London City Airport Inspires a New Era of Innovators with STEM in Aviation Day

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

London City Airport took center stage in inspiring the next generation of aviation innovators during its annual STEM in Aviation Day, held on November 15 at ExCeL. Over 500 students from East London schools participated in this engaging event, designed to showcase the transformative role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) in shaping the future of flight.

The theme of this year’s event, ‘Future of Flight,’ highlighted cutting-edge technologies and sustainable innovations that are set to redefine the aviation industry. Students were introduced to the latest advancements and encouraged to think critically about how these could address challenges like carbon emissions and energy efficiency.

Bridging STEM Education and Aviation Excellence

Partnering with industry leaders including British Airways CityFlyer, Accenture, Cirium, Embraer, GKN Aerospace, NATS, and the University of East London (UEL), the event offered interactive workshops and presentations. These sessions emphasized the critical role of STEM skills in driving innovation within the aviation sector, from designing next-generation aircraft to creating sustainable airport operations.

A major highlight was an aviation-themed business challenge, where students were tasked with designing an airport of the future. Their projects incorporated advanced technologies and renewable energy solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aviation.

Celebrating Young Innovators

The competition culminated in eight finalist teams, with students from St Paul’s Way in Tower Hamlets taking the top spot. Their visionary concept for a futuristic airport impressed judges with its innovative design, focus on sustainability, and seamless teamwork. The winning team was awarded vouchers and treated to an exclusive airside tour of London City Airport.

George Green’s School, also from Tower Hamlets, earned runner-up honors for their creative and forward-thinking approach, securing prizes in recognition of their efforts.

Supporting the UK’s Vision for STEM Leadership

This initiative aligns with the UK Government’s aspiration to become a global science and technology leader by 2030. By engaging students in STEM-focused activities, London City Airport is playing a pivotal role in building a pipeline of talent that will sustain the aviation sector—an industry that contributes billions to the economy and supports over 200,000 jobs nationwide.

The event was partially funded by the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a program supported by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This funding enabled the airport to expand its outreach, engaging more schools and creating educational resources to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Paving the Way for Tomorrow’s Innovators

London City Airport’s STEM in Aviation Day exemplifies its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within the industry. By connecting students with real-world challenges and industry experts, the event equips young minds with the tools and inspiration to drive the future of aviation forward—fueling a more efficient, advanced, and eco-friendly future for flight.

Wilma Allan, Chief Financial Officer, London City Airport, said: “We’re proud to have hosted our seventh ‘STEM in Aviation Day’ for students across our local community in east London.

“This year’s event was our biggest to date, thanks to additional funding from the DfT and CAA’s Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, which has helped us reach more local schools and develop toolkits for the students.”

Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “Events like London City Airport’s STEM in Aviation Day are vital to keeping the UK at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in aviation. Congratulations to all the students who took part.

“The future of flight depends on the skills, creativity, and ambition of young people, which is why this Government is proud to support careers in STEM through our Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund.”

James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, said: “It’s great to be involved in London City Airport’s STEM in Aviation event for a fourth year and especially to be on the judging panel again.

“Today is a great opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds to see that a career in STEM is a possibility. This event really engages with young people at secondary school level, providing opportunities and opening doors to further participation and possibly careers in engineering and aviation.”

Daniele Sansone, Regional Director Airline Marketing EMEA at Embraer, said: “It was a privilege to speak with school students in east London about the importance of aviation and how Embraer is addressing the sustainability challenge.

“I’d like to thank London City Airport for the initiative and the invitation; It’s critical that we get more young people excited about the future that studying STEM subjects can provide.”

• WestJet Expands 2025 Summer Schedule with Enhanced Halifax to Paris Service

• Wizz Air Opens Doors to Leadership Opportunities for Ukrainian Students in the UK

• United Airlines Sees Surge in Bookings to Europe as Holiday Travel Hits Record Numbers

• Houston Airports Preparing for an Astonishing Thanksgiving Travel Rush

• Luxury Sports Travel on the Rise: VistaJet Expands Its Global Reach, Serving Elite Athletes and Fans Heading to Major Sporting Events in the U.S., Europe, and Asia