Meet my amazing friend and mentor, Jo Lito, flight attendant extraordinaire!
I had the privilege to spend some time with Jo a few months ago and it was like going back to my roots. She was the reason I got started in corporate aviation and literally held my hand as I prepared for my very first trip all those years ago. She showed me how to stock a corporate jet, how to do catering to meet every need on board, how to dress, secure hotels and transportation on the ground, the list is long, but most importantly how to put safety first. I am honored to call her my mentor and watch this amazing woman continue to work for the very first family she started with in corporate aviation. I think she is the only one I know who has achieved that. I still remember spending time together going to the French Open and enjoying Paris together and asking her, “How can I ever say thank you for helping me get started?” Her answer has always stuck with me to this day, “Help others get started in aviation.” Wow! She continues to pay it forward…
Stepping onboard the three airplanes she is responsible for was like seeing a mini me…each was stocked almost identically to how I have stocked my airplanes. Yes, I learned from the best.
My hope is that through the following questions I asked Jo, that you will come to love and respect this woman who is truly a standout in aviation, as well as in life.
Come aboard the world of Jo Lito, Flight Attendant Extraordinaire –
Ann: Jo, how did you get started in the world of aviation?
Jo: I started off as a teacher years ago before I had children. I went from teaching to flying for Northwest Orient Airlines in the late 60’s. As a young wife and mother, I did a lot of volunteer work resulting in the Oregonian Newspaper here in Portland writing an article about the work I was doing. Now remember, it’s all about connections. After that article came out someone at Evergreen Airlines in McMinnville, Oregon read the article and called asking if I’d be interested in part-time work as a flight attendant, oh, and by the way, did I know of any friends from my former “stewardess” club who might like to fly, too.
That was in the mid-80’s and eight of us went to work for Evergreen Airlines. Working there opened the door for me to get a call from Aircraft at Your Call in Hillsboro, Oregon. I soon met Alan Williams who suggested me for work on Nike’s brand new Gulfstream III in 1990. I have never looked back and thoroughly enjoyed my career.
Ann: What a great career you have had. I always get asked where my favorite destinations are, so now it’s my turn to ask you if you could share one or two of your favorite destinations around the world?
Jo: That’s easy…my all time favorite destination is always back home! I know you understand what it’s like to arrive home for a few days. But…if I had to choose a couple of outbound favorites it would be sunny places like Maui, Kona, Nevis and Australia.
Ann: I always like the sunny destinations, too. Do you a favorite hotel?
Jo: Hands down for me it is any Marriott property because I always feel at-home, but the Marriott in Shanghai is a stand out.
Ann: Oh, I love that property in Shanghai. Do you have any special places to shop?
Jo: Honestly, I know this is not the typical flight attendant answer, but I am more of a “looker” than a “buyer” yet put me in NYC or Beijing and I love to shop!
Ann: How do you juggle having a career flying around the world with being a wife, mother and grandmother?
Jo: I was fortunate because I didn’t begin flying full-time until my two children began college. My job has truly enhanced our family life with my husband and kids being able to show up at special athletic events and meetings all over the world. They love my job!
Ann: Do you have a favorite passenger, or maybe a story you can share?
Jo: I am fortunate enough to fly for the best family in aviation. Each member is a joy to work for. Outside of the family, Charles Barkley stands out as a pure fun-loving, outrageous and kind-hearted character. A story that stands out with him was while we were re-fueling in the Aleutian Islands, he hopped off the airplane and played a pick-up game of basketball with everyone he could round up to play. It was heartwarming.
Ann: I already know this answer, but have to ask…what is your favorite type of airplane?
Jo: My all time favorite airplane was our Gulfstream V, built in the late 1990’s because we, the crew (Don Bonta, David Dix and myself) gave input on the design. The crew input resulted in a very personalized airplane that was a dream to work on. I love that airplane!
Ann: When you are in NYC, or Paris where do you stay and what do you like to do?
Jo: In NYC, we always try to stay in Times Square. It’s an easy walk to our favorite places: Nike Town, Central Park and 5th Avenue. We are all great walkers with restaurants in abundance within blocks of our hotel there. In Paris, the Marriott on the Champs-Elysées is our favorite. It is an easy walk to all the tourist destinations.
Ann: What is the hardest part of being a corporate flight attendant? I know most people think it is so glamorous.
Jo: Really the hardest thing about being a corporate flight attendant is being called upon to put work before family priorities. I have missed untold games, parties, weddings, funerals and other important events because I felt duty-bound to fly. Being away so much keeps you out of sync with most friends, too. Best friends and family are beyond understanding.
Ann: What kind of training do you do to keep current?
Jo: My first training to become a flight attendant was a six-week comprehensive course with Northwest Orient Airlines ending with graduation in October of 1966. In the 80’s, I trained with and wrote the manual for Evergreen Airlines. From 1991 to the present, I have attended FACTs Training annually to keep up on my safety and service skills.
Ann: What was it that you saw in me years ago when you gave me my start into the corporate aviation world?
Jo: You made a strong impression on me from Day 1! You had an aura of self-confidence and authority about you that I knew would serve you well in any emergency. You also were very detailed-oriented in your cabin service and cabin amenities knowing how to serve lovely meals and beverages, not to mention you had an infectious personality that I knew would make you a favorite with passengers and crew alike.
Ann: You are way too kind Jo. Thank you. Can you share any major successes that you have achieved as a corporate flight attendant?
Jo: I have been successful as a corporate flight attendant because I truly have a servants heart ~ I cherish being part of a team that cares for our passengers, our equipment and each other about all else. No task is demeaning if it leads to the completion of our mission. I have the utmost respect for the people I fly for and with and feel comfortable in the role I perform for them.
Ann: Your servant’s heart has always shown brightly in this industry. Okay, this question is one I am always asked…when you are on the ground, what do you do all day?
Jo: On the ground during layovers, I familiarize myself with the area we are in, taking in as much culture as time will permit. I try to scout out local treats to serve on departure, as well. At home, I outfit the three airplanes in our fleet, arrange catering, help with hotel reservations ~ I’m in the office daily to ensure the planes are well stocked and all discrepancies are reported and repaired by our top-notch mechanics.
Ann: Can you describe the difference between a corporate and commercial flight attendant?
Jo: The differences between corporate and commercial flight attendants are many. In corporate, we know our crew and passengers well being able to accommodate their specific needs. In flight, we must be excellent problem solvers to handle any unusual event that may occur from a broken item, to missing catering or illness. There is always something that makes each flight unique and we must be flexible to change and capable to fix any problem that should arise.
Ann: If you couldn’t fly anymore, what would you miss the most?
Jo: If I couldn’t fly anymore, I would mostly miss my flying partners, including the mechanics. We have worked closely together for so many years and solved so many problems together. It’s a team I take great pride in. Of course, I would miss sunny destinations during Oregon winters, but that I can arrange for myself!
Ann: Well, I couldn’t let you go without asking if you have any favorite sports, or teams?
Jo: My favorite sporting events involve college athletics ~ Duke basketball, U of O football and attending world class events like the Olympics, Masters Golf and the Final Four. Attending Grand Slam tennis events in years past in Paris, Wimbledon, NYC and Australia have all been huge highlights!
Jo, you are an absolute delight and what an adventure you have lead in life. Thank you for taking time out of your day to give us a rare glimpse into the world of corporate aviation and for giving the career of a lifetime. You are the BEST!!
2 comments
I needed to thank you for this great read!! I definitely loving every
little touch of it I have you bookmarked to take a look at new material you post.
Thank you so much. I have the just completed Sabrina’s Story, the sequel, and will have it out for edits. Glad you enjoyed the novel.Ann