United Airlines has announced a new partnership with the Space Science and Engineering Foundation (SSEF) in the UK.
Beginning in 2025, United will serve as the official flight sponsor for the winning team of the UK Space Design Competition, providing transportation to the final of the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
In addition to sponsoring flights, United will attend events in the UK, offering students insights into careers in aviation and STEM fields. This partnership highlights United’s commitment to supporting STEM education and inspiring young talent to explore aviation-related careers. With nearly 100,000 employees globally, United offers a wide range of STEM career paths, including roles such as pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, flight dispatchers, and network planners.
The UK Space Design Competition, an annual event, challenges students to design futuristic space settlements. Teams present their work to a panel of judges from industry and academia. United’s involvement aims to enhance opportunities for students while promoting aviation and STEM subjects.
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland at United Airlines, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “United is committed to supporting students in exploring futures in aviation and STEM subjects, ensuring the success of our business and communities for years to come.”
Jenny Lyons, CEO of SSEF, praised the partnership, noting, “This collaboration will help ensure more students can participate in the prestigious ISSDC event. We are confident that this partnership will bring incredible benefits to our students and the broader space science community.”