Airport Trip Inspires Students from the Interior of Tavua

Visiting Nadi International Airport for the first time has inspired Gary Whippy of Tavua to become a pilot or an engineer in the future.

Gary, 14, was among 77 students of Natawa Primary School from the interior of Tavua who visited the airport, the Fiji Meteorological Service headquarters, resorts on Denarau Island and Port Denarau Marina on Wednesday.

He was among students who set foot on the airport for the first time.

“Everything here is new to me,” he said.

“I thought I was dreaming when I saw the big aeroplanes which I always see far away in the sky flying past my home. I was so excited.

“To be here at the airport has motivated me to study hard to become a pilot or an engineer. The staff members were very friendly and they explained everything to us about the airport.”

He described seeing two planes taxing down the airport runway or tarmac.

“We were lucky to see the Fiji Airways flight and the Aircalin flight. It was a good experience for me as the Aircalin flight left the airport and we all waved to the pilots and passengers.

“We stood at the top of a building of the airport and watched the planes as they took off. I will never forget that experience.”

Head teacher Atish Kumar said they have had students on excursions to the airport since 2015.

“Most of them have never visited the airport, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring them here.

“Most of them only see the planes and airports in the newspaper and on television, but for them coming here and seeing the planes was a different feeling for them. They were enjoying the beautiful environment at that moment.

“I heard some of them said that in the future they wanted to work at the airport. I believe the trip inspired future plans for them,” Mr Kumar said.

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