Ryan Stapley
MAM Flight Attendant - MEL Base |
Ryan Stapley has been flying for MAM Aviation on Qantas Aircraft for 16 months in the short haul division. We asked him to be our websites “spotlight on a MAM Casual’ and tell us
what he thinks of his job.
What were you doing before you became a MAM Flight Attendant?
I have had a passion for aviation for as long as I can remember, so after moving to Melbourne to complete a business
degree in hospitality and tourism because I thought it would get me into the Aviation Industry, I worked in, and
managed a chocolate store for five years. Then after volunteering for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games at the
airport, I worked for Singapore Airlines and Emirates for one year, checking in passengers and their luggage, for
flights all around the world.
What part of the job do you like best?
I love the fact that being a flight attendant has sent me to destinations all around the world that I never would have
had the chance to visit if I was not in this job. Highlights would have to be Mumbai in India, Singapore, Hong Kong,
as well as the ones closer to home like Perth, Darwin and Auckland. Also, some of the hotels we stay in I never would
have dreamt of walking into, let alone staying overnight, sometimes it can be very luxurious. Its also great as each
day is a new day, with new crew and new passengers, with each flight being a new adventure. It’s a fun job, I love
working in business class.
Tell us what trips you went on last month?
Last month was a great month, with lots of variety. I got to visit a destination that has quickly become one of my
favourites, Auckland. I had a three day Auckland trip, flying backwards and forwards between Melbourne and Auckland,
where I spent two nights in New Zealand. I love exploring Auckland, it has so many quirky lanes, shops and café’s to
discover. This time I found a great Japanese gyoza restaurant that literally was a hole in the wall and a café that
serves the best poached eggs anywhere, and they were both so, so cheap. Then there is the duty free shopping, New
Zealand is the best for value for money. I also had a great overnight in Darwin, arriving at lunchtime, all the crew
went out for a long lunch, we sat in the Darwin sun and had a great time before heading back to the hotel for an early
nights rest before coming home the next day. I had some day trips where I flew to Sydney and return, as well as Adelaide
and Perth returns. I had one duty where I simply flew to Adelaide on the first day as a passenger, spent the night in
Adelaide and operated one flight home the next day. But then I also had a Canberra overnight where I had four flights
to Canberra, but that was interesting as it involved a charter flight from Adelaide to Launceston, in support of an AFL
match that was held in Launceston, a destination that we don’t normally fly to. Last month was a great month for the
variety of destinations I got to visit.
What tips/advice would you give to someone interested in a MAM Casual role?
To be a successful Flight Attendant, you really need to be a people person, and be able adapt to changing environments
and situations quickly. Make sure you really research the role of a flight attendant, it’s a lot more than just “chicken
or beef?” and walking through the terminal with your luggage behind you. While it may appear glamorous, there is a lot
of hard work behind the scenes, studying for safety exams, and preparation of the service, before passengers even get on
board the aircraft. But most importantly you need a fantastic smile.
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