Aviation has been integral to Cranfield's story since its inception as the College of Aeronautics in 1946. As proud custodians of this legacy, modern-day Cranfield continues to lead the way in aviation, being the only university in Europe with its own airport, pilots, air navigation service provider, and aircraft.

Through a blend of teaching, research, close collaborations with industry partners, we offer exceptional education and student experiences. This commitment to excellence was recognised in 2019 when we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest accolade for a higher education institution in the SWAG合集, for the NFLC's contributions to both research and education.

A new flying laboratory and classroom: from the Jetstream 31 to the Saab 340B

You may have flown on a Jetstream 31 during your studies or know someone who did. This aircraft served us admirably for nearly 15 years before it was retired at the end of its operational life. Its retirement paved the way for the new Saab 340B flying classroom, which embarked on its maiden flight in 2021, thanks to generous support from friends and partners of the University.

The Saab 340B has been meticulously upgraded to a bespoke facility, enabling us to deliver world-class aerospace education and research. Its ‘Global Connected Classroom’ capability inspires the next generation, allowing us to conduct more research, collaborate with industry partners, and offer more students the unique experience of flying as part of their learning journey. Enhanced user interfaces make flights more immersive, with flight data displayed on tablets mounted in the headrests – a learning opportunity that transcends theoretical studies.


Supporting Future Flight Technologies

The NFLC continues to support the development and testing of new airborne technologies and procedures for future flight, and Cranfield has played a pivotal role in educating thousands of aerospace engineers through the NFLC programme.

We are immensely grateful to all who have already contributed to the purchase and modification of the new NFLC aircraft – companies, universities, Trusts and Foundations, and our alumni and supporters. But the journey doesn't end here!

We still need your support to enhance the student experience and impact the next generation of aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Just some of the ways you can help include making a gift, sharing our story, or introducing us to organisations that might be willing to support us.

  • Enhance the capabilities of our ‘connected classroom’, providing immersive and interactive experiences for students, even when they are on the ground.
  • Increase outreach opportunities for the local community and schools, sharing the possibilities of aerospace education with as many people as possible.
  • Continue to develop and expand the NFLC's capabilities for future students in the air.

Together, we can continue to create the aviation and aerospace leaders of the future.