We always love sharing our Crew to Office stories! Today, we're highlighting the story of Kerstin Unt, our Cabin Operations Manager, who first took off with SmartLynx back in 2013 as a cabin crew member.

“I never dreamed of a career in aviation – especially since I’m scared of heights!” Kerstin laughs. “I was simply job hunting when I saw SmartLynx was holding interviews in Tallinn and thought, ‘Why not apply?’ A week later, I was in training. Eleven years later, I’m still here – turns out, I landed exactly where I was meant to be.”

Kerstin’s career has been all about steady progress. From Cabin Crew to Line Trainer, Cabin Base Supervisor, Cabin Operations Manager, and now Deputy Head of Cabin Operations, she’s worked her way up. “I like to think of my career as collecting status miles – slow and steady, but every step brings you to the next tier. No fast lane, no shortcuts.”

Her time as cabin crew taught her to stay calm under pressure. “If you can handle a plane full of passengers ready to riot over a delay – plus all the inflight surprises – then a little turbulence in your inbox or sudden changes won’t make you lose your cool,” she says.

What did she love most about flying? “Easy – seeing the world and making lifelong friends along the way.” And the toughest part? “The 3 a.m. alarms! Going full glam to get ready for a flight – trust me, no one looks fabulous at that hour,” she smiles.

Kerstin, we’re so glad you took that chance 11 years ago!