Soaring Towards the Future: The Impact of the 10th LleidaAirChallenge on Aeronautical Training in Catalonia

The 10th LleidaAirChallenge fair has boosted the presence of the aeronautical training sector.

A Step Towards Aeronautical Professionalism

Introduction

The LleidaAirChallenge fair, to be held at Lleida-Alguaire Airport on October 5th and 6th, will see a significant increase in the presence of aeronautical training. This comes in both the number of companies in the sector and the organized conferences. Núria Gil, the Government delegate in Lleida, highlighted that this edition will feature 21 exhibitors dedicated to aeronautical training, representing 21% of the total 98 exhibitors. Additionally, 8 out of the 10 planned conferences will focus on various training options within the aeronautical field. The objective is to attract young talents and provide them with access to professional opportunities in the sector.

Main Content

Diverse Training Opportunities

According to Núria Gil, the increase in company participation in training activities connects with Lleida-Alguaire Airport's mission to inspire vocations among young people and facilitate their professional paths matching the sector's labor demand. Notably, the event will host significant names in aeronautical training such as BAA Training, Aerolink Flight Academy, and European Aviation School, among others. The fair director, Antonio Gil, noted the wide range of professional opportunities offered, from pilot training to aircraft maintenance and air traffic control.

Comprehensive Representation of the Aeronautical Sector

The fair will achieve full occupancy of the venue, hosting a variety of exhibitors. Beyond the 21 flight schools, there will be 21 companies providing drones for various uses like agriculture and construction; 4 companies offering air taxis; 19 exhibitions focused on space exploration, aeronautical consulting, and maintenance; and 29 other organizations like aero clubs and pilot associations. Due to strong demand for aircraft and engine parts, brands like Wing Master and Cirrus will also participate. The venue setup will include large tents dedicated to training, new aeronautical technologies, and new air mobility solutions, as well as space for simulators.

Positive Impact on the Territory

Gil emphasized the positive impact of the increased presence of aeronautical schools, as it enhances the airport’s potential to attract vocations among young people and support their access to job opportunities in the sector. The airport houses several aeronautical schools with significant numbers of trainers and students and is preparing to establish a new training center and a residential facility for pilots next year. Highlighting the event’s guide towards professionalization and specialization, Jordi Candela, Director of Airports of Catalonia, underlined the inclusion of exhibitors in commercial, technological, industrial, New Space, and training domains, reinforcing Lleida-Alguaire Airport's position as a reference in industrial and services aviation.

New Features

This year, the fair will introduce an acrobatic air festival, adding a festive touch to the weekend. The festival will occur on Sunday morning, with pilot training sessions on Saturday. The event will also feature helicopter, drone, and aero-model exhibitions. A shuttle train service will run between the Plaza de la Sardana and the airport, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The fair will also provide food trucks and bars for attendees.

Reflecting on a Decade of Growth

This year marks the 10th edition of the fair, which remains the only event dedicated to aeronautics in Catalonia and Spain. Launched in 2013, the LleidaAirChallenge aimed to open the airport to the region and create a meeting point for industry professionals, companies, institutions, and aero clubs. Through the years, it has become a platform for showcasing market trends and innovations, establishing contacts, and offering aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to explore new technologies in the industry. The fair will run alongside regular flights to Palma de Mallorca without interfering with commercial aviation activities.

For more information, visit https://lleidaairchallenge.cat/

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