Gatwick CEO speaks with Engineering students at Northumbria

Northumbria University alum and Chief Executive Officer of Gatwick Airport, Stewart Wingate visited the campus for an exclusive talk with Engineering students, offering invaluable insights into the aviation industry, his personal success in business, and the future of sustainable airport operations.

Students from across multiple disciplines of engineering welcomed the opportunity to learn first-hand from a leader at the forefront of the aviation industry, equipping them with knowledge and perspectives to apply in their careers.

Stewart graduated from Northumbria in 1994 with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Throughout his career, he has led airports across Europe, including Budapest, London Stansted, and now London Gatwick.

Returning to his alma mater, Stewart shared his extensive experience, highlighting the importance of an engineering mindset when tackling real-world challenges within a complex airport environment.

He spoke about key aspects of managing one of the UK’s busiest airports, including large-scale capital growth projects, sustainability initiatives surrounding runway challenges, baggage logistics, retail dynamics, and economic factors influencing the aviation industry.

“It was fantastic to be back at Northumbria and have the opportunity to share advice with students who are right at the start of their career,” he said. “You must not be afraid to take chances. When opportunities come around, take advantage of them, even if you’re not 100% confident.

“In my experience, you can do anything when you’re surrounded by a brilliant team who support you. The aviation sector boasts exciting opportunities, and it is wonderful to see the next generation of engineers eager to make an impact.”

During his visit, Stewart also met with academics from Northumbria University whose research focuses on energy sustainability and achieving net zero—an area that aligns closely with Gatwick Airport’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Meeting with Dr Wakil Shahzad from Northumbria’s Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, he was introduced to solar-driven water generation from ambient air. Dr Shahzad explained how his research is providing solutions for off-grid, remote, and disaster-stricken areas.

Professor Jane Entwistle, Interim Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Department of Engineering and Environment said: “It was a pleasure to welcome back Stewart Wingate to Northumbria’s city campus. His knowledge and expertise as CEO of the second busiest airport in the UK are invaluable to students, as demonstrated during the thoroughly engaged Q&A session.”

Northumbria ranked 25th in the UK for research power in Engineering in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and placed in the world top 250 for Engineering and Technology in the Times Higher Education's World University Subject Rankings 2022.

Northumbria University has committed to providing transformative experiential learning opportunities for every on-campus undergraduate student to build their skills, social capital and enhance their post-university prospects. Find out more about the range of courses within the  Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering and the Department of Maths, Physics and Electrical Engineering.