AT JUST 22 years old, Aisea Naboko from Burenitu Village in Ra is living a dream that once seemed far beyond the mountains of his childhood home.
Now in his third year as a flight attendant, Naboko spends most of his days above the clouds, connecting passengers across the Pacific and beyond, while carrying the pride of his vanua with him on every flight. But the road to the skies was not always an easy one.
Like many Fijians from rural communities, Naboko’s journey has been defined by determination, sacrifice, and the strength of family support.
Before joining the aviation industry, Naboko was pursuing a degree in hospitality and tourism at the Fiji National University (FNU). The field suited his personality.
He has always been friendly, service-oriented, and curious about what the world has to offer. However, he made the difficult decision to put his studies on hold.
“For now, I’m focused on saving money from my job. Education is still part of my plan, but I want to be financially ready before I go back to school,” he said.
His choices reflect the maturity of a young person who understands that dreams often require patience and proper planning.
“Working in the airline industry has taught me discipline. It’s more than just smiling at passengers, it’s about teamwork, professionalism, and handling pressure while staying calm.”
Naboko joined the airline industry three years ago, at just 19. At first, it was exhausting, the long hours, new environments, and the responsibility of representing Fiji to the world.
Yet, his bubbly nature and confidence quickly made him stand out.
“I still remember my first flight. I was nervous, but excited. When the plane took off, I felt something change inside of me. I felt like this is where I belong.”
The job has allowed him to see places he once only dreamed of. Australia, New Zealand, parts of the USA, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Pacific countries. But for Naboko, the best part of the job isn’t only flying, it’s connection.
“Every flight brings new faces and new stories. You meet people from all walks of life.
“It makes you appreciate how big the world is, and how important it is to be kind, no matter where you come from.”
Despite experiencing global life, Naboko remains deeply grounded in his Fijian identity.
He hails from Burenitu Village in the province of Ra, and proudly shares maternal links also to Ra, a connection that keeps him close to his roots.
“Ra will always be my home. It’s where I learned the good values I carry with me.
“No matter how far I travel, I always remember where I started.”
As the youngest of five siblings, Naboko says his family support has always been his anchor in life.
“My parents and siblings have always believed in me. They pushed me to take opportunities, even when I doubted myself. Everything I do now is to make them proud.”
When he’s not flying, Naboko enjoys spending quiet time with family and friends, often visiting the coast, or relaxing in the village.
What he does for work makes him appreciate the peaceful moments in his life.
“People think being a flight attendant is all about glamour, but behind the uniform it’s a lot of hard work.
“You deal with tired passengers, time zone changes, and sometimes tough weather. But I love it because every day is different.”
His work has also expanded his understanding of service and responsibility.
“You realise that even small things like helping a passenger or just smiling at them can make a difference.
“It’s about showing the Fijian spirit wherever you go.”
As Naboko looks forward to the future, he hopes to continue growing in the aviation industry, with plans to eventually complete his studies.
He hopes to inspire other young Fijians, especially those from rural communities, to always aim high.
“I want people from villages like mine to know that their dreams are valid. You don’t have to come from the city or have everything figured out.
“If you work hard, stay respectful and believe in yourself, you can go far in life.”
For Naboko, the sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning. And every flight he takes carries not just the passengers, but the hopes of a young person from Ra who dared to dream above the clouds.
