Airport Tales
At only the age of 21, Noi revealed that she had always wanted to be a flight attendant. Still taking baby steps to achieve her goals in aviation, Noi was over the moon recently when she was offered a full time position in Perth, which is a massive four thousand kilometres from where she calls home. Noi, however, didn’t go straight into the profession. “After finishing year 12, I had my mind set on getting into University as that was what most people were doing,” she explained.
“for me, I was passionate about doing this, so I wanted to achieve success.”
Attending the University of Wollongong was a real struggle. Not only was she studying full time in a Digital Media degree, she was also working five nights a week to pay rent, “the stress became too much,” Noi said, “the workload was too large and with work thrown into the mix-my personal life was suffering.” For the 21-year-old, the world was now hers for the grabbing and now being free from the grips of university, she applied for a Customer Service and Flight Attendant position with a regional airline.
“The process was long and little complicated,” explained Noi. She had received interviews for both positions; however, her interest in being a Flight Attendant definitely triumphed. Noi didn’t expect Flight Attendant Ground School to be so stressful, so the intense training and examinations took a small toll on her but, “for me, I was passionate about doing this, so I wanted to achieve success.”
She was shocked to say the least at how much information a flight attendant must know, “especially when there is a solo flight attendant on board – it’s very challenging, which I love,” Noi chuckled. Being in this profession is so much more than just serving food and refreshments. A flight attendants duty is to the safety of their passengers. You must be alert at all time and be extremely quick on your feet.
Noi adores the direction her life is heading at the moment and has every hope that this career with be very sustainable for her, she does however understand the strain it can cause. Concerns for the future with young flight attendants can be common-worrying about family and living arrangements can be stressful. “Say if I have kids in the future, it may be a bit of a challenge as I’m constantly away from home,” Noi explained, “but hey, I’m still young, so I’ll try not to stress about that right now.”
Achieving this goal for Noi has been life changing. She isn’t stressed anymore and she’s loving her life. The job for Noi, she feels, is very rewarding especially if you love working with people and challenging yourself to the best of your own abilities, “I love being able to put a smile on somebodies face.” Noi is ‘comfortable’ with where she is right now. Where the world of aviation takes her next is up to her, however, I think she is happy with her chosen path right now, “I still get excited when I get on a plane.”
Flight Attendant beginnings with Noi by Jayden Cross
Photograph from Australian Aviation museum
Mascot Airport in 1923 Photograph from the Australian Aviation Museum
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Tower. Photograph taken by Dan Parsons
Photograph from Australian Aviation museum
Welcome to Airport Tales
Usually when people travel by plane the only thing they think about is making their flight on time. Airport Tales offers an inside look into what makes these flights possible, with a special case study into passengers arriving and departing from Sydney Kingsford Smith airport. With interviews ranging from; pilots to flight attendants to airport staff. We have explored things that people didn't know they wished to know.
So welcome aboard and enjoy your journey...
Three-decades of Crazy by Jayden Cross
“My father really wanted cheaper flights,” was how it all began for Sarah Martin in 1985. Becoming a flight attendant was never really a must in terms of Sarah’s future plans, which it why it came to such a surprise that she would still be in this profession 31 years on.
For her there has never been a dull moment in the three decades she has worked for Air Asia. However, not every flight is a good one, “nobody is that blessed unfortunately,” Sarah chuckled. She was serving an older couple who were travelling on their second honeymoon and just before the plane landed the husband had a heart attack. “I was so scared,” Sarah admitted, “I had to do CPR and thankfully at the time was able to keep him stable.” Regrettably Sarah was later informed that the man had passed away in hospital, however, she was held in high regard for attempting to save his life which is something she feels very proud of but wishes she could have done more.
However, while many flights can be exhausting, the travel locations can be very rewarding. Mainly travelling to Asian countries such as the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore, sometimes Sarah has been lucky enough to work on flights to Los Angeles and New York. While it’s a lost of work, she revealed that the flight staff are still able to enjoy the locations they travel to. “In the United States they have a four or five day stop over,” she explained, “I mean, most of that time is spent sleeping though.”
Having a family back home, Sarah sometimes finds it difficult to leave or be away from her husband and children for days at a time. She always makes sure everything is settled at home before she leaves so that there is no chance of anything going wrong while she is away. “I only ever really worry if someone is sick, if the kids have exams or if something really important is on,” Sarah explained, “it sucks being away from them sometimes for a week, but I don’t think they mind too much.”
"I honestly think they thought I was going to die!"
She has had her family worry about her though. With an increased risk of terrorism and planes crashing across the globe, her family does feel a bit anxious sometimes. “My kids used to cry when I left,” she tells, “I honestly think they thought I was going to die.” However, Sarah feels that she has more chance of being attacked by one of the many drunk or aggressive passengers she has come across, rather than a terrorist.
“I admit, I have made being a flight attendant sound a bit crazy,” Sarah laughed, “but sometimes it’s a good crazy.” How many people can say that they have met supermodels, acting legends and musical superstars? In her 31 years, Sarah has met the likes of; Elton John, Jack Black, Russell Crowe, Miranda Kerr, Olivia Newton John, Kate Winslet and Good Charlotte. “See when I’m not in the bathroom stall cleaning up an old mans excretion, my job isn’t that bad,” Sarah laughs.
After 22 years in the airline industry, Cabin Supervisor for Qantas Australia, Mathew Mason says what he looks forward to most in his job is coming home.
"Look after 22 years, as you can imagine, it becomes a bit routine...it's a job. I've always said that, it's just a job...one that i love nonetheless."
The heart of Sydney International Airport by Maria Tasevska and interview completed by Liam Mountford
Airports have undergone massive evolution over the last decade. No longer simply transit points, airports offer passengers unique experiences and a “already on holiday” feel. With many modern day airports now creating a city-like feel and experience, airports such as Sydney International have discovered that a passenger first focus builds many opportunities and experiences for all.
Nick Katholos, Supervisor for Airport Retail Enterprises, is one of many staff that work both behind the scenes at Sydney International Airport and then probably serve you your morning coffee or beer when you arrive for your flight!
Working in hospitality from a young age, Nick says that hospitality is his niche. A keen golfer, Nick says working shift work at the airport isn’t too bad especially when it means he has lots of time to get his golfing swing down pat.
The very heart of the airport, the many stores, cafes, bars and restaurants ensure that every person that arrives and departs through the terminals are catered for.
“Everyone wants their coffee, everyone wants a good breakfast…it’s a big part of it. Without that there wouldn’t be much of an airport to be honest” Nick tells us.
Gaining His Wings: The story of aspiring pilot Alan Ramos Interviews by Liam Mountford and compiled by Maria Tasevska
Alan Ramos has always dreamed of a career in aviation from a young age. In this 6 part mini-podcast series, Alan lets us in on the truth of becoming a pilot and the long process that is involved. Not only a pilot in training, Alan is a family man. The road to achieving success isn't always easy, especially when juggling a young growing family and your dreams to fly.
Part 1: The Pilot
In part 1, we interview an aspiring pilot, Alan Ramos, chasing his dream to become a full-time pilot whilst juggling the unpredictability of life and trying to make ends meet whilst supporting a young family.
Part 2: Screening Process
In Part 2 of our mini-podcast series with pilot in training Alan, he talks about the screening process and demanding requirements on pilots.
Alan giving the thumbs-up whilst flying
Photo credit: Alan Ramos
A pilot undergoes flight simulation
Photo credit: Saeger
Part 3: The delayed effects of being a pilot
The high demand on pilots through workload and requirements can result in delayed effects. Alan gives an insight in to the delayed effects mentioning the Germanwings flight which saw pilot Andreas Lubitz commit one of the greatest atrocities in aviation.
A pilot walks through the terminal
Photo credit: Getty Images
Part 4: Fears of Flying
In Part 4, Alan talks of some situations where the fear of flying comes from and the procedures he will have to undertake in order to maintain safety.
Part 5: Lifestyle of a Pilot
The job of a pilot seems quite lavish. In part 5, Alan talks about his experience and knowledge of what that lifestyle really consists of.
Passengers apply their oxygen masks
Photo credit: Aviation Safety Network
A Cessna Caravan 208; the plane Alan pilots.
Photo credit: Alan Ramos
Part 6: The Man in the Cockpit
In the sixth and the final part of our mini-podcast series featuring Alan Ramos, he opens up about how he has gotten to where he is today and himself as a family man.
Alan with partner Alicia and baby Alexander.
Photo credit: Alan Ramos
Human's of Sydney International Airport by Maria Tasevska
An airport is a place for connection, a place for adventure, a place to say hello and very often a place for goodbye. Thousands of people walk in and out of airport’s every single day, leaving their mark somehow.
But who really are these people? Where are they going? Who have they left behind?
There is a story behind every single passenger that steps off a plane.
If you could delve into the mind of these passengers you’d be sure to find some have stories made only for heart break and others have stories so full of burning passion they could only fuel your own desire for adventure and travel.
Below you’ll find the stories of the real life people behind the partings and reunions at the Sydney International Airport arrival and departure gates.
Photographed at the Departures Terminal at Sydney International Airport
M: “He’s moving to America for collage! He’s my little brother so it’s tough watching him go because I feel I have to protect him and how can I do that if he’s on the other side of the world, you know? Mum won’t even get in the photo she’s crying too much (laughs). It’s bittersweet and I’m so unbelievably proud of him, he has a scholarship…he’s a really great swimmer. It’s the only thing he’s ever been better at me than actually!”
J: “She’s just jealous she won’t be the favourite child anymore.”
K: “It’s true…”
M: “Hey! No it’s not.”
Photographed at the Arrivals Terminal at Sydney International Airport
M: “We’ve been a dance crew for about 3 years in the Philippines, but it’s our first time in Australia! We’re competing at the World International Supremacy Dance competition next weekend. It’s in Melbourne!"
R: "Hey, what are you guy’s doing next weekend? You should come check it out, you can stay with us if you like?”
Photographed at the Departures Terminal at Sydney International Airport
L: “We’re going to Europe! It’s my first time travelling on my own, so I am so glad to be doing it with my two bestfriends. I hate flying though… So that’s going to be the worst part of the trip for me”
M: “We’re gonna get her drunk, so I don’t there’ll be any issues on the flight over…”
Photographed at the Departures Terminal at Sydney International Airport
M: “We all look settled now but trust me 10 minutes ago I was yelling at them all! (Laughs)
It’s a mission to get this lot out that house, let alone out the country. We had to colour coordinate today so I don’t lose any of them in the airport!”
A bittersweet moment captured just before the Departures Terminal at Sydney International Airport
R: “We meet in Vancouver a year ago. I got to the point in my life where I wasn’t doing anything I loved. So one day I decided I was going to see the world, so I did. Everyone told me I was crazy to travel alone, and maybe I was. But then I met him…I don’t know, you get the rest! (laughs)”
L: “The distance is hard but we try to just keep in contact as much as we can. I came over this time and then she’s coming to see me over Christmas. Everyone always comments on how hard it must be and like I said, it is…but it’ll work out.”
How Flying Can Bring Two People Closer By Ruben Campbell
Can you imagine travelling to Hawaii 50 times a year, sitting at a beach at Honolulu, embracing the sunshine and culture around? Or discovering different parts of Australia, like Darwin where it can become your favourite place to travel. These experiences have been shared by two people. They do this for a living. Explore the world and give their customers a great and rewarding flying experience.
Martin and Jodie Wilson are happily married couple from the beautiful coastal town of Kiama, New South Wales. Martin 47, is an in flight trainer and on board manager for Jetstar.
“I grew up Lord Howe Island, when I was 14 I moved to Victoria. Since then I’ve lived in Darwin, Lord Howe and Sydney working in hospitality.”
“My wife Jodie has been flying with Qantas for 30 years, in 2009 I thought why not have a crack at it.” Martin states.
Martin put through an application into Jetstar. Thinking he wouldn’t get through. His dream came true. He fulfilled the roles of casual flight attendant, full time in trainer and is now a flight manager for international flights.
His wife Jodie 50, has lived in Kiama all her life. She has worked as a part time flight attendant for Qantas for 30 years, as she reflects on growing up Kiama.
“It was quite a safe place to grow up. There was a real sense of freedom. You knew everyone and it’s such a wonderful place.”
At the age of 20 Jodie Wilson became a flight attendant for Qantas in 1986.
She went through basic training which included on flight simulations, emergency practices as you can see the photographs below.
Both Jodie and Martin have faced difficulties in their jobs. They both agreed that domestic flights are more stressful than international flights.
“Domestic flights do take a toll on you, as you can do so many flights in a day” Jodie Wilson states.
Martin feels the exact same way, especially in the early days of his flight career.
“When I first started with Jetstar I did a lot of domestic flights. You would get up a 2:00AM. Two hour drive to Sydney. Do a couple of domestic flights in the day. Come home at 6:00PM. This would occur over a six day period”.
The other difficulty they come across is dealing with difficult customers and issue which can arise in the air.
Jodie states “I’ve had to deal with people who can’t fly well. People who get sick. So you have to provide care to people when they need it the most, that’s quite a rewarding thing about what I do”.
Martin states “Intoxication can be a problem with some customers”.
Jodie’s favourite destination is Darwin. She has lost count of the amount times she has travelled to the northern territory capital. Not just for the beautiful sights and culture. But a place that holds importance for her.
“Darwin is by far my favourite place to fly too because in 1994 that is where I met Martin. So each time I go there it reminds of that beautiful moment, remember meeting him for the first time and I felt he was such wonderful human being”.
18 months later they got married. Living in Narrandera before moving back to Kiama in 2000.
Martin loves travelling to Hawaii. It brings back great memories of growing up in Lord Howe Island.
“I go to Hawaii about 10 times a month. I have been there over 200 times at least. I just love the island lifestyle. The surf and the people are just relaxed enjoy life.”
They highly recommend working in airline industry. Especially people who sense adventure and seek change in everyday life.
Martin states “if you like diversity, hospitality and change it is something for you. We are the start of most people’s holidays and if we can give them a great experience on flight, than it’s great for them and wonderful for us”.
Jodie states “there is a real longevity with what I do, there is always something different happening. It’s not monotonous and get to see so many places.”
Martin and Jodie have two children Eli 17, and Cassie 14. Kiama couldn’t be a better location to live for them. It is known for its high attraction of tourists. It’s a town which reflects their life. The beaches bring back memories of Hawaii. The summer heat couldn’t look out of place in Darwin. Together those memories are reflected in the beautiful landscapes that surround them.
History of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
By Ruben Campbell
In 1919 The Australian Aircraft and engineering company established an aerodrome at Mascot after leasing land from the Kensington Racing Club. 27 year old Australian Imperial Airforce pilot Nigel Love was in charge of the first flight at the airport. Ever since that day Sydney Airport has played a major role in Australian cultural history. Why don't we have look at its importance and how its developed over the last century.
Opening New Doors
Angela Thompson was stuck in traffic when she received the call that would ignite her new career. At 29, she had done nearly everything one would expect a girl in her twenties to do – forged a career, fallen in love and met new people. But there was one thing she hadn’t done. She was turning thirty in eight months and she hadn’t seen half as much of the world as she had wished to by now.
So, she took a leap of faith straight in to a line of work that paid its employees to see the world. Granted, they have to work for it, but if she was going to save for a house anytime soon she knew she shouldn’t spend thousands on travelling.
“Becoming a flight attendant was an easy choice for me,” Angela recalls. “It’s one of those things everyone wants to be as a kid – kind of like a hairdresser or a policeman – so I kind of felt like I was not only doing it for the me now, but also for the 6 year old me who dreamt of being one.”
Once a personal assistant, she hasn’t looked back since quitting her desk job.
“I’m honestly excited to go to work every day now. Even if I am only flying domestic right now, the thought of what hotel I’m going to be staying at – that alone makes it exciting.”
While Angela believes she’s in her dream job, she admits there’s concern about the practicality of raising a child when her shifts aren’t the standard nine-to-five. Sometimes, she leaves Sydney airport Monday morning, and doesn’t return until Wednesday night.
“It’s definitely at the back of my mind and all the other girls around my age – we know this isn’t a forever thing. Or maybe it is. You know, I’ve been told that girls go on like, a 10 year break and then come back to work when their kids are older.” Would Angela do that? “I really don’t know. It’s definitely an option.”
Another option to consider: working at the check-in desks or guest lounges. But Angela sighs as she realises that this would be another version of a desk job - exactly what she was avoiding when she signed up to be an air hostess with Virgin Airlines. So where does that leave her?
She’s just taking every day as it comes.
“I just want to enjoy every moment and appreciate all the wonderful opportunities Virgin has given me. There’s always room to grow and evolve in big companies like this so I’m not going to worry too much about raising a family in this line of work.”
Angela (left) with her colleague, Bree.
22 Years in the Sky with Mathew Mason by Maria Tasevska and interview completed by Liam Mountford
The 'Mile High Club': How popular is it really?
When Lisa Robertson, an air hostess for Qantas airlines, made worldwide headlines in 2007 for joining the ‘mile-high club’, people weren’t concerned with the name of the famous actor she joined the club with – they were only asking one thing: How did they do it?
They talked out loud wondering how it was physically possible to contort two human bodies in to any kind of position within the small confines of an aircraft. Then they wondered why anyone in their right mind would be in the mood after all the incredibly un-sexy activities involved with flying: sweatpants, long queues, small aisles and strangers with even stranger odours would be enough to leave even the most confident of species feeling untouchable.
And yet the mile-high club, despite popular belief, is much more than a myth. Lisa doesn’t seem to be alone out there (according to a Skyscanner survery, 20 per cent of their users claim to have joined the not-so-exclusive club). And yet when Lisa confessed to doing the dirty with actor Ralph Fiennes up in the air, more questions were raised about the technicalities of the activity rather than the fact an Oscar nominee felt inclined to tick something so risqué off his bucket list and his lover was willing to tell the whole world about it.
Of course, Qantas sacked Ms. Robertson as soon as they heard about the encounter (one of Lisa’s colleagues saw the pair leaving the bathroom together and reported her). But the tale had been told and the myth had been busted.
Until then, only it’s exclusive members knew how very real a club it was – and they seemed to keep this to themselves. Now, the mysterious mile-high club was no longer something only seen in movies and it raised the question: What is it about being 40,000 feet in the air that makes us want to get it on, when all the surrounding factors should mean we want to do anything but?
Perhaps it’s the mixture of pre-flight nerves and alcohol. Or the confined space getting passengers cosy. They’ve got to spend hours next to people in seats far from comfortable so who knows, it could just be out of sheer boredom.
Rachel Anderson, a marketing student who recently took an overnight flight to Milan, agrees that it was boredom mixed with curiosity and a little alcohol that encouraged her to become a member with a complete stranger. She tells us how it started:
If you’re one of the few that actually knew the mile high club was still in business, you might still wonder how the practicalities of the act work. Those aeroplane toilets are lucky if they can fit one full sized human in there – let alone two!
Despite having had first-hand experience, Rachel still wonders how they actually got it to work when she looks back:
One thing we can be sure of is that when you start an airline dedicated to helping people join the mile-high club – like Erotic Airways did in 2006 – it won’t be a success. It took less than three years for the airline to go bust, after it offered passengers a 45-minute flight above Brisbane complete with a double bed, champagne and a non-disturbing pilot.
It seems the mile-high club is only popular when it’s members know they shouldn’t be a part of it.
