Salote Mataitini, who embraced her childhood dream of becoming a pilot, is now a captain with Air Kiribati, flying across vast ocean terrains in the Pacific. Growing up in Fiji, Mataitini’s fascination with aviation began through newspaper articles, long before the digital age. Today, she serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring young aviators, particularly women, in the region.
Originally from Taveuni, Fiji, Mataitini trained at Ardmore Flying School in New Zealand, where she cherished her newfound experiences exploring the country while earning her commercial pilot’s license. After joining Air Kiribati as a first officer ten years ago, she has been flying as a captain for the past eight years, navigating a network of 20 airports across the island nation, characterized by its vast expanses of ocean and scattered atolls.
Mataitini has faced challenges, particularly as a female pilot in a male-dominated industry where early career gender biases were prevalent. Reflecting on her past experiences, she believes these hurdles redirected her toward an enriching career in Kiribati, allowing her to connect deeply with the culture and people.
Beyond her aviation career, Mataitini dedicates herself to inspiring the next generation of aviators, using social media as a platform to share her journey and provide guidance to young aspiring pilots. She’s heartened by the increasing visibility of female pilots in the Pacific, noting the growing number of young women pursuing careers in aviation, signifying a positive shift in the industry.
Her commitment to empowering future leaders extends to school events where she encourages students to dream big and actively pursue their goals. With her growing recognition among children who greet her upon arrival at their islands, Mataitini continues to inspire young people across the region to share in the sky.
The stories of young Pacific Islanders stepping into the aviation field, such as Mataitini’s and that of aspiring aircraft maintenance engineer Atunaisa Naivaluwaqa Robanakadavu, reflect a growing movement towards nurturing local talent and breaking gender barriers in aviation. The support systems emerging within the Pacific community highlight the potential for positive change and the importance of mentorship for future generations.
Mataitini’s journey, marked by resilience and passion, serves not only to inspire individuals in the aviation sector but also to foster a culture of empowerment and ambition among young people in the Pacific. By forging paths in traditionally male-dominated fields, she emphasizes that the journey towards realizing dreams can lead to collective progress and transformation within communities.
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