Airport Enthusiasts Go Behind the Scenes at LBA

From time to time, tours of LBA can be arranged for community members in order to inspire and share knowledge about the airport’s exciting environment.

In October, 14 year-old airport enthusiast James Shoesmith-Evans, a Year 10 pupil from Woodhouse Grove School, impressed our Chief Executive John Parkin with his outstanding school project all about Leeds Bradford Airport. To congratulate James for his hard work, we invited James and his dad Stephen to take a tour of the Airport and our Air Traffic Control Tower with our Head of Air Traffic Control, Alan Siddoway.

James said: “Everyone at Leeds Bradford Airport made us feel very welcome and we would like to thank all those who showed us around. We learned a lot about what goes on in the Control and Radar rooms and we left knowing much more than when we arrived.

“We were surprised at how many planes arrived and departed while we were there and by the range of technology used to guide the planes in. We both thought that it was a fascinating experience and it has certainly has made me think about career options in this area.”  

Alan Siddoway, Head of Air Traffic Control at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to show James and his dad around the airport and give them an insight into how we operate in the Air Traffic Control Tower. James is a very enthusiastic and polite student and it is fantastic to have the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of aviation workers.”

Recent tours have also taken place for community groups including the WI, colleges and schools – all of whom have a real interest in aviation and the development of Leeds Bradford Airport.