Time flies: from pleated skirt to purser's dream - two generations of cabin crew

Ashley Petra (30) just started as a cabin attendant at Transavia. Her first flight was only recently, but she's dreamed of flying since she was twelve. After a chance encounter with some colleagues, she decided to change course. She applied immediately when our cabin crew vacancies opened and started her training. She has since completed the selection process, medical examination, and intensive INI training. Ashley: "My first flight to Agadir was so special. The atmosphere, the passengers, the team spirit—I knew immediately: this is where I belong." Ashley is looking forward to gaining experience and one day managing her own crew as a purser.

For a colleague who has worked at Transavia for 42 years, that sounds familiar and a bit nostalgic. Liesbeth Lonzième-van Os has worked on board Transavia for 42 years and is now the "number 1" cabin crew member in seniority: "When I started in 1983, it honestly wasn't my dream job, but an adventure I just stumbled into. At first, I thought: this isn't for me, but once on board, everything changed. Back then, we were still a small airline, I knew everyone, the atmosphere was close, and we even had one plane where the only nets above the seats were for coats.

There was still smoking on board, the flight schedule was in your inbox, and the nasi goreng was served in cardboard containers, which often sent loose nasi goreng grains flying through the cabin when folded. We served the meals, and the interaction with passengers was more personal. Many people were flying for the first time back then, which made everything exciting and special, and there was almost always applause after landing.

What unites both colleagues, despite their age difference and the ongoing developments on board, is their pride in the profession. During her first few months, Ashley learned the importance of safety, teamwork, and customer focus. Meanwhile, our seasoned colleague fondly reflects on highlights like flying with the Dutch national team—for ten years, with a permanent crew. "We knew each other inside and out. That gave us peace of mind and a tremendous sense of connection." Ashley is now beginning to experience this same bond in her new team.

And while the way things work has changed—with digital systems, stricter safety requirements, and a more international passenger base—the essence remains the same. "Flying remains special," says Liesbeth. "Even now that passengers often fly regularly and have their own screens and earphones, that moment of genuine attention and service remains important." For Ashley, that's precisely why she's glad she took the plunge: "You can really make a difference for people, even if it's just with a smile or a small gesture."

Along with the many changes in work on board, the service experience also changed. Our experienced colleague vividly remembers her time on the so-called Cloud Shop committee. "We curated the duty-free selection together: from perfume to jewelry and spirits. Passengers bought a lot and paid cash—often in all sorts of currencies, from Drachmas to Pesetas—and sometimes hid their purchases everywhere just to avoid the allowance." Since then, the service has been streamlined, digitalized, and offered more specific items. But the stories from back then remain vivid. Ashley, who didn't experience that era, says: "It's hard to imagine. Now everything is paid by card, and the selection is much more focused on convenience and experience."

Whether you entered the cabin wearing a hat and gloves or just took your first independent flight, the industry is alive and well. It's through experience and innovation. It's precisely the combination of the two that makes Transavia strong. Two generations, one crew – together, ready for the future.