What is your current role, and where do you work?
Senior First Officer at Cyprus Airways
Can you share a bit about your personal and educational background?
I am the eldest of four siblings, and my family roots trace back to Famagusta, specifically from Rizokarpaso, Varosi, Kalopsida and Avgorou. After graduating from AAL, I pursued my passion for aviation at Oxford Aviation Academy as an integrated student. I completed the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) theoretical training in Oxford, UK, then continued my practical flight training in Phoenix, Arizona, where I obtained my Commercial Pilot License (CPL). I later returned to the UK to complete my Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and Jet Orientation Course (JOC).
How did your career path unfold from graduation to where you are today?
After completing my studies in late 2013, it took some time before I was able to begin practicing my dream career as a pilot. During those years, I worked in various roles outside aviation, gaining valuable life experience. My aviation journey began in 2016 when I started working as a Flight Dispatcher and two years later I joined Cyprus Airways as Cabin Crew.
Following a short break to welcome my daughter, I returned to Cyprus Airways in 2022, this time in the flight deck as a First Officer. Not long after, I was selected to become a CRM (Crew Resource Management) Instructor, a role that allowed me to combine my passion for flying with my interest in helping others understand the non-technical aspects of our industry, such as decision-making, teamwork, communication and much more. I was later given the chance to contribute to ground training, and most recently, I joined the Cyprus Airways Flying Academy as an ATPL Theory Instructor. I am now also in the process of becoming an MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) Instructor.
What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of managing to grow within the aviation field in a relatively short time, while also being a dedicated and present mother. Balancing my professional development with family life has been both challenging and rewarding, and it’s taught me the true meaning of patience, resilience and love for what I do.
How did your experience with AAL contribute to your personal or professional growth?
AAL gave me the opportunity ‘to grow and to serve’. It was more than just a school, it was a place that felt like home. I was surrounded by teachers who truly cared and felt like family and by friends who became family over the years. Beyond academics, AAL taught me discipline, ethics and the right way to learn; lessons that have stayed with me ever since.
Equally important were the extracurricular activities that helped shape who I am outside the classroom. As a member, and later president of the Young Volunteers, I learned the value of giving back and contributing to the community. My involvement with the German Club, where I also served as president, opened my eyes to new cultures and perspectives, helping me grow even more as a person. Looking back, I can truly say that AAL played a huge part in building the foundations of the person and professional I am today.
What advice would you give to current AAL students?
It might sound cliché, but truly — enjoy your years as students. AAL will give you all the resources and support you need to achieve your goals, both as individuals and as future professionals. Take in as much as you can, stay focused and determined, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way. These years will shape you more than you realize.
