Baku, July 20, AZERTAC Yusuf Karimli, an Azerbaijani student currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and undertaking a summer internship with the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), spoke with AZERTAC about his academic journey, student life in Hong Kong, engineering experience at AZAL, and future aspirations. AZERTAC presents an exclusive interview with Yusuf Karimli. - Mr. Yusuf, can you tell us a bit about yourself? - I am currently a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at HKU. This summer, I am interning in the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) within the Engineering Department of AZAL, where I have been gaining hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance and engineering since June. - Can you tell us about your studies in Hong Kong? - Engineering studies are certainly challenging, but they are incredibly rewarding. At HKU, students receive a world-class education that combines strong technical foundations with interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving. The university places great emphasis on global impact, innovation, and transformative education while serving as a bridge between East and West. Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, I enjoy contributing to initiatives that strengthen collaboration between students and academic staff, because I believe meaningful progress comes through teamwork, active engagement, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. - Did you join any extracurricular in Hong Kong? - Yes. I have been actively involved in several university initiatives. I supported the Faculty of Engineering during Information Day and Orientation activities and organized HKU's first student-led NanoTalk featuring my former Brown Pre-College professor, Dr. Thomas J. Webster. My “Swap & Share” team also received first place in HKU's Sustainability Leadership Programme by organizing a campus donation campaign, after which I joined HKU Sustainability as a Student Helper. In addition, I participated in the Lead for Life program organized by the Faculty of Arts, which brings together students from different disciplines and provides leadership development opportunities alongside professionals from various industries. I also serve as the Current Affairs Secretary of the University Hall Student Association, where our team works to preserve and strengthen the traditions and community spirit of one of HKU's oldest residential halls. - How do you like living in Hong Kong? - Hong Kong is a wonderful place to live. The warm and humid climate means you can even enjoy swimming during late autumn and early spring. English is widely spoken, which makes the transition much easier for international students. While Azerbaijani cuisine will always be my favorite, I have also come to appreciate Cantonese cuisine for its unique flavors and traditions. If you are interested in learning Chinese, local people are generally very supportive and happy to help. One thing that has made my experience even more meaningful is the Azerbaijani student community across Hong Kong. Today, more than 50 Azerbaijani students are studying in Hong Kong, and we actively support one another both academically and personally. We are also planning to organize networking and cultural events to strengthen our community, promote Azerbaijan, and foster closer ties between our two regions. - What are your plans for the summer back home in Baku? - This summer, I decided to focus on gaining practical experience in aviation by completing a three-month Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering internship with AZAL. - Can you tell us more about your experience at AZAL? - My experience at AZAL has exceeded my expectations. During my internship, I have had the opportunity to work with teams across CAMO Engineering, Power Plant, Line and Base Maintenance, Maintenance Planning, and Technical Operations. Seeing how these departments work together has given me a much deeper understanding of aircraft maintenance engineering and airline operations. What impressed me most was the willingness of experienced engineers, specialists, and senior leaders alike to mentor interns and share their knowledge. The supportive and collaborative environment has made this internship both professionally rewarding and personally inspiring. It has reinforced my passion for aeronautical engineering and strengthened my desire to pursue an aviation career. - What do you think about the new A321Neo of AZAL? - I was truly honored to witness the arrival of AZAL's first Airbus A321neo. It was a historic milestone for the airline, and I was genuinely excited to be there to welcome the aircraft. I even shared the experience on my Instagram, where the video received more than 70,000 views. The A321neo is among the most advanced narrow-body aircraft in commercial aviation today. Equipped with CFM LEAP engines, it offers significantly improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions while providing greater passenger capacity and enhanced comfort. Combined with AZAL's newly designed cabin inspired by Azerbaijani heritage and national identity, I believe it represents an important step in the airline's continued modernization and future growth. - What are your plans for the future? - I look forward to making the most of every opportunity during my studies at HKU while continuing to grow both academically and professionally. In the future, I aspire to contribute innovative engineering solutions to the global aviation and aerospace industries and help shape a more sustainable and technologically advanced future for global aviation. - Any advice for youth who wish to pursue a path?- Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or take on new challenges, because every experience helps you grow.