Fourteen Sydney students have taken part in a behind-the-scenes aviation experience at Sydney Airport, including visits to a Cathay Pacific cockpit, cargo aircraft and the airport fire station.
The Aviation Explorers Day was delivered through Cathay’s ‘I Can Fly’ youth development program in partnership with Sydney Airport and Aspect, giving children and teenagers on the autism spectrum the chance to explore different parts of airport and airline operations.
Students were able to sit in the cockpit, experience Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite Business Class, make announcements over the aircraft PA system and see how cargo is loaded through the front of a freighter. The group also explored a fire truck during the four hour visit.
Richard Jones, Cathay Area Head Oceania, said it was the first time the program had been held in Sydney.
“Seeing the pure joy that the visit created makes me feel immensely proud to be part of Cathay and hope that it has been an experience that participants will remember fondly for a long time,” Mr Jones said.
Sydney Airport’s partnership with Aspect also includes initiatives designed to make air travel more accessible for passengers with non-visible disabilities, including sensory maps, journey planners and a quiet room in the international terminal.
Leanne Geraghty, Sydney Airport General Manager Passenger Experience, said the work was focused on making the airport experience more accessible, inclusive and predictable for passengers and their families.
Tom Tutton, Aspect Head of Autism Friendly, said the excursion provided students with a hands-on introduction to aviation in a welcoming environment.
The ‘I Can Fly’ program was launched in 2003 and has involved more than 8,800 students. This year’s Aviation Explorer Days are being rolled out across Sydney, Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, with additional cities expected to be announced for 2027.
