Air TV launches new YouTube channel as First Landings takes off

Written By Sophie Greenwood

A brand new YouTube channel capturing one of aviation’s most unforgettable moments has launched - and it’s being produced right here at Leeds East Airport.

Leeds East tenant Air TV, the production company best known for popular television series including Bangers & Cash, Yorkshire Air 999 and Warplane Workshop, has launched its first digital-first YouTube channel: First Landings.

The series captures the unforgettable - and often nerve-wracking - moment trainee pilots land an aircraft completely on their own for the very first time.

Filmed here at Leeds East Airport, First Landings tells the real stories of student pilots as they complete their first solo flights - a milestone every pilot remembers for the rest of their life.

Managing Director Matt Richards explained the thinking behind the new series:

“We wanted to find an exciting idea that was simple and repeatable, yet captured all of the human emotions which everyone can relate to. No pilot ever forgets their first solo flight, and now we're able to share the anticipation, the concentration, the adrenaline and the immense pride every student feels when they tackle their first landing.

Even better for us — all of this is taking place right outside our office window on an almost daily basis.”

AirTV Managing Director - Matt Richards

A First Approach to Landing

The series is being produced in collaboration with The Yorkshire Aviation Academy, another organisation based at Leeds East Airport, highlighting the strong aviation community that exists on site.

Filming has been underway for the past five months, with flights captured using a bespoke mini camera rig installed inside each aircraft, giving viewers a unique pilot’s-eye view of the experience.

Student pilot Aine Shaw, one of the first pilots featured in the series, described the moment:

“Doing my first solo landing was an unforgettable experience — it felt really strange being up there totally on my own. But what a feeling afterwards! It's so good to now be able to share this moment with others, and I can't wait to see everyone else's first landings too.”

Student pilot Aine Shaw

Air TV plans to release weekly episodes, alongside short-form content and additional behind-the-scenes clips across their social channels. The team are also planning to introduce a live stream from the airport to the channel in the coming weeks.

The project represents an exciting new chapter for Air TV as they expand into digital-first storytelling - and it’s another example of the creative work being produced by businesses based here at Leeds East Airport.

Watch the channel trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_6yo7i_6kA

Explore the First Landings YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@First_Landings

Sophie Greenwood

Originally from North Yorkshire, Sophie's career in strategy and communications has spanned nearly 15 years working with some of the world’s most globally recognised and best loved lifestyle, fashion, beauty, health, wellness and travel brands along the way.

She is always dreaming bigger and believes there are no limits to what any of us can do. Specialising in building businesses with purpose and offering unparalleled support every step of the way, Sophie has a comprehensive understanding of what PR and marketing means in todays digital world.

With a fast mind and enthusiasm in spades, she applies her knowledge, creativity and commerciality to continually make positive impacts and scale businesses through a holistic approach and innovative delivery that generate the best solutions, results and happiest clients, always.

https://seasoncommunications.com
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