Aviation students embark on global opportunity

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Aviation students embark on global opportunity

A group of top aviation students from the RMIT Aviation Academy attended a global summit for aviation leaders in Durban, South Africa last month.

The Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit focused on how the aviation community can nurture aviation talent and build a strong future workforce.

It brought together more than 1,100 policymakers, industry leaders, education and training experts, and students from around the world, hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Eight students from the RMIT Aviation Academy had the opportunity to attend the summit on a full scholarship and represent Australian aviation on the global stage – Harreson Watts, Trinity Ballantyne, Luna Forero, Anna Fakira, Avril Sampson, Fatema Sharifi, Ireland Ayman and Noah Russell.

Aviation students awards

The students gained unique insights into the strategic priorities shaping the international aviation industry and met leading professionals, including Secretary General of the ICAO Juan Carlos Salazar.

The ICAO is a United Nations agency that unites 193 countries to drive sustainable innovation and cooperation in aviation.

In an industry underpinned by global connection, the students said it was valuable to travel to South Africa and network with people from around the world who share their passion for aviation.

Bendigo student and Leidos Aviation Scholarship winner Harreson Watts said the experience made him proud to be a part of the industry.

“This summit allowed me to meet professionals from all areas of the aviation industry, expanding my understanding of what the industry entails and fostering a greater appreciation of those who make this industry what it is,” he said.

As emerging leaders of the aviation industry, the students hope to pass on what they learned at the summit to others.

"As someone who aspires to be a flight instructor, I hope to pass this knowledge on, and ignite a passion for aviation in the next generation,” Watts said.

Point Cook student and Leidos Aviation Scholarship winner Trinity Ballantyne echoed this sentiment, saying the summit reinforced her belief that anyone can thrive in an aviation career.

“The summit was a powerful reminder of the many pathways and possibilities within aviation,” she said.

“Aviation is such a dynamic field, that's why it's so important to inspire and prepare young aviators for the endless opportunities.”

Director of the RMIT Aviation Academy Lea Vesic, who joined the students at the summit, said it was inspiring to see students eagerly participate in the activities.

“RMIT plays an important role in shaping the future of the aviation industry as a global leader in aviation education,” Vesic said.

“These students are shining examples of what the RMIT Aviation Academy strives to do – which is provide young aviation professionals with practical, industry-relevant skills and experiences to prepare them for a career in aviation, wherever it takes them in the world.

“The sky is not the limit; it is just the view.”

04 September 2025

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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