Hi, Dan here. Welcome to Fun Kids Science Weekly, Reach for the Sky Special, the podcast

explores the future of aviation, from the design and sustainability of future planes to the

people who keep them flying and make sure our experience is top-notch. In this podcast, we're meeting

some of the team at East Midlands Airport,

the brilliant people who keep it all running smoothly. Airports aren't just about planes and passengers.

They're buzzing with different jobs and exciting roles. In fact, over 140,000 people are employed

directly.

This doesn't include those working in businesses supported by the airports or within the wider supply chain, like those in delivery companies and catering.

So the total number of jobs associated by UK airports is significantly higher.

Heathrow is the biggest of the bunch, around 75,000 direct jobs and 114,000 local jobs supported.

Manchester Airports Group, which includes East Midlands Airport, directly employs 7,000 people and supports over 40,000 jobs.

East Midlands Airport itself is a bit of a double act. It's a low-cost passenger airport flying over 40,000 jobs. East Midlands Airport itself is a bit of a double-act.

It's a low-cost passenger airport flying over 4 million people a year to more than 90 places.

And it's the UK's busiest express cargo hub with loads of parcels zipping in and out every day.

To start us off, here's Amy to give us the background on jobs around the airport.

Amy Aviation, reaching for the sky.

Hi, Amy Aviation here. Today, Zach and I are exploring the behind the scenes at the airport.

When people think of airport jobs, they'll usually include checking assistance and security people,

as well as pilots and flight attendants.

But there's a huge number of other incredible roles that are required to make air travel possible.

Like who fills up the snack trolley?

That's the real hero.

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