Published 7th March 2025
When Cassie decided to become a Republic Airways Pilot, she had already been working as a Republic Airways Flight Attendant for years. Today, Cassie is a Chicago-based First Officer. Her path from the cabin to the flight deck shows what’s possible when a company and its people stand behind you.
For Starr Benson, becoming a Flight Attendant wasn’t part of her career plan. Now, almost a decade later, Starr is working as a Republic Airways® Flight Attendant Recruiter, helping others get ahead in their own aviation careers. We sat down…
Before joining Republic Airways, Jason Heath would regularly travel for work in video production. He realized the flight to his destination was always more exciting than the work when he got there. “I’m a self-confessed airline nerd; even before getting into the aviation industry,” Jason says.
It was her love of travel that drew Ashley Quiocho to a career as a Republic Airways Flight Attendant. It was the people that made her stay. Now, as an Inflight Training Instructor, Ashley is passionate about supporting the next generation of Republic Flight Attendants. We spoke with Ashley about how she first got involved in aviation and where it has taken her.
Ashley didn’t grow up dreaming of being in the sky. In fact, her career as a Flight Attendant was a bit spontaneous. “A friend of mine was training to be a Pilot,” she remembers. “They mentioned I could apply to be a Flight Attendant, and I thought, ‘Why not?'”
Even after starting, Ashley didn’t think it was a long-term plan. “I thought maybe it would be a fun experience for a couple of years,” she says. “Now, almost eight years later, I’m so glad I made that decision.”
Ashley wasn’t just able to find a career here at Republic, she also made lifelong friends. “When you fly as a crew for days at a time, you become a family for that trip,” she explains. “You talk and get to know each other over dinner and while exploring new places together.”
For her, it’s one of the best parts of the job. “Whether I was flying with people I knew or fresh faces, I knew that we were going to take care of our passengers and have fun along the way.”
“When I started, I had no idea what being a Flight Attendant was really like,” says Ashley. “I don’t think people realize how demanding the learning process is.” For about a month, Flight Attendants go through intense training on a wide variety of subjects like customer service, safety, first aid and emergency procedures.
During her time as a Flight Attendant, Ashley discovered a number of reasons to love her job. “There are many benefits to this career. Traveling across the country for work is exciting; being able to visit what were once only dream destinations is now a reality during my time off.”
Throughout her training, Ashley found support from her peers and her Instructors. That support she received is one of the reasons she jumped on the opportunity to become an Inflight Training Instructor. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to give new Flight Attendants the same resources and support that I received when I was starting my career.”
What all started with one spontaneous decision has turned into an opportunity to see the world, meet new people and advance her career. If you’re interested in finding your own path in aviation as a Flight Attendant at Republic Airways, click here to learn more.
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