Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship winner announced

Jessie Brittingham has been awarded the inaugural Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship for Aviation at Swinburne University in Victoria.

As we previously reported back here, in September 2010 Swinburne University signed an agreement with the Sir Reginald Ansett Trust to offer the new aviation scholarship as of this year to enable young people with a passion for a flying career or an operational/management career with airlines and airports to reach their full academic potential and realise their goal by financing their study costs.

Brittingham was selected by the Equity Trustees Limited (EQT) and Keith Simpson, co-trustees of the RM Ansett Trust that was set up under the will of Sir Reginald Ansett.

As the first winner of the annually awarded scholarship, Brittingham receives $30,000 to put towards her aviation studies over the next three years as she completes her aviation degree.

“Sir Reginald Ansett had a lifetime passion for flying and because of this, an aviation scholarship was established as part of the RM Ansett Trust to reflect his desire to help young Australians to take their place in life,” Head of Philanthropy Services at EQT, Tabitha Lovett, said.

“The scholarship will help students who show real ability and love of flying to complete the very challenging Swinburne University aviation degree. As part of their application, students must provide a personal statement that shows their desire for an aviation career.

“Jessie has already shown her own passion for flying and her commitment to becoming a pilot, including working part-time through school in order to pay for flying lessons.”

Sir Reginald was a well-known Australian businessman, aviator, and philanthropist, best known for founding Ansett Airlines.