As someone who had only ever been a passenger on a plane, my familiarization flight from Cologne to Santorini and back was an exciting journey into the world of aviation. It was an opportunity to experience aviation up close, learn about the challenges and rewards of the professions, and get to know an amazing team of pilots and flight attendants. From my perspective in learning and development, it was incredibly valuable.

The outbound flight in the cockpit showed me just how precise and focused pilots are, from planning all the way to landing. The technology, the checklists, and the focused yet humorous teamwork were truly impressive. I could ask any question that came to mind, and it was answered (sometimes with a smile). The pilots took the time to give me the best possible insight into their work.

The return flight in the cabin offered a whole new perspective. Flight attendants do far more than just provide service. I even got hands-on experience myself, which allowed me to experience the challenges of a fully occupied aircraft: the limited space, the need to stay efficiently organized, and the constant balancing act between quick service and attentive customer care. What was particularly inspiring was seeing how the team managed all of this with ease and a smile, even when things behind the scenes got hectic.