Popular Flight Academy returns to airport’s Runway Visitor Park

Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park (RVP) has confirmed the return of its ever-popular Flight Academy this summer, as it reopens fully following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Sessions are available up to five times per week throughout August.

The Academy programme, which has been running for several years, is a firm favourite with young families.

During the 90-minute session, children taking part will learn about the different job roles that help ensure that Manchester Airport runs smoothly 365 days of the year.

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 learnt about in action.

Flight Academy sessions take place on board the Runway Visitor Park’s retired DC10 airliner and youngsters can get a feel for what it would be like to sit in the cockpit and take control of a commercial aircraft.

A ticket for one adult and one child costs £10, with parking available for the full day at just £5.

Sessions are split into two age groups – one for children aged 4-7 years and another for those aged 8-12.

Once the Academy session has finished, families visiting the RVP can immerse themselves in the buzz of a busy international airport, watching aircraft including the giant A380 coming and going at close quarters, take in a tour of the Park’s retired airliners including the iconic Concorde, and make use of a sizeable play area and on-site café.

Attractions cater to everyone from casual visitors to aviation enthusiasts.

Robert Hassard, Runway Visitor Park Manager, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing back the Flight Academy programme in full this summer after we were forced to make some changes to it last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This programme is one of our most popular and has already inspired hundreds of children and young people to consider a career in aviation.

"It is a fun day out for the whole family and great value too with an adult-and-child ticket at just £10.

“The RVP is now fully open once more and this summer is a great time to visit, as international travel continues to gather pace and more airlines resume their operations with each week that passes.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors of all ages back to the RVP this summer and share the airport experience with them once more.”

Also making a return to the Runway Visitor Park this summer are group tours of the attraction’s iconic Concorde. Visitors get the chance to see the aircraft up close, inside, and out, walking under the wings, exploring the cabin and even stopping by the flight deck.

A programme of special events is also running over the summer, including Classic Car Events and a TAS Aviation Memorabilia Fair.

Guests can book tours and experiences online via the RVP’s website and are encouraged to visit the What’s On page for guidelines, terms and conditions before booking.

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