General Atomics

Farnborough Airport launches enhanced Certificate in Airport Operations with FCoT

Farnborough Airport and Farnborough College of Technology (FCoT), have launched an enhanced Certificate in Airport Operations course.

Image courtesy Farnborough Airport 

Farnborough has always been synonymous with aviation firsts. From its role in the earliest days of British flight to its position today as Europe’s leading business aviation airport, Farnborough Airport has a long and proud history as a pioneering force in aviation. The Certificate in Airport Operations continues this legacy, preparing the next generation of aviation professionals with the skills and practical experience needed to thrive in an evolving industry.

Building on the success of the inaugural course that launched earlier in the year – which equipped students with valuable skills to progress in the aviation industry and helped some of the cohort to secure employment – the new Certificate offers an enhanced programme tailored to meet the growing demand for talent in aviation.

Running from Tuesday 4th November, the enhanced six-week course combines college studying alongside hands-on learning at Farnborough Airport and is designed especially for learners aged 21 and over.

  • With 20 spaces available, an increase to the 12 available earlier in the year, the course will take place at FCoT two evenings per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm – 9pm).
  • One of the evening sessions each week will be delivered by global leader in air traffic management and airport services, NATS.
  • Students will benefit from two immersive “Airport Insight” days at Farnborough Airport, where they will shadow professionals and gain practical, hands-on learning within their chosen specialism, with an additional day available to experience the Airport’s various office functions.
  • The Customer Services module, for those students who select it, provides the option of taking an assessment to gain a City & Guilds qualification.
  • An optional Engineering Bootcamp will be offered by FCoT in the week following the course.

Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough Airport, commented: “The feedback from our initial course cohort was outstanding with some having already secured roles within the industry. Following this success, we are proud to launch the enhanced Farnborough Airport Certificate in Airport Operations, ensuring even more local people can benefit from the exciting career opportunities that aviation has to offer, which in turn supports and contributes to Rushmoor Borough Council’s Delivery Plan for Skills, Economy and Business.
 
"Farnborough Airport has always been at the forefront of British aviation, and through this course we are helping to build the future of the industry by equipping local people with the skills and knowledge to take their first steps into aviation. As an Employer of Choice and Responsibility in the region, we are proud to be supporting local talent and contributing to the skills, economy and prosperity of Rushmoor and the wider area.”

Principal CEO at Farnborough College of Technology, Virginia Barrett (OBE), said: “We are very pleased to again be working closely with Farnborough Airport on this exciting and very popular course. Aviation is such a diverse sector – integral to our community – and this course will give local people the chance to develop knowledge, skills and connections that could shape the next step in their career journey.”

Applications for the Farnborough Airport Certificate in Airport Operations are now open. Prospective students can find out more and apply via the College’s website: www.farn-ct.ac.uk

Related

Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
As part of its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) expansion plans, Ontic has opened a new 72,000sq ft facility in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
Aerospace Member News

6 Oct 2026

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
Manchester Airport hi-tech sensory zone in T2
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
The new Sunflower Room provides sensory and quiet spaces designed to support autistic and other neurodivergent passengers, as well as people with non-visible disabilities and additional assistance needs.
Aerospace

5 Oct 2026

Tories pledge £10bn for “Britannia Shield” missile and drone defence system
Live firing tests of precision missile
Tories pledge £10bn for “Britannia Shield” missile and drone defence system
Growing concern over drone and missile threats has intensified the debate around UK air defence, with "Britannia Shield" intended to strengthen protection for critical national infrastructure and military sites.
Defence

6 Oct 2026

Prime Minister considers delaying decision on UK defence spending, according to reports
British F-35Bs land back on HMS Prince of Wales (R09) after completing a mission during Exercise Neptune Strike 26-3 on 19 July 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/PO Phot Chris Sellars
Prime Minister considers delaying decision on UK defence spending, according to reports
A potential delay to the UK’s defence spending roadmap raises fresh questions over procurement, industrial investment and the UK government’s long-term funding commitments.
Defence

6 Oct 2026

GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
An MQ-9B
GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
Working with SoftBank Corp., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated the successful integration of a new communications payload into its unmanned MQ-9B platform, designed for situations where cellular services are unavailable.
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
OneWeb satellites in transport container at Airbus
Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
Member News Space

5 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
An MQ-9B
GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
Working with SoftBank Corp., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated the successful integration of a new communications payload into its unmanned MQ-9B platform, designed for situations where cellular services are unavailable.
Leonardo DRS sets up UK subsidiary and launches tactical radar production
Tactical Expeditionary Radars
Leonardo DRS sets up UK subsidiary and launches tactical radar production
Leonardo DRS has established DRS UK and launched local production of tactical radars for counter-UAS, air defence and force protection.
Defence Security

6 Oct 2026