Flight attendant Stella Blyde plans to get her feet back on the ground

After 20 years working as a flight attendant and purser (head flight attendant) Stella Blyde was looking for a new challenge. A two-month stint working behind the scenes helped her decide.

“I had injured my foot and couldn’t fly, so I worked in the office on special projects.

“One project aimed to improve service on our 737 domestic flights based on suggestions from our frequent flyers. Trying to work out where we could start new parts of the service and save on things was quite challenging.”

Another project focused on injury prevention and the health and well-being of staff.
 
“I realised that I loved working nine to five in the office on projects. Eventually that’s where I’m headed – I want to be here on the ground looking after crew. There are jobs where pursers can move up and get experience working to support managers and be second in charge.”

While Stella hasn’t given up working as a flight attendant yet, to prepare for her next step, she’s getting experience as an executive in the Flight Attendant and Related Services (FARSA) union. “I was involved, along with four other colleagues, in negotiating our employment contract, which our members have recently ratified. It was a good experience being involved with those negotiations.”

Stella is also considering studying business management to help her prepare for a management role. “I didn’t go to university, but I wish I had. I’m looking into doing a paper at the end of the year. So, it’s work, being a mother, and possibly studying. I like to have my fingers in many pies, and see that it is all leading to somewhere.”