Education centre Aerozone Stansted has opened its doors for the new school year with a variety of new interactive experiences, following a donation by Emirates.

 UAE-based airline Emirates has donated a range aviation-themed classroom tech to compliment the cutting-edge learning materials already available to students at the centre.

Items donated include interactive displays that teach students about aerodynamics and the principles of flight, as well as demonstrating what happens during an aircraft turnaround at airports such as London Stansted.

Alex Smith, education coordinator at London Stansted, said: "We are very excited to welcome schools back to the Aerozone this autumn. It has proven to be incredibly popular with schools across the region since we opened in 2015. The education hub is just one of our many educational initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation talent who might end up working here at London Stansted or elsewhere in the industry.

“This term we have also introduced a new online booking system to make it easier for schools to arrange visits to the Aerozone. We've already received a lot of interest, so we encourage schools to sign up as soon as possible to avoid missing out." 

Almost 20,000 visitors have visited the Aerozone since it opened in 2015. With a variety of activities, it aims to improve STEM skills and encourage children between the ages of four and 18 to consider aviation careers when they leave school, college, or university.

The facility offers both classroom space and interactive areas where aviation-related activities are incorporated into the curriculum. There is a spectacular viewing platform, where youngsters can watch planes take off and land, and see some of the jobs that they have learned about in action.

There is also an opportunity for them to meet airport staff who share their experiences about working there and pursuing a career in aviation.

Image courtesy of Stansted Airport: Saffron Walden County High School students try out the new equipment at Aerozone