Incredible stories and adventures often start with bold choices. Many of our colleagues who began their journeys as cabin crew have transitioned into key roles in the office, each with a unique and inspiring career path. Continuing our Crew to Office series – meet Alina Balabanova, our IT Delivery Manager, who first joined the team as cabin crew back when we were called LatCharter. 

“It wasn’t a dream, but a chance,” Alina shares. “I stumbled into aviation during my first year at university – quite literally, as I hadn’t even set foot on a plane before. When I heard LatCharter was hiring cabin crew for their first A320, I hesitated, wondering if they’d laugh me out of the interview for never having flown. Fast forward 16 years at SmartLynx, and I’m celebrating a career that started with one bold decision.” 

After graduation, Alina stepped away from flying but found her way back to SmartLynx in 2008 as part of the Crew Ops and Planning team. Her time as cabin crew gave her a unique perspective. “When planning rosters, I saw more than just letter codes – they were real people, many I had flown with,” she shares. Later, Alina became Cabin Crew Manager. “My journey across ground departments eventually led to IT. From cabin crew to technology – who would have guessed?” she smiles. 

Reflecting on the LatCharter days, Alina says, “Back then, we only flew out of RIX, not across multiple bases like now. After a season of RIX-DXB-RIX flights with midnight departure and returning in the afternoon, I realized I wanted a lifestyle where I could wake up with the sun (and not the moon). No regrets, though!”

We're glad to have you as part of the Smart Team, Alina!