This article has been re-posted from the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing Program. 

Silioti Kata, a Civil Aviation Officer at Civil Aviation of Tonga and an Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing alumna, says she has discovered an ability to “engage confidently in international discussions”, after participating in an international academic exchange program hosted by Griffith University in collaboration with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. 

The Sustainable Aviation Management program brought together students from diverse backgrounds to tackle the pressing challenges of aviation sustainability, exploring topics such as carbon reduction strategies and green airport operations. Key objectives of the program include developing a global perspective on aviation sustainability, gaining exposure to European industry standards, and fostering international networks that support future career and academic opportunities in the field.

Reflecting on her experience, Silioti pinpoints how being immersed in a new cultural, academic environment was effective for her professional and personal growth. 

“I discovered that I thrive in diverse, fast-paced environments and enjoy problem solving through collaboration. Working in a diverse team challenged me to adapt my communication style and become more open to different perspectives. This experience has strengthened my ability to collaborate in global teams and increased my confidence in presenting complex ideas to an international audience — an essential skill in the global aviation industry,” said Silioti. 

Silioti’s key highlights for aviation sustainability

For Silioti, highlights from her time on the program include contributing to a group research project on passengers travelling with hearing impairment, participating in daily seminars, and engaging with guest speakers from the European aviation sector.  

She also found being part of a group project that analysed decarbonisation strategies for European short-haul flights incredibly rewarding.  

“That was my biggest achievement,” said Silioti. “I collaborated with students from Germany and Australia to develop a proposal that balanced operational efficiency with environmental impact, which we presented to a panel of academic and industry professionals. Our project received positive feedback for its realistic implementation plan and strong use of data analytics.” 

A visit to Frankfurt Airport and other aviation facilities to observe real-world aviation sustainability strategies also stood out. 

“This hands-on, multidisciplinary experience enabled me to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, thereby strengthening my understanding of how sustainability is being integrated into global aviation systems,” explained Silioti. 

Advocating for sustainable aviation in Tonga  

Reflecting on how she envisages her learnings benefitting Tonga and other parts of the Pacific region, Silioti outlined how crucial aviation is to the Pacific region.  

“The program has equipped me with knowledge and practical insights that could significantly benefit Tonga and the broader Pacific region,” said Silioti.  

“Aviation plays a crucial role in connecting our remote islands to the world, yet we face unique environmental, economic, and infrastructure challenges. This placement enabled me to explore sustainable practices in airport operations, carbon-reduction strategies, and climate-resilient transportation planning, all of which are essential for island nations vulnerable to climate change. By applying these learnings, I can help advocate for greener aviation policies, support capacity-building initiatives, and contribute to regional efforts aimed at improving air connectivity while minimising environmental impact.” 

The sky’s the limit  

In addition to gaining invaluable new skills and knowledge, Silioti credits the program for helping her feel more confident as a leader.  

“This experience strengthened both my leadership skills and confidence and showed me that leadership is not just about directing, but also about listening, supporting, and adapting to team needs. I now feel much better equipped to lead in academic and professional settings,” shared Silioti. 

“The experience also highlighted my capacity to contribute meaningfully to sustainability conversations in aviation, confirming my passion for this field and motivating me to pursue further opportunities in global aviation management.”  

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Through the WLI Leaders Hub, alumni of the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program like Silioti apply for and access workplace internships and professional development opportunities, including supported participation in international programs.