as guest speakers, giving youngsters the chance to put questions to them.

Manchester Airport has worked in partnership with construction firm Laing O’Rourke, lead contractor on its Terminal Two project, to deliver AeroZone. Other partners include Manchester-based design consultants Space Zero; Pascall & Watson, which led on architectural design, construction consultancy IdentityConsult, and IT provider SCC.

AeroZone will form a major part of the education programme at Manchester Airport, as outlined in MAG’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The airport operator has committed to ensuring ‘opportunity for all’, with a pledge to support the education of at least 60,000 young people over the next five years.

Learn more here.