Thanks to substantial investment, the College now boasts a fully equipped aircraft cabin, complete with authentic seats, a tannoy system, a crew galley area, and service trollies. This cutting-edge facility offers students a unique, hands-on learning environment, preparing them for successful careers in the aviation and hospitality industries.
The event welcomed guests from across the sector, including Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer of AGS Airports, representatives from Loganair, Cameron House, and the College’s management team. Guests were checked in and issued boarding passes by Travel and Tourism students before being escorted to a “departure lounge,” where the morning’s formal proceedings began.
Key speakers included Jim McAllister, Head of Languages, Business and Leisure Industries at the college, who highlighted the transformative impact the facility will have on student outcomes:
"This investment significantly enhances the learning experience for our students, helping them develop practical skills and confidence in a simulated yet realistic environment.
It ensures they are job-ready for the aviation and hospitality industries, armed with the capabilities employers are looking for.
Lecturer Kirsty Caig provided an overview of how the facility is already benefiting students:
"For many of our learners, this is their first time experiencing an aircraft environment.
While it’s invaluable for cabin crew training, it also helps students build a wide range of transferable skills, including customer care, teamwork, sales, safety, and problem-solving.
'These are qualities highly sought after in a variety of roles across the travel industry, not just aviation.”
Following the presentations, selected guests experienced a mock travel session, complete with a formal welcome, safety instructions, and in-flight refreshments. The experience concluded with a surprise emergency evacuation, showcasing the depth of training students receive.
Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer of AGS Airports, spoke passionately about the importance of facilities like this in education:
"It was fantastic to see this facility, which represents a significant investment by the College and will help bridge a critical skills gap. Glasgow Airport is well-positioned for growth within the aviation sector, and we need skilled people to fill the wide range of roles this industry offers.
With aviation roles available right now, spaces like this are essential for developing the subtle, practical skills that can only be learned in simulated environments.
This investment reinforces the College’s commitment to providing industry-aligned education and underscores its dedication to producing the skilled workforce required to support the growth of the aviation and hospitality sectors.
