(NEWS) NEWQUAY, UK, 2026-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Aviation careers are taking centre stage in southwest England this summer, as a growing initiative aimed at encouraging more girls into the industry returns with expanded capacity and rising demand.
The TECgirls Reach for the Sky Festival is set to take place on 20 and 21 June at Cornwall Airport Newquay, marking its third year and its first expansion to a two-day format. Organisers say the decision follows strong early interest, with the majority of tickets sold within days of release.
Supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport, the event is designed to introduce young people — particularly girls — to careers in aviation, engineering and related STEM fields through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.
According to details shared by organisers, more than 800 of the initial 1,000 tickets were secured within four days, prompting the addition of a second day and an extra 500 places. The timing of the event also coincides with Father’s Day on the Sunday, which organisers say offers an opportunity for families to attend together.
The festival programme includes access to aircraft, interactive workshops, engineering challenges and opportunities to meet pilots, engineers and apprentices working in the sector. More than 20 organisations are expected to participate, reflecting a broader push to connect education with real-world career pathways.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address gender imbalance in aviation and engineering. Data from the Civil Aviation Authority indicates that women account for around 30% of the UK STEM workforce and fewer than 10% of pilots, highlighting a gap that industry stakeholders are increasingly seeking to address through outreach and early engagement.
Events such as Reach for the Sky aim to tackle this issue by providing exposure at a younger age, particularly at a stage when career perceptions are still forming. Organisers point to research suggesting that many girls disengage from STEM pathways early, often due to limited visibility of role models or lack of direct experience with the sector.
The festival is being hosted at Spaceport Cornwall, part of the wider infrastructure at Cornwall Airport Newquay, which has positioned itself as a hub for both aviation and space-related activity in the region. Local stakeholders say initiatives like this also play a role in supporting future workforce development alongside regional economic growth.
Organisers are continuing to invite participation from businesses and organisations across the South West, with opportunities to contribute through workshops, sponsorship or outreach activities.
