SOUTH Essex College Travel and Tourism students will soon be able to use a real life airline cabin for simulations to gain experience and a better understanding of the industry.
The airline cabin was donated by Henry Hyde, in honour of his daughter, Heidi Hyde. Henry has been in the aviation industry for 40 years. His company, Aircraft Environmental Recycling Solutions Ltd, is based in Southend and buys, sells and dismantles aircraft from around the world. His daughter, who sadly died in an accident, was an important part of his business.
Heidi instigated the working connection between the college and AERS Ltd before her accident and was instrumental in making sure students received industry advice and guidance.
The cabin will allow students to practise cabin crew procedures and customer service protocols onboard an aeroplane environment.
The college offers a variety of courses in this sector including Travel and Tourism and Aviation Operations. Students can gain the skills to enter careers such as cabin crew, air traffic controller and airport manager.
Cheryl Plume, Team Leader for Cabin Crew and Aviation, said: “Obviously this industry has taken a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s clear people are itching to travel again and as soon as restrictions allow, the travel industry will be booming. Students who study with us for two or three years will hopefully finish college just at the right time, when the travel industry is back on its feet and more popular than ever!”
For more information about the travel and aviation courses at the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/travel-tourism
For more information about Henry Hyde’s business, visit www.aircraftrecyclingsolutions.com/
