'Connecting People and My Roots': Fil-Aussie Pilot, nanguna sa makasaysayang unang Manila-Perth direct flight

Sa edad na 21, natupad ni Jetstar First Officer Daniel McKelvie ang kanyang pangarap habang pinararangalan ang dugong Pilipino. Bitbit niya ang pagmamahal ng pamilya at mga sakripisyong humubog sa kanya, isang tagumpay na nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa bawat kabataang nais lumipad tungo sa kanilang mas magandang kinabukasan.

On November 28, 2025, Jetstar launched its first direct Perth–Manila flights, expanding travel options for West Australians and connecting Perth’s Filipino community home. For First Officer Daniel McKelvie, the route is personal—a direct link to his mother’s hometown and cherished Filipino roots. Credit: Janet McKelvie

Key Points

• Sa edad na 18, nakuha ni First Officer Daniel McKelvie ang kanyang commercial pilot licence, na nagpapahintulot sa kanya na legal na magpalipad ng eroplano.
• Sa edad na 21 taong gulang, isa si Daniel sa piloto sa pinakaunang direct flight ng Jetstar mula Manila patungong Perth, Western Australia.
• Inaasahang ang bagong serbisyo ay magbibigay ng mas maraming travel options para sa holidaymakers sa Western Australia, direktang biyahe para sa Filipino community sa Perth, at mas maraming turista upang suportahan ang ekonomiya ng estado.

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'Connecting People and My Roots': Fil-Aussie Pilot, nanguna sa makasaysayang unang Manila-Perth direct flight

SBS Filipino

10:32Filipino

Sa edad na 21, pinangunahan ni Filipino-Australian First Officer Daniel McKelvie ang unang direktang flight ng Jetstar mula Manila patungong Perth, na nag-uugnay sa kanya sa pinagmulan ng kanyang ina.

On November 28, 2025, Jetstar launched its first direct Perth–Manila flights, expanding travel options for West Australians and connecting Perth’s Filipino community home. For First Officer Daniel McKelvie, the route is personal—a direct link to his mother’s hometown and cherished Filipino roots. James Hancock/ Jetstar

Nakuha niya ang kanyang commercial pilot licence sa edad na 18 taong gulang matapos ang mahigpit na pagsasanay, dala ang passion at disiplina.

Dream big, make a plan, stay focused, and never let others’ pressure stop you from achieving your goals.

First Officer Daniel McKelvie, Jetstar

Fil-Aussie Jetstar First Officer Daniel McKelvie makes history on inaugural Manila–Perth flight with his parents Ben and Janet. Credit: James Hancock/Jetstar

Ang bagong ruta ay nagbibigay ng mas maraming pagpipilian sa paglalakbay para sa mga taga-Western Australia, direktang koneksyon para sa Filipino community sa Perth, at suporta sa turismo ng WA.

In June 2023, at just 18 years old, First Officer Daniel McKelvie earned his commercial pilot’s licence, celebrating the milestone with his proud parents, Ben and Janet, and marking the start of his journey to the skies. Credit: Janet McKelvie

Para kay Daniel, bawat lipad ay paalala ng sakripisyo ng pamilya, katuparan ng pangarap, at pagkakataong magbigay inspirasyon sa iba.

At just 18, Daniel McKelvie earned his commercial pilot’s licence, a milestone made possible by his dedication and the unwavering love and support of his parents, Ben and Janet, and his siblings. Credit: Janet McKelvie

From a young age, Daniel McKelvie knew he wanted to become a pilot, inspired by his frequent travels to other countries—especially the Philippines—which fueled his passion to connect people and explore the world. Credit: Janet McKelvie

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