Stansted Airport offering its Jet Zero curriculum to schools and colleges at its Aerozone education centre

A new educational initiative on sustainable flying for young people has taken off at Stansted.

The airport is offering its Jet Zero curriculum to schools and colleges in the area as part of its commitment to creating a more environmentally friendly future.

A class of 30 students from Water Lane Primary School in Harlow took part in the first session at the on-site Aerozone education centre.

Using interactive game technology, the group learned how sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is made and how it will help the industry reach net zero by 2050.

Introducing the curriculum, with a second phase later this year, delivers on airport owner MAG’s Jet Zero Education pledge – one of five made in July 2022 when the UK Government published its Jet Zero Strategy.

The launch comes as MAG, which also owns and operates Manchester and East Midlands airports, published its annual CSR (corporate social responsibility) report for 2022-23.

MAG CSR and airspace change director Neil Robinson said: “I am so pleased to see our Jet Zero curriculum become a reality as the first students learn about the role of sustainable aviation fuel at the Aerozone.

“We know that grassroots education about a sustainable future for aviation will be integral to the future success of our sector, and we’re delighted to have delivered on this pledge. It will see thousands of young people learn more about the decarbonisation of our industry.

“We are clear in our commitment to reaching net zero carbon operations by 2038 and to working with airline and industry partners – as well as with Government through the Jet Zero Council – to reach net zero for UK aviation by 2050.

“We understand just how wide-ranging the benefits of international travel are – from tourism and cultural exchange to global trade and investment – and that is why we are dedicated to ensuring that passengers can continue to enjoy them as part of the net zero future of our industry.

“As we publish our annual CSR report, I am proud of the progress we continue to make across all three of our strategic priorities – ensuring we are playing our part in decarbonisation, providing impactful education and employment opportunities, and listening to our local communities and supporting their causes.”

Aviation minister Baroness Vere said: “This is fantastic news for the future of UK aviation. Not only will it bring us a step closer to reaching Jet Zero by 2050, but it will also inspire a new generation of talented young people to join the world of sustainable air travel.

“The transition to Jet Zero presents unique opportunities to grow new industries and technologies while creating jobs. I am delighted that through this initiative students across the country are learning about these opportunities.”

Earlier this year, Stansted became the only UK airport operator to be named a Financial Times European Climate Leader for three successive years.