Four Emirati high school students visited the Airbus headquarters and Airbus Training Centre in Toulouse, France, as part of an induction visit organised by Airbus Middle East, in partnership with the General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, and the UAE Ministry of Education.

The visit aimed to promote appreciation for the aerospace sector and instil a passion for science, technology and engineering among the young Emirati nationals.

The Airbus Training Centre in Toulouse plays a key role in the design, manufacturing and support of the world’s best aircraft.

It employs more than 21,000 people – around one-third of its total workforce – at its Toulouse facility.

During the six-day trip, the students visited various facilities at the Airbus Training Centre, including The students toured the final assembly lines for the best-selling A320 Family aircraft, the 21st century flagship A380 and the all-new A350 XWB jetliner. They also got a first-hand perspective from aerospace experts on how Airbus, as the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, manages its production and assembly processes.

The visit also underscores the memorandum of understanding signed in May 2014 between Airbus Middle East and the GCAA to develop engagement and training initiatives for the youth at grass-roots level in the UAE and to encourage the nationals to pursue a career in the aviation industry.

They also got a first-hand perspective from aerospace experts on how Airbus, as the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, manages its production and assembly processes.

Sharing her experience, Fatima Al Shemsi, one of the students on the tour, said "The visit to the Airbus manufacturing facility was an exquisite experience. We learnt about Airbus’ design innovations, market demands for new aircraft, how various components are built and how it comes together at the final assembly line in Toulouse. This whole experience has inspired us to build a future in aerospace and contribute to the UAE’s fast growing aviation sector."