In a heartwarming full-circle moment that captures the spirit of Australian aviation, First Officer Allegra Nash has transformed from a young girl gazing at Qantas planes overhead to becoming one of the national carrier's pioneering female pilots.
From Childhood Dreams to Cockpit Reality
Allegra Nash's aviation journey began in the most Australian way possible - watching the iconic Flying Kangaroo symbol traverse the skies above her family home. Today, the roles have reversed, with her father now scanning the skies to spot which Qantas aircraft his daughter might be piloting.
"I remember seeing the Flying Kangaroo up in the sky when I was a kid," the 22-year-old pilot recalls. "It's really funny, now it's my dad who's looking up at the sky to see if I'm coming in because our home sits under one of the flight paths. He likes to sit on the trampoline and watch my flight coming in."
Making History in the Skies
Allegra recently participated in aviation history, taking part in one of more than 50 flights operated entirely by women in the lead-up to International Women's Day 2025. This massive coordinated effort involved over 250 female professionals across Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and operations team members.
The milestone flights spanned more than 20 routes across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, showcasing the growing presence of women in traditionally male-dominated aviation roles.
For Allegra, International Women's Day holds special significance in her professional journey. "At high school, I did a project for International Women's Day and got to tour the Qantas air base and go on the flight simulator," she remembers. "I 100 per cent knew then that becoming a pilot was option A for me."
The Qantas Pathway to Success
Allegra is a graduate of the Qantas Group Pilot Academy in Toowoomba, Queensland, which provides world-class, customised pilot training for the Australian aviation industry. The Sydney-based pilot entered the academy during the challenging COVID-19 period, demonstrating remarkable determination to pursue her dreams.
"There were a couple of hurdles to get across the border during COVID but we got there in the end," she said. "Being part of the program offers an accelerated pathway into the group, which is really exciting. That means that as a cadet with low hours I can join QantasLink which is an opportunity you don't really get anywhere else."
The academy focuses on producing future airline captains rather than simply training students to obtain a licence, with significant investment in next-generation aircraft and simulators. Through Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), the institution mentors students with little to no flying experience, with graduates receiving invitations to Qantas Group Accelerate Assessment Centres.
The competitive program has proven life-changing for Allegra, who particularly values the community atmosphere. "The best part about the course is the friendships you make, the relationships you have with the instructors and all the ground staff and all your peers as well. That really fosters a good sense of community."
She now experiences what she describes as "full-circle moments" working alongside academy peers at QantasLink, creating a seamless transition from training to professional aviation.
Breaking Barriers and Building Diversity
The Qantas Group Pilot Academy features a scholarship program designed to remove barriers to entry and enhance diversity in the pilot population. The initiative specifically aims to increase representation of women and First Nations people in aviation careers.
Allegra represents the success of these diversity efforts, standing as a role model for young Australians considering aviation careers. Her passion for Qantas' role in connecting the nation is palpable.
"Qantas embodies what it means to be Australian," she explains. "We use it to get everywhere, to see your family, to see your friends, to go on holidays - it's a huge part of our life in Australia."
The young pilot particularly cherishes connecting regional communities and facilitating family reunions. "I love it when we have kids on our flights and they're flying off to see their extended families, so it's great to know we are connecting families in that way."
Beyond passenger transport, Allegra notes Qantas' broader significance in Australian society, supporting sports, the Olympics, and causes like breast cancer awareness. Her journey from starry-eyed child to QantasLink First Officer demonstrates how dedication and quality training can turn aviation dreams into soaring realities.
