UP UP and AWAY – FLYING HIGH

Our Year 11 and 13 Travel and Tourism students enjoyed a day at Manchester Airport, learning about their operations. We were treated to a tour of Terminal 2, guest speakers on the subject of airline economics and decarbonisation as well as an interactive session in the Aerozone where students had the opportunity to practice their vocational skills in different areas of the airport and aircraft. We were accompanied by our Deputy Head Boy who had this to say about the trip.

“During our trip to Manchester Airport to experience the interactive Aerozone, we took part in many different aspects of the airport. Upon entering, we received a tour of Terminal 2, which is currently receiving a renovation as part of a £1.3 billion transformation programme. During this tour, we saw a few different aspects of the airports, including a separate staff area to get security checked and an area accessible to people with a plethora of different special needs. Upon entering the interactive Aerozone area, we experienced a duty-free shopping zone, bag security checking, cabin crew experience with airport seating, a passport checking area, and an airport runway experience. We had an opportunity to work these different areas, and experience different job roles. We also had two separate guest speakers. The first one was a director at the airport. His main focus was on becoming more eco-friendly within the different aspects of the airport and the second guest speaker spoke to us about aviation economics. Overall, we gained a great deal of knowledge of different aspects of the airport and we also got to know about some future developments which are taking place.”

Other students were also positive about the trip. This is what they had to say.

“On Tuesday, we took a trip to Airport. It was extremely informative and very beneficial for me as I wish to be an air hostess. The lady who stayed with our group was lovely and looked after us really well. We also got to listen to guest speakers who are very passionate about their jobs. We then got to walk around and see all of the interactive stations they had set up where we could dress up as firefighters and air hostesses and we could check people and their bags in. Overall, I really enjoyed the trip and it was especially exciting for me as it’s always been my dream to work in the aviation industry.” (Year 13 student)

“On Tuesday, we visited Manchester Airport. It was both educational and fun. For instance, we learn about how the airports operates, as well as interesting information about each terminal. Furthermore, we learnt about the different job roles and how they cater to different individual skills. Personally, my favourite part was the fact that we got to immerse ourselves in the different career opportunities that are offered within the airport. Overall the day was excellent.” (Year 13 student)

“I really enjoyed our trip to Manchester Airport. On the trip, I liked the flight simulator game where you could experience being a pilot. Also, I enjoyed how we walked around the terminal two and I also enjoyed the job re-enactment. I liked how you could see people who have very important jobs in the airport and also how they are using new technology in the airport.” (Year 11 student)