From the Müggelsee to the Future: Berlin Cosmopolitan School Opens Its Virtual Flight Lab

Music filled the air as the BCS Jazz Band set the tone for a memorable celebration — and just a few steps from the shores of the Müggelsee, a new journey into the future of learning took off.

Together with students, parents, and guests from the fields of education, science, and the aerospace industry, Berlin Cosmopolitan School officially opened its new Virtual Flight Lab at the Müggelseeperle on June 23. The location was chosen with great intention: nearly one hundred years ago, the legendary Dornier Do X landed on the Müggelsee, captivating thousands of visitors and symbolising the technological spirit of its time.

For many of the attending students from Grades 8 to 11, the event marked the continuation of an exciting journey.

Only a few days earlier, they had visited the ILA Berlin 2026, where they explored the latest aircraft, space technologies, and innovations. With the opening of the Flight Lab, this inspiration now becomes a lasting part of their educational experience at BCS.

In her opening address, school founder Yvonne Wende focused on one of the defining educational questions of our time: How can young people in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, simulations, and digital technologies learn not only to use these innovations, but also to understand them, question them, and shape them responsibly?

Berlin Cosmopolitan School’s answer is clear: through authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

The Virtual Flight Lab combines professional flight simulation with physics, engineering, aviation, and aerospace education. Students will not only experience what it feels like to fly an aircraft, but also explore why aircraft fly, how navigation works, which physical forces are involved, and why technological innovation always comes with responsibility.

The celebration itself reflected the spirit of the project.

Under bright blue skies, the BCS Jazz Band welcomed guests with lively music throughout the event, while BCS dancers delighted the audience with a specially choreographed performance in flight attendant-inspired costumes, creating an atmosphere full of excitement, creativity, and anticipation.

Another highlight was the keynote address by Marie-Christine von Hahn, Chief Executive Officer of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI).

She emphasised the importance of technological education and early talent development, reminding the audience that the innovations of tomorrow will be created by young people who are curious, ask questions, and have the courage to explore new ideas.

The symbolic “take-off” of the Flight Lab followed shortly afterwards.

Distinguished guests officially inaugurated the new learning space before the first students climbed into the simulators for their inaugural virtual flights.

The Virtual Flight Lab represents much more than a single project.

It lays the foundation for the planned “Air & Space” elective course, through which students in Grades 9 and 10 will explore aviation, aerospace, flight simulation, navigation, physics, and emerging technologies.

The programme will also include practical research projects — from building lunar rovers to conducting astronomical observations at the Müggelsee.

With the Flight Lab, Berlin Cosmopolitan School continues its commitment to creating innovative learning environments where “Screen Time” and “Green Time” complement one another.

The Müggelsee, the surrounding nature, the rich history of the site, and cutting-edge simulation technology come together to create a unique educational setting that encourages young people to remain curious, take responsibility, and actively shape the future.

Because that is what education at Berlin Cosmopolitan School is all about: creating spaces where curiosity becomes knowledge — and knowledge becomes the future.

Find out more about the opening of the Virtual Flight Lab in our latest press release (in German).