‘Improvise, adapt, overcome’: Why pilot Adoni Petrandonakis made a career shift during the pandemic

·

A professional pilot for nearly two decades, Adoni Petrandonakis has travelled extensively as part of his work and has held various senior training and managerial positions in the aviation industry. 

This was the case until government-imposed travel bans saw air passenger numbers collapse across the world and left the airline industry in limbo with thousands of air crew uncertain about their future. 

“Whilst I have been stood down extensively and have seen changes to some of my duties, I feel extremely fortunate to be working for an airline that’s provided ongoing job security,” Adoni Petrandonakis told The Greek Herald

“A large number of colleagues and friends around the world haven’t flown at all for over a year or have lost their jobs altogether – it’s heartbreaking,” he said as he went on to explain how amid all the uncertainty of the pandemic, he found an opportunity to reshape his career and use his skills in aviation to become a Finance and Mortgage broker with Australian company Crew Financial which specialises in providing home loans and financial services to airline crews and their families.

-Due to the circumstances, you chose an additional career path, this time in finance. How did you manage to overcome the mental load and move on?

There’s an unofficial military saying that resonates with me: “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome”. I have applied this throughout my life, passed it on to my students and to my children. I believe that we have control of our destiny and that we alone have the power to enable self-progress. I had a number of conversations with people in the finance industry and completed the required courses before being offered a position in a very successful team of other pilots who are also engaged in the finance business. 

-How do your skills in aviation help you in finance?

There are a number of qualities that define pilots and have proven to be very advantageous in finance. We bring our professionalism, attention to detail, problem solving skills, the importance of time constraints and keeping things on schedule as well as our enthusiasm and passion for excellence. We’re used to working at all hours of the day and night which proves to be very advantageous when communicating with customers across different time zones.  

-When it comes to home loans and financial services how are the needs of airline crews different to any other consumers? 

Being aircrew with extensive industry understanding, we have first-hand knowledge of the variety of contracts and pay structures (base pay, overtime, allowances, bonuses etc) as well as the challenges faced by crew (being short on time, working unusual hours and being anywhere in the world etc). Over the past 18 months and despite extended stand-down periods, we have been very successful in helping a very large number of airline crew purchase a home or investment property or to gain access to better rates through refinancing.

Our personal service extends to the broader community as well and we have a large customer base from all industries and jobs.

-Would you consider a full-time career in finance in the future or would you prefer aviation? 

Our structure allows for both professions to work well in parallel. I would only ever consider leaving aviation if I were medically unable to continue flying. It’s a passion and I’d do it for free – just don’t tell my boss! 

-What is your message to people, who like you had to adapt and move on?

Keep moving forward, don’t look back and never give up hope. There are countless opportunities out there and all it takes is for you to take that first step. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

NBA MVP Rankings: Greek Freak wins Forbes top spot

Giannis Antetokounmpo made his free throws last night against San Antonio, helping the Milwaukee Bucks improve the best start in franchise history to 31-6. In...

Apostolos Papastamos breaks swimming record to win gold at European championship

Apostolos Papastamos scored a top-10 time in the world winning gold in the Men’s 400 individual medley at the 2024 European Championships.

Foreign Ministers of Greece and Australia reaffirm historic ties during phone call

Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, spoke over the phone on Monday with Australia’s Foreign Minister, Marise Payne.