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.
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.
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.
“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.
For more information on engineering courses at Northumbria,
visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/engineering
