From flight attendant to pilot: Deimantė’s journey shows aviation careers extend far beyond the cockpit

According to international aviation training company CAE, the world will need over 1.4 million aviation specialists by 2034. While most people think of pilots and flight attendants when they picture aviation careers, in reality the industry employs professionals from dozens, if not hundreds, of different fields. Deimantė Grabskienė, now a pilot with Lithuanian ACMI airline Avion Express, has experienced this diversity firsthand, having worked her way through multiple aviation roles on her path to the pilot’s seat.

An unexpected entry into aviation

Deimantė’s aviation journey began in 2008 when she was simply job hunting. “I wasn’t looking to land a job in aviation, but I got a position at a Lithuanian ground handling company. That’s when I started working closely with aircraft and quickly caught the aviation bug,” she recalls.

She soon joined one Lithuanian carrier as a flight attendant and worked her way up to senior cabin crew. But rather than settling into that role, Deimantė set her sights higher – she began training for her commercial pilot’s license. As she neared this goal, she took a position in Avion Express’s People and Culture department. The company, based in Lithuania, provides ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing services to airlines worldwide.

This role gave Deimantė an entirely new perspective on the industry. “My passion for aviation evolved from a romantic fascination to deep respect as I gained insight into the complex processes that keep airlines running – things I’d never seen from the inside before.”

She emphasizes that aviation encompasses far more than just flight crews. “It’s an intricate machine with countless moving parts working in sync. The flights themselves are just the tip of the iceberg – underneath, there’s an enormous infrastructure requiring specialists from every imaginable field.”

The nerve center of airline operations

While at Avion Express, Deimantė enrolled in the company’s cadet program for aspiring commercial pilots. “I’d already earned my private and commercial pilot licenses, but working in the Avion Express office became my real launching pad. The company provided my type rating training and ultimately offered me a position as a pilot.”

During her training, she coordinated simulator sessions for other Avion Express pilots. “Since I was already on the path to becoming a pilot, it was fascinating to get this behind-the-scenes perspective on my future profession,” she explains. “I was proud then, and remain proud now, to work for a Lithuanian company. We’re a small nation, but we've built a world-leading ACMI operator. While our headquarters are in Vilnius, we have offices in Malta and Brazil, and we’re expanding into Mexico.”

Deimantė says that the Avion Express office functions as the airline’s nerve center, with all departments working in close coordination. “Making flights happen requires everyone to understand and support each other's processes. Aviation is an unforgiving industry where precision is paramount – we all must meet strict international standards for safety, training, and operations. Meanwhile, commercial teams drive growth and expansion. It’s a complex ballet of synchronized processes."

The work is never monotonous, Deimantė notes. “You’re constantly engaging with new information, processes, and partners. The company attracts true experts who bring years of experience and readily mentor the next generation. Many of our interns have successfully transitioned into full-time roles after graduation.”

The dynamic world of ACMI operations

After three years in the office, Deimantė achieved her goal of moving to the cockpit. “I’m still with the same company, just in my dream role now. I worked toward this step by step, and Avion Express gave me the chance to prove myself.”

She recalls a particularly meaningful moment when she flew alongside a captain who had attended her recruitment presentation in Madrid years earlier. “It was wonderful to reflect on our parallel journeys – how he joined the company, and how I found my way to the flight deck.”

Working for an ACMI carrier offers unique advantages, Deimantė observes. “The multicultural environment here is incredible. Our crews and office staff represent dozens of nationalities. You never know if your next crew will include colleagues from Europe, Asia, South America, or anywhere in between. Our Vilnius office alone brings together top talent from around the globe. This diversity pushes everyone to grow, learn, and share their expertise.”

The ACMI model also provides pilots with more varied experiences than traditional airlines. “You develop rapidly because everything can change seasonally – partner airlines, base locations, operating regions. One contract might have you flying in Vietnam, the next in Mexico, each with distinct weather patterns, airports, and even air traffic systems. This constant adaptation makes you incredibly versatile and resilient.”

Opening doors for future aviation professionals

Deimantė stresses that aviation careers extend well beyond the flight deck. “So much critical work happens on the ground. I’ve worked in pilot recruitment myself – the industry needs professionals from every background. I’m encouraged by how many young people are reaching out to learn about aviation careers.”

Lithuania offers numerous aviation opportunities through Avion Express and dozens of other companies within the Avia Solutions Group, including FL Technics (aircraft maintenance), BAA Training (pilot training), Baltic Ground Services (ground handling), and many others.

Deimantė is particularly pleased to see growing interest from women. “While aviation has traditionally been male-dominated, that’s changing rapidly. I want to encourage women who feel drawn to aviation – don't let doubts hold you back. Women can achieve anything in this industry.”

What qualities make for success in aviation? “Cultural awareness is essential,” Deimantė explains. “Aviation is inherently international, so you need to work effectively with people from all backgrounds. Adaptability is crucial. Most importantly, embrace challenges and step outside your comfort zone – everyone makes mistakes, but that's how we grow.