Tonga’s First Female Airline Pilot – AIR101

Matt sits down for an extended interview by Silva McLeod, Tonga’s first ever female airline pilot. After flying for Royal Tongan Airlines, Silva went on to fly in Auatralia for Aeropelican, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and ultimately Virgin Blue, which became Virgin Australia. But the journey from island girl to airline pilot, as Silva tells in her new book, wasn’t an easy one.

Also in this episode, it’s become easier to get to Hawaii with Velocity Frequent Flyer points.

Episode contents:

• 1:22 – Fortnightly news round-up
• 7:22 – Interview with Silva McLeod
• 52:12 – Redeeming Velocity points for Hawaiian Airlines flights
• 54:58 – Why Avios are useful for Australians

Links:

• AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
• Book: ‘Island Girl to Airline Pilot’ by Silva McLeod
• Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar – Avios for Aussies (8pm AEST on 25 May 2023)

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

• United Expands Service to Australia & New Zealand
• How to Fly Emirates Premium Economy in 2023
• Free Singapore Transit Tours Are Back
• ING Bank Removes Overseas ATM Fee Rebates
• British Airways Increasing Avios Subscription Prices
• Qantas’ Melbourne First Class Check-in Suite to Reopen
• Transfer Points to Velocity for a 15% Bonus (May 2023)
• Virgin Australia Extends Middle Seat Lottery

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.