Aerozone is a unique on-site education hub at London Stansted Airport, which has been welcoming students from Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk since its opening in 2015. The centre has provided hands-on activities, STEM workshops, and career insights into the aviation industry for thousands of pupils over the years. •
- Hands-on activities
- STEM workshops
- Career insights into aviation
The hub is designed to inspire students and provide them with a deeper understanding of the aviation industry. Gareth Powell, managing director of London Stansted, said: “When we launched the Aerozone, the goal was to create a space that would inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”
The centre features a flight simulator, interactive sessions, and a focus on sustainability, aligning with the airport’s Jet Zero ambitions. The Aerozone has become a popular destination for students, with over 25,000 visitors since its opening. Some of the activities and sessions offered at the Aerozone include:
- Flight simulator training
- Interactive sessions on sustainability and airport operations
- Meetings with airport staff
Airport staff regularly volunteer at the Aerozone to share their career journeys, from engineering and air traffic control to customer service and security. This hands-on approach helps students gain valuable insights into the various roles within the aviation industry. Many students who have visited the Aerozone say it shaped their ambitions and inspired them to pursue careers in aviation.
“I visited the Aerozone when I was in primary school, and I’m now studying Level 3 Aeronautical Engineering at Stansted Airport College. Going to the Aerozone helped me understand the opportunities in aviation – it’s why I came here.”
— Jax Pateman, Level 3 aeronautical engineering student
To celebrate the 10-year milestone, Year 2 pupils from Felsted Primary School were invited to a special celebration at the Aerozone. The event featured a range of activities, including cake, balloons, face painting, and a visit from an ice cream van.
| Activities | Age group | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cake and balloons | Year 2 pupils | 1 hour |
| Face painting | Year 2 pupils | 1 hour |
| Visit from an ice cream van | Year 2 pupils | 30 minutes |
Their teacher, Mrs Muir, said: “Our visit to the Aerozone was the absolute highlight of the term. The children were buzzing with excitement from the moment we arrived and loved every minute, especially getting to see the planes up close after learning about the history of flight in class.”
The 10-year milestone coincides with the launch of Stansted’s new five-year Sustainability Strategy: Creating a Sustainable Future for All.
Airport staff regularly volunteer at the Aerozone to share their career journeys, from engineering and air traffic control to customer service and security. This hands-on approach helps students gain valuable insights into the various roles within the aviation industry. Many students say that their first visit to the Aerozone shaped their ambitions and inspired them to pursue careers in aviation.
The Aerozone is a testament to the airport’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. By providing a unique and engaging learning experience, the Aerozone is making a real difference in the lives of students and helping to shape the future of the aviation industry.
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