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Message from the Head of School
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 Welcome to the fourth edition of the UNSW School of Aviation Newsletter, ‘Elevation - Flying Higher’. This year marks a significant milestone for UNSW School of Aviation as we celebrate 30 years of Aviation at UNSW. Since our founding in 1994, the School has grown into a global leader in aviation education, research, and industry engagement.
We are holding a special event to commemorate our 30th anniversary with special guests and alumni on Thursday 19 June 2025 at the UNSW Roundhouse and we invite all our alumni to join us to reconnect with old friends, network and reflect on three decades of innovation, achievement, and the incredible community that has helped shape the skies.
There has never been a better time to join aviation as the industry has largely reasserted itself after COVID. However, there are different challenges facing the future and UNSW Aviation is committed to preparing our graduates to lead those challenges.
As we move into our fourth decade, our focus is on offering the gold standard in safe, sustainable and accessible aviation, with industry relevant programs and market ready graduates.
Our program has evolved in line with industry needs and will continue to do so. A part of that evolution is a holistic approach to communication, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as current and industry relevant operational knowledge and skills. We are also ahead of the curve with the introduction of our future thinking drone program (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) with its focus on drone entrepreneurship and integrated aviation. We are also developing a suite of short courses tailored to the professional development and workforce planning needs of industry in alignment with the broader UNSW Strategy for industry engagement.
In an exciting development, the School has also been working in collaboration with other UNSW Centres of Excellence to further initiatives that will enhance our reach, relevance and social impact in our region. With a renewed energy around business development, we are creating connections and collaborations around the world to set up an exciting future for global impact. We look forward to seeing our alumni on 19 June. For those who cannot join us in person, I invite you to connect with our global community via this Padlet.
Brett Molesworth PhD RPsych
Professor and Head of School
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Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, reflects on his leadership journey and shares strategies he’s employed as a leader to drive growth and improve sustainability.
We bring you a special interview with Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, hosted by UNSW Business School in collaboration with UNSW Aviation. The interview is conducted by UNSW alumna Ellen Derrick (AGSM MBA 2006) and offers extraordinary insights into Scott’s leadership journey which spans roles as CEO of Transurban, COO at Lend Lease, and CFO at Leighton Holdings. His strategic insight, sharpened by years in investment banking, following a distinguished tenure as Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, positions him as a pivotal figure in Australia's infrastructure landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a CEO who has shaped some of the most significant projects in the industry as he discusses the strategies he has employed as CEO to drive growth and sustainability, while reflecting on the key lessons learned throughout his executive career.
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"THE PULSE" by Seena Sarram
In this edition of The Pulse, Seena Sarram examines the growing role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the aviation industry’s pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050. He explores the challenges airlines face in adopting SAF, including limited availability and high costs, and highlights that despite these hurdles, there are strong financial reasons to support its use. Seena explains how SAF, which can be produced from diverse sources such as cooking oil and biomass, offers the potential for more stable pricing, decentralised supply chains, and reduced reliance on volatile traditional fuel markets.
While SAF may not eliminate emissions entirely, Seena argues its broader benefits—lower fuel cost volatility, better long-term investment stability, and enhanced operational predictability—make it a vital part of the industry’s future. He emphasises that airlines stand to gain not only environmentally, but economically, if SAF adoption is supported by clear global standards and proactive policy measures.
Read the full article to explore how SAF could reshape the economics of aviation and why it remains essential despite its limitations.
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UNSW Aviation Celebrates 30 Years
This year marks three decades since UNSW Aviation first took flight. From its humble beginnings in 1995 with just a handful of students, the School has grown into a global community of over 3,000 alumni making their mark across the aviation industry. To celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting alumni to return to where it all began for an evening of connection and inspiration on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the UNSW Roundhouse.
Join us to hear reflections from the School’s founder, Professor Jason Middleton, current Head of School, Professor Brett Molesworth, and other special guests. Can’t make it in person? You can still be part of the celebration by posting a message, photo, or pin on our anniversary Padlet.
Read the full event details and RSVP to join the celebration 
Explore our 30-year journey on the UNSW Aviation history page
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Honouring Dr Prasannah Prabhakharan
UNSW Aviation hosted a special tribute event on 8 May 2025 to honour the life and legacy of Dr Prasannah Prabhakharan, a passionate advocate for road safety. The evening featured tributes from colleagues and the launch of the PhD Invitational, highlighting future-focused research in road safety.
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Introducing UNSW Women in Aviation
UNSW Aviation has launched a new student-led initiative, UNSW Women in Aviation, to promote greater diversity and representation in the field. Backed by AvSoc, Women in Aviation International, and the School, the club officially formed its inaugural Executive in March 2025 and has already hosted its first joint event.
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Sarah Malik interview with Deborah Lawrie
To celebrate International Women’s Day, UNSW Aviation partnered with The UNSW Centre for Ideas for an interview with Australia’s first female commercial pilot, Deborah Lawrie. Deborah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring – her frank, honest and warm reflections on breaking barriers in aviation are a must-listen. Catch the episode on your commute home today or wherever you get your podcast.
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Women in Aviation Panel Discussion
UNSW Women in Aviation and AvSoc co-hosted a panel on 20 March, celebrating #AccelerateAction for International Women’s Day. Alumni shared powerful insights, inspiring students to pursue their passion in aviation and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
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UNSW’s airborne sensor takes flight for environmental research
UNSW’s new airborne sensor is transforming environmental research by capturing high-resolution data on vegetation, minerals, and methane emissions from the sky. Mounted on a twin-engine aircraft, this cutting-edge technology offers researchers a powerful tool for studying Australia’s landscapes and tackling climate challenges.
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Come Fly With Us - What's New at the FOU
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New DA40 Aircraft Strengthen UNSW’s Flying Training Fleet
UNSW Aviation has welcomed six new Diamond DA40 XLT aircraft to its FOU fleet, enhancing student flight training with cutting-edge safety and navigation technology. Four aircraft are already in service, clocking over 500 hours, while the remaining two will be operational shortly. These additions come ahead of major airspace changes in 2026, reinforcing the School’s commitment to training excellence in the Sydney Basin.
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Preparing for an Autonomous Aviation Future
The future of uncrewed flight is already here, with companies like Reliable Robotics successfully completing fully autonomous flights. But integrating these technologies safely into shared airspace remains a major challenge. In this thought-provoking piece, Dr Graham Doig reflects on Australia’s rapid drone tech development, the opportunities ahead, and why UNSW Aviation is equipping students with the knowledge and skills to lead in this emerging field.
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All-electric drone system set for take-off
UNSW engineers are developing an all-electric powertrain for the AURA-E cargo drone, designed to deliver goods to remote areas with near-zero emissions. Led by Dr. Matthew Priestley and supported by UNSW Aviation, the project gives students hands-on experience in flight testing and remote piloting, ahead of the drone’s first scheduled flight in late 2025.
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Thirty and Thriving: A New Chapter for UNSW Aviation
From just 11 students in 1995 to over 3,000 alumni today, UNSW Aviation is celebrating 30 years of excellence and growth. As the School enters a new chapter, it is expanding industry connections, enhancing student opportunities, and launching innovative offerings including drone specialisations and lifelong learning courses. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and multidisciplinary education, UNSW Aviation is shaping the future of the industry while preparing the next generation of aviation leaders.
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Dr Mirjam Wiedemann
Discover the story of Dr Mirjam Wiedemann, a UNSW academic whose global career blends aviation, infrastructure, and sustainability to shape the future of transport. With experience across government, industry, and academia, Mirjam leads impactful research in Aerotropolis planning, drone integration, and sustainable aviation. Her hands-on approach brings real-world insight to the classroom, inspiring students to tackle the complex challenges facing modern aviation.
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Inside Aviation Management - Alumni Profile
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Sam Pearson
From Darwin to the boardrooms of Virgin Australia, explore the career journey of UNSW Aviation graduate Sam Pearson, shaped by passion, persistence, and industry insight Graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Aviation Management. Sam has built a diverse career across schedule planning and revenue management at Virgin, WestJet, and Air North. His experience highlights the value of flexibility, curiosity, and understanding how the aviation business really works.
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From the Cockpit - Alumni Profile
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Jeremy Robertson
Explore the journey of UNSW Aviation graduate Dr Jeremy Robertson, whose determination and love for flying saw him return to the skies after a life-changing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. From Qantas pilot to medical doctor and aviation advocate, Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and lasting impact—culminating in his return as a Boeing 737 First Officer and helping pave the way for other pilots facing similar challenges.
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If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
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