Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Gatwick experience for engineering students

Fourteen engineering students from Northumbria University, Newcastle, have enjoyed a VIP behind-the-scenes visit to Gatwick Airport to learn how Britain’s second largest airport operates.

Above: Students on the airfield at Gatwick.

The visit was arranged by Stewart Wingate, the Chief Executive Officer of Gatwick, who graduated from Northumbria in 1994 with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and continues to support his alma mater.

The students were given a unique opportunity to see how their engineering knowledge and skills will be put into practice in one of largest engineering operations in the world. More than 45 million passengers per year pass through Gatwick on more than 280,000 flights that carry almost 100,000 metric tonnes of cargo.

Advertisement
Teledyne

On a tour of the airfield and terminal, the students saw demonstrations of equipment including jet bridge controls and aircraft line-ups. They were driven around the taxiway to visit the new large hangars for super jumbos and were able to watch the world’s largest airliner, an Airbus A380, take-off from the airside.

They were also given the opportunity to walk over the top of the Pier 6 Connector bridge which links the North Terminal to a satellite building. At 197-metres wide, the bridge is wide enough and high enough to allow a Boeing 747 to pass underneath as it taxis around the airport. It is the first bridge of its kind at any UK airport and its scale and construction make it unique in engineering terms.

The invitation to visit Gatwick Airport was extended by Stewart Wingate to high performing students on Northumbria’s Mechanical, Civil and Architectural Engineering courses. Fourteen students were chosen for the trip based on their exemplary academic performance in the previous academic year.

Stewart made time in his schedule to personally meet with the students and answer their questions. He gave a presentation on international relationships, sustainability and environmental concerns, investment and business development and working with the local community and invited Gatwick’s Head of Engineering, Tony Yates, to talk to the students about the airport’s current engineering projects.

Mr Wingate said: “It was a delight, as a Northumbria alumnus, to welcome talented engineering students to Gatwick Airport and to give them real insight in to the range of activities here that relate directly to their learning experience.”

Dr Yifan Li, a senior lecturer in Northumbria’s Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering accompanied the students on the trip and said: “The whole trip was outstanding and we are so grateful that Stewart continues his relationship with the University and shows us his support and experience in this way.

Advertisement
Teledyne

“This tour has provided our students with a first-hand opportunity to reflect on how their engineering knowledge and skills are applied to real world projects, which will no doubt enhance their employability.”

Mechanical and Architectural Engineering student, Nathan Prosser, said: “The visit gave me a real appreciation for the vast amount of important engineering work taking place behind the scenes at Gatwick.”

Northumbria University offers courses in mechanical, civil, automotive, electrical, electronic, construction and architectural engineering, working in partnership with employers such as Akzo Nobel, Balfour Beatty and BAE Systems.

The University is ranked within the world top-300 for engineering and technology, with courses accredited by a number of professional bodies, including the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

     

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Aerospace

Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

10 July 2025

Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1st January 2026.

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

Aerospace

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

10 July 2025

One of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell Aviation, along with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced today that Avelia is in the process of evolving into an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multisupplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

Aerospace

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

9 July 2025

Heathrow is harnessing advanced technology to make aircraft ground operations faster, smarter and more seamless across 116 gates at Terminals Two, Three and Five, as part of a strategic collaboration with IAG and Assaia.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

Advertisement
Teledyne
ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT