FOR many first-time visitors to Fiji, flight attendants gave them their first impressions of what the world famous “Bula spirit” was all about.

Flolyn Simpson worked for 26 years as a flight attendant for Fiji Airways until COVID-19 hit last year.

It was a double blow for the Nasoso, Nadi, resident and her family when the national carrier shed hundreds of jobs when borders closed.

Her husband Vernon Simpson, a Fiji Airways employee as well, also lost his job.

If anything, the experiences she amassed in her 26 years with Fiji Airways had taught her to be sensitive to the needs of others.

Mrs Simpson did not let the financial and other challenges bring them down, she simply turned her focus to her family and church activities.

She said being forced out of work had allowed her to focus on charity work with the Society of St Vincent De Paul Fiji at Mount St Mary’s Catholic Church in Nadi.

The Fiji Times has begun featuring weekly videos on the experiences of Fiji Airways’ former flight attendants on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Tune in today and watch Mrs Simpson share her story.