My Journey into Aviation with Jetstream and SunExpress
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Over the past months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to deep-dive into aviation — a sector that, while not my childhood dream, has become my favorite — through the Jetstream Program of @SunExpress, exploring not only the industry's future but also the pillars that keep it standing strong.
Coming from a career rooted in internal audit, controlling, and risk in finance, stepping into aviation felt like learning an entirely new language. The Jetstream Program became my gateway into this world, and returning to student life after so many years — with assignments, articles, and self-reflection papers — was a challenge on its own. Yet it was exactly that challenge that motivated me to keep going.
One of the boldest steps for me during this journey was my research on regulatory framework in ancillary revenue in low-cost carriers, with a focus on SunExpress. It wasn’t just about findings, process risks or financials; but it was about to look at the business from a completely different perspective for me. I wanted to understand the commercial side that I had never been part of but always felt curious about. Bringing in my regulatory framework lens made the experience even richer.
At the same time, my journey wasn’t limited to research or study. Balancing coursework with daily business, leadership responsibilities, and family life often felt like balancing many plates in one hand. But in those moments, sometimes studying late at night, sometimes sharing study hours alongside my daughter as she did her homework, I experienced a new kind of motivation. It reminded me that stepping outside your known territory is where real growth happens.
One key part that stands out vividly to me was during our travels to Frankfurt, when my colleagues and I often discussed how we view our business processes and the airline industry. I realized that while I had once viewed aviation purely through numbers, risks, and regulations, I was now beginning to see it as a living ecosystem that connects people, innovation, and opportunities. That realization shifted not only my perspective on aviation but also my perspective on myself as a professional. And as the most valuable part, the people were taking the stage. The mentors, colleagues, and peers I met through Jetstream reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Their encouragement and support gave me the confidence to explore areas I once thought were beyond my reach.
The Jetstream experience also aligned with my ongoing Aviation Management studies, which I hope to complete this year. More than just a professional program, it has become a deeply personal journey — one that helped me fall in love with aviation not just as a complex, highly regulated industry, but as a space full of innovation, strategy, and impact.
Looking back, Jetstream was never just about academic or professional development. It was about transformation: stepping outside my known territory, blending my structured mindset with curiosity and creativity, and learning to see challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones. Most importantly, it taught me that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones you never planned to take.
