Brisbane Airport opens up to local schools

Brisbane Airport has officially launched Australia’s first School Tours Program opening its doors to local primary and secondary school students offering a fun and interactive experience to the local community.

The School Tours Program offers students in the inner city and surrounding areas a window into the operations of one of Australia’s largest and busiest domestic and international airports. The tours are offered free of charge and tailored to meet the age groups of Prep to Year 5, and those in secondary schooling of Years 11 and 12.

The School Tours Program covers all areas of the airport with destinations on the tour including the Experience Centre, Kingsford Smith Memorial, the Domestic and International Terminals, aircraft maintenance hangars, and the aircraft viewing area. Primary School students are provided with a Brisbane Airport Passport, which is filled out as they progress their way through the tour.

BAC CEO and Managing Director, Julieanne Alroe, said BAC is right on the doorstep of central Brisbane and the School Tours Program is a great way for the students to become involved in Brisbane Airport which forms a large part of their local community.

“Brisbane Airport is largely involved with the Central Brisbane Community. We make it our purpose to engage with the community on topics of airport operations and developments, so that people can better understand why we operate the way we do,” Ms Alroe said.

“Our children are the future of our communities. The School Tours Program enables the two-way relationship, providing BAC with an opportunity to better understand the interests and needs of the children and families living in our nearest suburbs, while also providing them with an avenue to learn about the airport,” she said.

The School Tours Program complements BAC’s larger community engagement program implemented over the past year, which sees senior managers and airport staff meeting with the community through a number of initiatives including: working groups, airport community forums and information sessions, local fairs and festivals, community group meetings, as well as a variety of sponsored partnerships such as the Royal Flying Doctors Service.