SUVA, FIJI- For as long as he can remember, Krith Kaartik Reddy had dreamed of a career in aviation. Today, the 20-year-old from Saweni, Lautoka, is pursuing a Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical) at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies (PCAS) in Nadi.
His journey to FNU, however, came with its share of challenges. After completing Year 13 at Pandit Vishnu Deo Memorial College in 2024, where he received the Student of the Year Award, Krith had to put his ambitions on hold for a year after missing the application deadline or his dream programme.
“After high school, life did not unfold the way I had planned. I missed the application deadline for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme, and by the time I was able to apply, admissions had already closed,” he shared.
Rather than allowing the setback to define his future, Reddy used the unexpected gap year to continue learning, strengthen his knowledge and reflect on the career he truly wanted.
“Although I received offer letters for other programmes, including Civil Engineering, I chose to wait another year rather than settle for a path that was not truly mine. Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets. That year became one of the most valuable chapters of my life. It taught me resilience, patience, discipline, and the importance of trusting the process. More importantly, it gave me time to reflect on what I genuinely wanted.”
“I realised my decision to pursue aviation was not influenced by anyone else, as it came from within. People often discover new passions as they grow older, but mine never changed. Ever since I looked up at an aircraft as a child, I knew aviation was where I belonged. That passion has only grown stronger with time, and waiting a year only confirmed that I was chasing a dream not just a degree,” he emphasised.
Today, Krith has no regrets about the decision to wait. Studying at FNU’s PCAS has reaffirmed that he made the right choice.
Aircrafts have always fascinated me because they represent precision, responsibility, and engineering at its highest level. FNU gave me the opportunity to turn that interest into a career by providing practical training alongside industry knowledge. I wanted a profession where everyday challenges me to become better,” he explained.
His passion for aviation can be traced back to a childhood memory that remains vivid to this day.
“My interest in aviation began the day I saw the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747-400, in all its glory at Nadi International Airport in 2011. I was fascinated every time I saw an aircraft and found myself wondering how something so massive could fly. As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into a passion for understanding the engineering behind every flight.”
“For me, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is more than repairing aircraft. It is about carrying the responsibility of ensuring every aircraft leaves the ground safely. It demands precision, discipline, and accountability, and that is exactly the kind of profession I wanted. I did not choose aviation because it sounded exciting; I chose it because it has always been where my passion truly belongs,” he emphasised.
Behind his determination, is a supportive family who have encouraged him to pursue his ambitions. His father, Munesh Reddy, works as a Supervisor at Punjas, while his mother, Punam Nair, is a teacher at Lautoka School for Special Education. He also has a younger sister who is currently in Year 11. Their encouragement has helped him remain focused on achieving his goals.
Now immersed in his studies at FNU, Krith says every lecture reinforces his decision to pursue a career in aviation.
“My experience at FNU has been inspiring. Every lecture has deepened my understanding of aviation and pushed me to keep asking questions and learning more. The more I learn about aircraft systems and engineering, the more curious I become. I would especially like to thank my lecturers. They do not just teach—they constantly challenge me to think critically, work harder, and reach my full potential. Their encouragement and belief in their students have motivated me to keep improving every day. While we have only had a limited number of practical sessions so far, the knowledge we have gained has strengthened my passion for
aviation and made me even more excited for the practical experiences still to come,” he said.
For Krith, the opportunity to study aircraft systems and understand the mechanics behind flight has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of university life.
“The most enjoyable and rewarding part of my studies has been learning about aircraft and understanding how different systems work together to keep an aircraft safe and operational. Coming from a background where I was always fascinated by aviation, especially aircraft like the Boeing 747 when I saw it operating with Air Pacific, being able to study aircraft maintenance feels like turning that interest into a real skill,” he described.
Despite the demanding nature of the programme, Krith says he entered university fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
“To be honest, I would not say there was any challenge that I faced, as during the one-year period, I had prepared myself mentally for the demanding syllabus and schedule that I would encounter upon commencing my studies,” he said.
In his first year, he is already equipped with valuable knowledge and practical skills that will form the foundation of his future career.
“I have gained valuable knowledge about how aircraft systems operate and how different components work together to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. I have also developed a strong understanding of the importance of safety standards and the proper
practices required in aviation maintenance. Another area I have enjoyed developing is my practical knowledge of tool handling and correct tool usage, along with improving my ability to approach tasks with critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” he said
Looking ahead, Reddy has clear aspirations for where he wants his career to take him.
“My goal is to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and build a reputation for professionalism, precision, and reliability. In five to ten years, I want to be working on commercial aircraft, continuing to expand my qualifications, and proving that hard work and perseverance can take you further than talent alone,” he elaborated.
Reflecting on his own journey, Reddy hopes his story encourages other young people who may feel discouraged by delays or setbacks in achieving their goals.
“Your timeline does not define your potential. Some people start early, while others start later but what matters is that you start. Every successful journey begins with the decision to move forward. Stay disciplined, trust the process, and remember: your comeback will always be stronger than your setback if you refuse to quit,” he added.
Krith’s journey is a reminder that success is not always measured by how quickly one reaches the destination, but by the determination to stay the course.
