ITI Articles

Passengers – your tickets please!

There’s an exciting new airport at Botany Town Centre in Auckland – but you won’t see any planes taking off or landing.

International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) has just opened its Airport Training Centre at its Botany Campus.
The incredible new facility simulates a real-world airport environment so convincingly that the college has already been approached by a television production company wanting to hire the space for filming.

At the check in desks, a television displays flight arrivals in and out of Auckland International Airport while students can check passengers in using an airline checking computer system, issue boarding passes, check documents and weigh luggage.
At customs and the gate lounge, students learn baggage checking procedures, international air travel security requirements, and use the full public address system to advise passengers waiting to board their flights.

On to the plane and students are trained in all aspects of in-flight service from the safety briefing to providing food for the passengers. The aircraft cabin has rows of seats complete with overhead cabins, a working galley kitchen, safety lights, an online television and a full PA system.

Staff and students are loving it. “It’s a lot closer to a workplace than a classroom!” says Marketing Manager Claire Huxley. “Bringing this level of reality to our students means they are work-ready and trained to the highest standard. They are better placed to take advantage of the incredible career opportunities at airports in New Zealand and around the world.”

ITC also plans to continue its strong connections with local schools by making the facility available for their Gateway programmes and school visit days. The Airport Training Centre will also be able to accommodate ITC’s expo days and other events.
“We are going to be making the most of this amazing space,” says Claire Huxley. “It brings a whole new world of opportunity to the college and our staff and students.”