"There is always something new to learn!"
After sharing interviews and posts mostly related to maintenance operations recently, I realized once again how high the interest in this field actually is. Contrary to the common belief that shift-based employees don't use LinkedIn, I now have enough data to prove the exact opposite!
That being said, let’s jump into another great interview with Sude and learn more about her journey together.
Born in Afyon, Sude completed her high school education in Isparta and graduated from Eskişehir Technical University in 2025 with a degree in Aviation Electrical and Electronics. She joined SunExpress in January as part of the very first cohort of our T(h)rust Talent Program, transitioning into a full-time role upon graduation. Currently working as a Candidate Qualified Mechanic, she recently completed her Qualified Mechanic (QM) training and is looking forward to continuing her career at SunExpress as a QM in the near future.
Before diving into the Q&A, feel free to press play on "Güneşi Beklerken" by Mor ve Ötesi, as Sude shared: "If I had to choose one song I could never get tired of, it would definitely be Güneşi Beklerken by Mor ve Ötesi. It's one of those songs I can listen to again and again, no matter how much time passes." (Totally agreed!)
1. How did you learn about the T(h)rust Talent Program, and what motivated you to apply?
I first heard about the T(h)rust Talent Program during my final year at university, when Ömer Paksoy and Tekin Tiftik from SunExpress visited our campus to introduce the company and the program. I remember feeling genuinely excited because I was already very interested in SunExpress and had been trying to connect with employees to learn more about the working environment and daily life there.
One of my biggest motivators was my interest in line maintenance. Having completed an internship in this field, I realized how much I enjoyed its dynamic, fast-paced environment. I was also drawn to SunExpress’s culture, particularly its focus on understanding and solving problems collaboratively rather than placing blame, while actively encouraging teamwork. On a personal level, traveling the world has been a childhood dream, and I felt SunExpress would allow me to build the career I wanted while staying connected to that dream.
2. How would you evaluate your journey so far, transitioning from a student to an active member of our Line Maintenance team?
For me, the T(h)rust Talent Program brought my professional goals and personal motivations together. I would describe this transition as a period of significant personal and professional growth.
As a student, my main focus was on courses and academic life. Starting shift work required me to become much more structured, managing my sleep, daily routines, and personal responsibilities far more effectively. This brought a great sense of order to my life. At the same time, SunExpress’s learning culture and the continuous support from my team leaders and colleagues have helped me build confidence. Every day is not just about executing tasks, but also about learning something new and taking ownership of myself, my team, and our company.
3. What is the most rewarding part of working here for you, and what has been your biggest challenge so far?
The most rewarding part is seeing that my effort and progress are recognized and appreciated by my team, which keeps me motivated to keep learning. My biggest challenge has been taking on the real operational responsibilities that come with line maintenance. Handling live operations was a brand-new experience, but it has helped me become more confident, disciplined, and technically capable.
4. In your opinion, what sets the T(h)rust Talent Program apart from a standard aircraft technician role or application process?
What sets the T(h)rust Talent Program apart is that your journey with the company begins while you are still a student. Through training, hands-on responsibilities, and an internship, you get to experience the company culture and professional environment before officially starting your career. The seamless transition into a full-time role afterward helps you build a strong sense of belonging early on.
5. Tell us about your Lufthansa Technical Training experience and what you gained from the training environment in Frankfurt?
My experience at Lufthansa Technical Training in Frankfurt was incredibly valuable, both professionally and personally.
Professionally, it gave me the opportunity to see aviation from a broader perspective. Aviation is a global industry with shared standards, so while we perform similar tasks worldwide, seeing how different teams approach problem-solving and daily operations was eye-opening. Interacting with trainers who have many years of hands-on operational experience, along with diverse industry peers, really broadened my overall outlook.
On a personal level, spending nearly 20 days in Germany contributed significantly to my growth. It helped me sharpen my English communication skills, adapt to a different culture, and represent SunExpress abroad with great pride.
6. Any last thoughts or recommendations for aircraft technician students or anyone planning a career in a maintenance organization?
Aviation speaks a universal language, and being part of such a dynamic industry encourages you to stay curious and constantly improve. That’s what makes aviation so exciting: there is always something new to learn!
Thank you, Sude, for sharing your story in such inspiring detail! I'm sure many aviation students reading this will see a true role model in you.
We still have a few more interviews lined up from Hamburg, with many new ones coming from Frankfurt soon! Stay tuned, and thank you for following my #SunnyPeople series from the beginning.
