Exclusive:
Two Wizz Air crew members fell in love at 30,000 feet nearly two decades ago and now have two children together who are following in their footsteps to careers in aviation
A Wizz Air pilot and air stewardess fell in love nearly two decades ago, when the airline only had a few aircraft and are still together today as part of world’s most sustainable low-cost airline.
Both starting in the early 2000s, Sandra and Anthony Eves-Thorpe were part of an exciting new airline that was starting to grow, but at the time still had a small team.
“The first time we saw each other was during summer early 2000s and out of no where we were put on a flight together – and then from then on, went straight to a relationship after a year or so,” Sandra, 41, said.
Captain Anthony, 54, explained how today the couple’s day-to-day work means they don’t cross paths much, but in the early days it was “virtually impossible” to not cross paths. “He used to leave me love notes, on tissue, in the flight deck when we changed aircraft,” Sandra shared. “They would be on tissues, with messages like ‘have a safe flight’ and little chocolates.”
“We got married 2012, and later had our daughter, Marika, who is following her dad’s footsteps into the aviation world,” she added.
Over the years the couple has changed bases, changed locations and changed lifestyles together. But it wasn’t all easy. “We were not flying a lot with each other – he hates mornings and I love them,” Sandra revealed. “We never overdid it, especially when the kids came round. With the policy in the UK we are allowed to fly together, but by choice we do not fly together.”
“It is not that we don’t like flying with each other, we do. But it is basically or the kids and if something was to happen,” Sandra continued.
Both flying day-in-day-out at 30,000 feet has allowed the couple to understand each others stresses better. “He puts the logic in me,” said Sandra. “[Working in the same industry] has helped a lot because we always have like a short in the briefing in the morning and short deb-briefing after. So going home, some situations we do discuss together,” Sandra added.
The couple are both coming up to celebrating 20 years working with Wizz Air, meaning they have been able to see the airline grow from just a few aircraft to now hundreds of aircraft and thousands of staff members. “It is quite nice to have a four digit ID number, because we are up to around 40,000 now. In Gatwick, there are four colleagues with low ID numbers – two of them being us,” said Antony.
“When I joined there was just one aircraft, so it’s massive to see Wizz grow. I am super proud to see where Wizz is now,” Sandra revealed.
Together, they have pushed each other to grab opportunities, including Anthony becoming a captain. Whilst the jump into the ‘left seat’ – to captain from first officer – seems like a small transition, Anthony explained how it is a big responsibility as you are looking after a whole crew and all the passengers. The support Sandra provided, helped him to make that move.
Sandra, now associate base manager at London Gatwick Airport, even convinced her sister to join the Wizz Air team, 13 years ago, as an instructor and the couple’s children appear to be on the same path. “I would love them to become flight crew,” said Sandra. “I would love them to, because I see how much he [Anthony] loves the job. The younger one is only seven, so it’s a long way ahead for him. However, he’s got that passion – he can tell you everything about the weather, the type of aircraft etcetera.
“Marie, who’s gonna turn 14 in in June, has already had flight lessons and she loves it. She wasn’t afraid to go with an instructor. I think I would like to see them going on to progress in this direction because it’s something we both love. and it’s something that’s thrown us together. So, seeing the kids do what we did, that would be my dream.”
Next week the couple will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary and looking ahead to the future, they hope to continue flying for and seeing Wizz Air thrive – as well as celebrating the love that can be found at 30,000 feet whether it be travelling as a passenger to a new destination or as crew with a passion for aviation.