This 2024 event gave students an insight into the current and future applications of the latest innovations in the aviation sector in a bid to inspire them to choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in school.
The theme of this year’s event was the ‘Future of Flight’, focusing on how new technologies and innovations can deliver future solutions for the aviation sector and help reduce carbon emissions.
London City Airport was joined at the event by a number of partner companies, including Accenture, British Airways CityFlyer, Cirium, Embraer, GKN Aerospace, NATS and the University of East London (UEL) – which hosted presentations and interactive sessions with the students, showcasing the importance of STEM-based skills in the workplace and to the future of the sector.
The school groups also faced an aviation-themed STEM business challenge, in which they were tasked with designing an airport of the future by using advanced technologies and more sustainable energy sources.
Eight finalists were selected and the winning group from St Paul’s Way in Tower Hamlets showcased, in front of a panel of judges, how to design an airport of the future by using advanced technologies across infrastructure, operations and aircraft.
The team were awarded vouchers, as well as a special airside tour of London City Airport. The runners up were George Green's in Tower Hamlets.
The UK Government has set out an ambition to become a ‘science and technology superpower’ by 2030. Encouraging more STEM skills in schools will help meet this goal and ensure the continued success of the aviation sector, which is one of the UK’s most successful industries, contributing billions of pounds to the UK economy and supporting over 200,000 jobs.
London City Airport was a successful recipient of the Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, which has helped part-fund this year’s STEM in Aviation Day. The additional funding this year has enabled the airport to reach more local schools and develop toolkits for students, to help inspire the next generation of aviators.
UK 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.”
