AeroS strengthens links between industry, talent and future aerospace careers at Lleida Air Challenge

AeroS played an active role in Lleida Air Challenge 2026, taking part throughout the event and combining academic guidance, public outreach, business visibility and contributions to the professional programme.

AeroS’s participation began on Friday, 2 October, at the Academic and Career Guidance Day, aimed at upper secondary school students at a key stage in deciding their educational and professional futures.

Representing the cluster, Anna Pérez, Chair of the AeroS Talent Committee, introduced students to the broad range of career opportunities available in the aeronautics and space sectors.

One of the session’s main messages was that working in aerospace extends well beyond familiar roles such as pilot or air traffic controller. Engineering, manufacturing, electronics, telecommunications, IT, artificial intelligence, data, maintenance, logistics, quality and project management are all part of an increasingly multidisciplinary and technology-driven industry.

The session also highlighted the variety of routes into the sector, through both university degrees and vocational education and training, particularly in fields such as mechanical manufacturing, mechatronics, electronics, automation, telecommunications, IT and maintenance.

The Talent Committee also highlighted some of the skills most sought after by companies today: the ability to learn, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, adaptability to new technologies and language skills. The session encouraged more young people, particularly women, to consider STEM pathways and technical and industrial careers.

Industry, public outreach and networking throughout the weekend

AeroS’s presence continued on 3 and 4 October, with its own stand in the Lleida Air Challenge exhibition area and participation in the conference programme.

Antoni Paz and Stephany Rivero, from the Technical Secretariat, presented AeroS to companies, professionals, schools and visitors, showcasing the capabilities of Catalonia’s aeronautics, space and defence ecosystem and the collaboration opportunities emerging across these sectors.

For AeroS members and companies, one of the event’s main attractions was the professional talks programme, covering aviation training, hydrogen applications in aviation, artificial intelligence, automated drones, UAS certification, public safety and new technologies.

The event also had a strong public outreach dimension. Young people, children and families were able to visit Lleida-Alguaire Airport’s facilities and see aircraft, drones and helicopters up close, as well as explore exhibitions and take part in activities designed to introduce the public to the world of aviation.

By participating in Lleida Air Challenge, AeroS supported an initiative with an impact on several levels: inspiring future careers, bringing aerospace closer to society and creating opportunities for learning and business connections among professionals and companies within the ecosystem.