Members of a local cub scout group have taken part in a special tour of Bournemouth Airport as they work towards their Air Activities badge.
The cubs, aged between eight and 10-years-old, were able to visit the check-in desk, go through departures and security before heading to the air traffic control tower and then to the airport’s fire station.
Up to 15 youngsters, seven leaders and two young leaders from the 8th Christchurch (Burton) Scout Group took part in the behind-the-scenes trip.
Scout leader Simon Plummer accompanied the excited group on their visit and said it was great to see the cubs so engaged and interested in everything around them.
“The whole event was put together really well – it was a brilliant trip,” said Simon, who is also a trained pilot. “We had one cub with us who is due to go on holiday soon and had never been to an airport before. For him, it was really good to be able to see how it all works and what it’s all about.
“By the end of the tour, all of the kids were buzzing. It was such a great thing for them to be able to do.”
Simon said the cubs were particularly interested in the security section, where they got to see the x-ray screening machine and ask the team questions about what can and can’t be taken on board an aircraft.
The air traffic control tower was also a bit hit, with the cubs able to see the equipment and even have a go at turning the runway lights on and off.
At Bournemouth Airport’s fire station, the children were able to try out the lights and sirens in the fire engines.
“They were fascinated by it all,” said Simon, explaining that the two-hour tour will go towards the cubs’ Air Activities badge. “We’re very grateful to the airport staff who organised it and were there on the day.”
Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill said: “It was a real pleasure to help the cubs experience life at a busy regional airport and see behind the scenes. Our team had great fun hosting them and we might even have inspired some new recruits for the future!”
The airport is expecting to handle more passengers this year following Ryanair’s decision to base a second aircraft at Bournemouth this summer, with 30% more
flights to 18 destinations, including new routes to Venice, Edinburgh and Carcassonne.
Bournemouth Airport has a total of 29 destinations on offer in 15 countries in its 2023 schedule and is expecting a bumper season. It is currently recruiting for a number of roles, with full details of all vacancies here.