Popular Flight Academy Returns for Kids at Manchester Airport

A popular educational programme for children aged 4-12 will be returning to Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park (RVP) this February half-term.

The Flight Academy, which has been a regular fixture during school holidays for more than a decade, gives youngsters the chance to learn about the different job roles that help keep Manchester Airport in operation, from check-in agents to flight crew and the airfield team.

During the 90-minute sessions, which will run each day from Monday 16th – Friday 20th February, those taking part will also sit in the captain’s chair on a retired DC10 airliner and get a taste of what it would be like to fly a commercial aircraft.

They then head outside to have a look at Manchester Airport’s runways, watch planes taking off and landing, and see some of the various jobs that they’ve learned about in action.

Separate sessions will run for children in the 4-7 and 8-12 age ranges, with the younger group starting at 10:30 am and the older children’s sessions getting underway at 12:30 pm on each day the Flight Academy is running.

Tickets cost £14 for one accompanying child and one adult and also entitle participants to a full day’s parking at the reduced rate of £6.

There are a multitude of other attractions at the RVP for visitors to enjoy, including an observation deck with sweeping runway views, several retired aircraft open for tours – including the iconic Concorde – and an immersive 360-degree Flight Simulator, plus an on-site café and outdoor play area.

Paul Emblow, manager of the Runway Visitor Park, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming more young people to experience our Flight Academy programme this February half-term. Hundreds of children have already taken part since we launched the programme, and it remains hugely popular.

“The Runway Visitor Park is one of the most unique visitor attractions in the North West, with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out, please do pay us a visit.”

Other events upcoming at the RVP include a black-tie dinner in the Concorde hangar to celebrate 50 years since the aircraft was delivered to British Airways.

It begins with a sparkling drinks reception, accompanied by the soaring vocals of soprano singer Gemma Ashley, and will be followed by a four-course, Concorde-inspired meal with coffee, served under the aircraft’s wings.

Special guest speakers will include former Concorde cabin crew and a former Captain. Tickets for the event on Friday 13th February start at £120 per person.

For more information visit www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk.