Pupils from Willowfield School in Walthamstow won a business challenge where they were tasked with coming up a vision for airport infrastructure and the aircraft of tomorrow
More than 500 students from schools across east London came together for London City Airport’s annual ‘STEM in Aviation Day’, an event designed to spark curiosity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and showcase the evolving world of aviation.
This year’s event, held on 14th November at ExCeL London, offered students an insight into the latest technologies shaping the sector today and in the future.
Centred on the theme ‘Future of Flight’, the day explored how innovation, new technologies and fresh thinking can support the aviation industry’s transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
London City Airport was joined by partners including Accenture, British Airways CityFlyer, Embraer, GKN Aerospace, NATS, UK Power Network Services (UKPNS) and the University of East London (UEL). Together, they delivered a series of interactive workshops and presentations, helping students understand how STEM skills translate into real-world roles and how they will drive the future of the aviation industry.
Students also took part in a hands-on business challenge, tasked with designing the airport of the future using advanced technologies and more sustainable energy sources. Eight teams reached the final round, with Willowfield School in Waltham Forest crowned overall winner for their bold and imaginative concept spanning airport infrastructure, operations and aircraft of the future.
The team received vouchers and will be given an exclusive behind-the-scenes airside tour of London City Airport. Sarah Bonnell School in Newham were named runners-up and also received prizes.
As part of its wider sustainability roadmap, London City Airport has also launched four new STEM in Aviation online learning resources – Future of Flight, Airspace Modernisation, Decarbonisation, and Green Jobs.
Created for schools and educators, these materials provide accessible insight into the industry and its journey towards a more sustainable future. The resources are available to download on the airport’s website and are being shared with partner schools across east London. The airport is encouraging educators and aviation enthusiasts to access and share them within their networks.
The event supports the UK Government’s ambition for the country to become a science and technology superpower by 2030 and highlights the critical role STEM education plays in sustaining the UK’s aviation sector.
Michael Kissman, director of corporate affairs at London City Airport, said: “London City strives to be the airport everybody loves. For us, that means more than just speed and convenience; it means being an airport that supports its community and creates opportunities for the next generation. It was rewarding to see firsthand how this event opened up a world of possibilities to students from across east London.”
James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, said: “It’s fantastic to once again be part of London City Airport’s STEM in Aviation event and to sit on the judging panel. The day gives young people from diverse backgrounds a real opportunity to see what a future in STEM could look like. It opens doors, builds confidence and helps inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”
Daniele Sansone, from Embraer, said: “It was a pleasure to speak with students in east London about the future of aviation and how Embraer is working to meet the sustainability challenge. My thanks to London City Airport for the invitation — inspiring young people to pursue STEM subjects is essential to building the industry’s future.”
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