Both women were informed of their hiring directly by Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen and CEO of Fiji Link Shaenaz Voss at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and chief executive officer Andre Viljoen welcomed the hiring of both women as a first step towards greater gender equity in STEM fields that have historically been male-dominated.

“This year’s Women’s Week at Fiji Airways has been more than good optics –– it’s been about opportunities.

At the behest of the women of Fiji Airways, we made a commitment to increase the number of women pilots and engineers within the airline.

Ms Kumar and Ms Fifita’s excellent qualifications made them each an easy choice to welcome on board to our team.”

Fiji Link chief executive officer, Shaenaz Voss, said the airline wanted to work with TELS (Tertiary Education Loans Scheme) students specifically, and that both Ms. Kumar and Ms Fifita were chosen based on merit.

“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and turned down a computer science scholarship offer at USP once

I got funds through TELS as it allowed me to achieve my dreams of becoming a pilot,” says Ms Kumar who will join Fiji Link as a DHC- 6 First Officer once she completes the additional pilot entry requirements for Fiji Link at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy.

“I’ve been waiting patiently to return to Fiji Airways as soon as borders opened and I didn’t realise it would happen so soon so I am grateful for the opportunity,” said Ms Fifita who was an Aircraft

Maintenance Engineer Graduate Trainee for Fiji Airways up until March 2020.”

In wishing them well on their Fiji Airways journey Mr Viljoen added: “We are very excited to have you join us.”

“You aren’t only breaking biases, you’re shattering them.”

“You are here because you are excellent in what you do as a pilot and an engineer.

“You both have voices, use them.

Be strong, courageous, curious and stand firm always.”

Both Ms Kumar and Ms Fifita signed their contracts immediately after they were told the good news and will start their Fiji Airways journey in April.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj