AJet cabin crew member Gül Erdemir flies 100 hours a month and runs 80 kilometers a week. The young cabin crew member is also drawing attention with her marathon achievements.
Speaking as part of May 31 Cabin Crew Day, AJet cabin crew member Gül Erdemir explained how she manages her aviation and sports career under the same discipline. Erdemir’s story, running marathons under the Turkish Airlines Sports Club, has turned into a remarkable success story carrying her career in the skies onto the tracks.
Born and raised in İzmir, Gül Erdemir attended cabin crew recruitment exams in Istanbul due to her passion for aviation after completing her studies in Translation and Interpretation and Public Relations. Starting her career in 2021, Erdemir joined AJet in 2024.
Stating that she flies an average of 100 hours per month, Erdemir also said that she runs approximately 75-80 kilometers per week, emphasizing that the discipline sports brings into her life directly contributes to her profession as well.
A Disciplined Life Both in the Sky and on the Track
Saying that she has participated in many competitions on behalf of Turkish Airlines and achieved successful results, Erdemir also announced that she is currently studying aviation at her third university.
“I Wake Up Stronger Every Day”
Explaining the discipline marathon running has brought into her life, Erdemir stated that sports improve her not only physically but also mentally.
“I run an average of 75-80 kilometers per week. That equals approximately 3,200 kilometers a year. Sports motivate me to be more disciplined and start every day stronger,” said Erdemir, adding that she never neglects her training despite her intense flight schedule.
“I Capture the Moment and Live It to the Fullest”
Emphasizing that marathon running has given her mental endurance, the young cabin crew member said she draws strength from this discipline during difficult flights.
“Marathon running taught me that everything that begins will eventually end. During a difficult flight, I remind myself of this. On a flight with high energy, I try to enjoy that moment to the fullest,” Erdemir said.
The Pride of Wearing the THY Uniform
Expressing that the achievements she earned in competitions representing the Turkish Airlines Sports Club mean a great deal to her, Erdemir said that she finished in the top 10 at the Barcelona Marathon and achieved first place in her category at the Eurasia Marathon.
“Seeing the Turkish flag there is an incredible source of pride. Doing this while wearing the THY Sports Club uniform is very special for me,” said Erdemir, adding that she continues her journey with the same passion both in the air and on the ground.
“I Believe the Future Is in the Skies”
Giving advice to young people, Erdemir stated that women in particular should never give up on their goals.
“I am a Turkish woman who believes that the future is in the skies,” said Erdemir, calling on young people to be more courageous and self-confident and to move forward decisively in the fields they believe in.
Kenan Karışık: A Journey from Football Fields to the Cockpit
Another guest speaking as part of May 31 Cabin Crew Day was Cabin Chief Kenan Karışık, who shared his story extending from a professional football career to aviation.
Coming to Türkiye with his family during the Bosnian War, Karışık stated that he played professional football for 17 years and wore the jerseys of Super League and lower league clubs for many years.
“My Wife Encouraged Me to Enter Aviation”
Saying that he ended his football career in 2020, Karışık explained that his transition into aviation happened completely by chance.
Stating that he applied for a Turkish Airlines job posting with the encouragement of his wife, Karışık said, “It was a completely different sector. I had never thought about it before, but I applied, and today I perform this profession with great passion.”
“It Is Not a Profession That Can Be Done Without Loving It”
Saying that aviation is a profession requiring great effort both physically and mentally, Karışık stated that helping people gives him spiritual satisfaction.
Karışık said, “This profession seriously requires patience. I do not think aviation is a profession that can be done without loving it.”
