British Airways is encouraging its youngest customers to think about a career in flying this half-term and try out its Aviation Academy at Kidzania, in Westfield, London.
The airline’s partnership with KidZania forms part of its continuing commitment to encourage children from all walks of life to consider an exciting career in aviation.
Visitors are greeted by a real British Airways A319 aircraft and a row of check-in desks. Pilots of the future are given miniature uniforms to wear and receive lessons on flight simulators. Children can also learn the inflight safety demonstration and deliver the signature British Airways’ customer service to friends and family.
Since the Aviation Academy opened in 2015, more than 60,000 children have tried their hand at being cabin crew for the day, while 125,000 children have had a taste of the pilot life.
However, with almost half the number of girls (46,250) as boys (78,750) choosing the pilot training option, it is clear there is more to do to make sure girls see that a career as a pilot is achievable. Although more than six per cent of British Airways’ pilots are women, double the national average, the airline is urging more to consider the profession.
British Airways Senior First Officer Kate Beesley said: “When I got to my first induction day at my training school I was the only girl, that’s why female pilots at British Airways do so much to try and make young children, especially young girls, realise that this isn’t a pipe dream, this is actually something that they can do.”
“It’s fantastic that British Airways already has this partnership with KidZania, so we reach so many youngsters from different backgrounds, who may never have considered doing something like this before. It enables them have a vision of what they could potentially be.”
The airline’s customers currently enjoy 15 per cent off their visit to the Aviation Academy.
