Helsinki Airport management company Finavia, tech consultancy Reaktor and iconic toy brand LEGO organized a Code School for kids at the airport during one of its busiest autumn holiday weekends. Kids aged 7-12 learned how to move and operate two LEGO robots using simple code blocks on tablets.

Reaktor has established itself as a digital partner to the airline industry with projects that include Finnair’s updated digital interfaces and applying artificial intelligence to improve the passenger experience at Helsinki Airport.

Coding skill sets, using a combination of bricks and easy-to-use software, are part of the LEGO Education curriculum, intended to get children excited about working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) disciplines.

The weekend coding school was opened at the Kainuu Lounge at Helsinki Airport’s Schengen area, with capacity to host 15 children at a time for short 15 minute programs, accompanied by their parents.

Johanna Laakso, Head of Passenger Experience Development of Helsinki Airport, Finavia said:

“Many families are flying this weekend and have the possibility to come and learn coding. An essential part of developing our customer experience is to try new things, that can make families enjoy their time with us even more.”

Reaktor’s design director Marjo Mansén said:

“Technology is becoming an increasingly significant part of our everyday lives, but a certain amount of mysticism and uncertainty is still associated to it. Influencing these preconceptions early is an effective way to change our stance towards technology in general. That is why we want to offer children the opportunity to familiarize themselves with coding in a fun and exciting way.”

Katrine Mølkjær, associate brand manager for LEGO BOOST in Nordics, said:

“The Reaktor x LEGO code school brings a new dimension to LEGO play and means that the children learn the principles of coding while having fun. Together with Reaktor and Helsinki Airport, we want to give the kids a sneak peek at all the endless opportunities when bringing the LEGO brick to life.”