Naomi’s Journey: From Regional Skies to Global Horizons 

How did you first join Qantas?

I joined the Qantas Group in December 2002 after spotting an advertisement in our local Mildura paper for QantasLink Cabin Crew on the Dash-8 turboprop. Twenty-three years and four QantasLink uniform changes later, I’m still doing what I’ve always called my dream job, only now I’m taking it to new heights… literally.

What do you love most about regional flying?

Regional flying will always hold my heart. Our crew felt like family, and our customers were the reason I loved coming to work every single day. Starting and finishing my days in Mildura meant I watched families grow over the years, children who once travelled as little ones now flying off to university. That continuity is something truly special.

What inspired you to move to Long Haul?

Even though I adored my time on the Dash-8, there was always a spark inside me to one day operate Long Haul. I vividly remember being on my first overseas holiday and seeing Qantas crew walking through an international terminal. The camaraderie on and off the aircraft was unmistakable. I turned to my husband and said, “I want to do Long Haul. I want to be part of that.” But the timing wasn’t right. My girls were still in school, my husband was building his career, and I knew I needed to wait for my moment. And now, at 51, it’s finally here.

How has the transition to Long Haul been?

What has made this chapter unforgettable is my beautiful Ground School group. We are each other’s biggest supporters, and I adore every one of them. We’ve only been together a short time (even if it’s felt much longer some days!), but we’ve formed friendships for life. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, have done this without them.

I also have to acknowledge our exceptional Emergency Procedures instructors. In a full-circle moment, my very first QantasLink Cabin Crew Manager in 2002, Mel Borlase, became my Long-Haul EP instructor in Melbourne 23 years later. From day one, I knew I was in safe hands. Our Sydney instructors Jen, Phil and Marty have also been incredible, guiding us with support, professionalism and warmth.

What’s next for you?

My first flight will be on the A380 to Johannesburg, and I genuinely cannot wait. I still get that same buzz every time I put on the uniform, and I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to be part of the iconic Qantas family.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius

Naomi, Flight Attendant, Crew Experience, Sydney International