Landing a job in aviation is just the beginning. For many, a passion for flying can evolve in unexpected ways and lead to new career paths within the industry.

Take Heather Sanchez, a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant since 1999. When the pandemic caused widespread flight cancellations and travel restrictions, Sanchez saw an opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream.

“When COVID-19 hit, most of the airline industry came to a halt — except for flight schools, which continued to operate. In 2020, a friend interested in getting her pilot’s license invited me to join her for a discovery flight. I went and immediately fell in love. That’s when I decided it was now or never,” she said.

Sanchez has proudly served as a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant since 1999.

Growing up in West Oʻahu, Sanchez dreamed of becoming a pilot — her high school yearbook quote even foreshadowed her future career. But after graduation, she felt the path to the flight deck was unclear.

“I didn’t know anyone in the industry back then,” Sanchez explained. “I thought the only way to flight train would be to join the U.S. Air Force. Unfortunately, the internet was not what it is today and frankly, I lacked the resources and guidance to pursue a pilot career.”

Sanchez now sports pilot wings from PSA Airlines and flight attendant wings from Hawaiian Airlines.

Instead, Sanchez pursued a master's in education at Chaminade University of Honolulu, though the urge to fly never went away. As a local kid, flying on Hawaiian Airlines was an adventure that connected her to family, friends and new experiences on the Neighbor Islands and across the Pacific. After earning her degree, she began planning her next move. She recalled a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant who lived nearby and whose glamorous travel stories captivated young Sanchez and her friends. In 1999, she was hired as a flight attendant with her hometown airline.

Fast forward 26 years and a pandemic later, Sanchez is now the proud owner of pilot and flight attendant wings. When she's not caring for Hawaiian Airlines’ guests in the cabin, she’s building flight hours at PSA Airlines, a regional carrier under American Airlines Group.

“Balancing a full-time flight attendant job while building hours as a pilot hasn’t been easy,” Sanchez said. “Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive family and the flexibility to curate my schedule so I can pursue my outside goals. My kids have seen me struggle to juggle it all, but I do it for them. I want to set an example of perseverance, dedication and never giving up on your dreams.”

Yuka Nissle, a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant for 15 years, followed a similar path toward earning her pilot’s wings. In 2010, as Hawaiian expanded its service in Japan, Nissle, a fluent Japanese speaker, was hired to welcome and care for guests who today arrive in Hawai‘i from our gateways in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. In addition to mostly working Hawaiian’s Asia routes, she can also be found behind the controls of Grand Caravans with regional carrier Mokulele Airlines.

Nissle primarily flies Hawaiian's Japan flights, welcoming Japanese guests with authentic hospitality in their language.

“I pursued a flight attendant career because I love to travel, meet new people and be part of the aviation world,” Nissle shared. “I’ve always been fascinated by how pilots fly planes, and after working alongside them for many years, I felt inspired to pursue it myself.”

Nissle is building up her flight hours with Mokulele Airlines, a small regional carrier operating within the Hawaiian Islands.

For Nissle and Sanchez, becoming flight attendants opened the door to new opportunities. They are among several employees who have leveraged their years in the airline industry to advance their careers. Despite the demands of their budding pilot careers, they remain passionate about their flight attendant roles and look forward to one day serving Hawaiʻi’s aviation community in a new capacity.

“I love my job and the camaraderie this industry has given me. Many of my colleagues and mentors at Hawaiian Airlines have been incredibly uplifting, and I continue to be humbled by the support of my work ‘ohana and the culture of aloha we share,” Sanchez said.

Nissle echoed those sentiments: “There were times I doubted myself. I’d ask, ‘Could I really become a pilot?’ But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept pushing toward my dream. My daughter is also a pilot, though in the process of becoming an air traffic controller, and it’s been a joy to share this journey with her.”

As Hawaiian Airlines and its 7,000-plus employees embark on a new chapter with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian is recruiting for nearly 300 Hawaiʻi jobs in the first quarter of this year, including 150 flight attendants, 50 airport positions, 30 pilots, 10 aircraft mechanics and other positions.

“Our industry is known for its ‘lifers’—families working side-by-side, passing down workplace traditions and creating long-lasting memories while helping our guests do the same,” said Heather Ryland, senior director of talent acquisition for Hawaiian Airlines. “Working in aviation is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity for personal growth, connection and exploration. We invite anyone interested to visit our careers page and consider joining us on this exciting journey ahead.”

Job openings are posted and updated at HawaiianAirlines.com/careers.