Graduating pilot joins aviation elite at Global Summit

FINAL year RMIT Aviation Academy Bendigo student Harreson Watts has just returned from the trip of a lifetime after representing the new breed of Australian aviation leaders at the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit in South Africa.

He joined seven fellow RMIT students from across Melbourne and regional Victoria for the three day convention at Durban International Conference Centre, with their expenses covered by the Institute.

The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, education and training experts, regional and international organisations and student pilots to explore solutions, share their knowledge and best practices and foster strong partnerships.

The cohort were also thrilled to be allowed the opportunity to meet Director General of the International Civil Aviation Organization Juan Carlos Salazarto while they were there.

Mr Watts said the entire experience was “unforgettable.”

“Honestly, I was fortunate to travel a lot when I was younger, but this might have been the best trip I’ve ever taken,” he said.

“The people I was with were at the same point in training as me and interested in aviation just as much as I am, so I got to really bond and connect with them.

“I (also) met some air traffic controllers from China, some student pilots from Qatar were there and from South Africa, obviously.

“The organisers were very, very grateful,” he continued.

“Because most of the (attendees) at these conferences are upper managers or people who can make decisions, they were really happy to see there was a student voice and they could listen to what we need.

“As a lot of people said, it was really great to hear what they can do with their power now to help us in the future.”

Further information about the RMIT Aviation Academy Bendigo can be found on the RMIT website.