Chapter : Cabin Crew Career & Requisites

Importance of Cabin Crew for Airlines: Flying is practically same in any airline, the aircrafts are similar and the airports are the same, what makes it different is the service provided by the airlines. This specialized service of airline is provided by the cabin crew who is the first contact with the passengers once on board. They represent the airline service and act almost like the brand ambassadors for the airlines. Therefore it is very important for the airlines to select the best Cabin Crew in the market and groom them with best of the training.

Recruitment: Airlines recruit directly from the market or appoint specialist recruitment agencies who advertise roles on behalf of major commercial and budget airlines from across the globe. Providers of training courses often have close links to recruitment agencies and airlines, although completion of a training course does not automatically land a high-flying job. Whilst the airline industry attracts more men than women, particularly in senior roles such as pilots and airport managers, many more women than men work as cabin crew attendants. Airlines look for cabin crew who can empathize with passengers and who are cheerful, friendly, and humble. Cabin crew applicants are required to meet a multitude of criteria starting with an initial screening looking at age ranges, academic qualifications, and physical attributes. After these baseline requirements, they undertake several rounds of interviews, uniform checks, a water confidence test, a psychometric test, and even attend a tea party.

Selection Process: Recruitment strategy of airline adopts a highly rigorous and strict selection process. The first round of interviews includes group interviews for an initial overall assessment and an English passage reading test to assess language competency. The next round involves a one-on-one, in-depth interview aiming to evaluate whether the applicant possesses required core values and competencies, and then a psychometric test is administered to further confirm the earlier results. The uniform test after this allows the interviewer to assess the look of the applicant. This evaluation includes the posture, gait, and general appearance of the applicant in the uniform. Selected candidates from this round will also have to undertake a water confidence test in training pool where applicants jump from a height of three meters. This tests the applicant’s confidence with water in case they have to aid passengers for an emergency evacuation on water. Final interview is handled by Senior Managers of In-flight Services for those shortlisted, have to attend an apparently informal tea party that gives management a further opportunity to observe applicants’ interaction style and demeanor.

Probation Period: After the initial training, new crew is carefully monitored for the first six months of flying through monthly reports from the in-flight supervisor during this probationary period. Usually, around 75% are confirmed for an initial five-year contract, some 20% have their probation extended, and the rest leave the airline. This meticulous selection process ensures with reasonable certainty that the airline hires applicants with the desired attributes.

Responsibilities: Cabin crew attendants have been specifically trained in customer care and customer service. They are responsible for ensuring that passengers remain safe throughout the duration of the flight and they will be expected to take charge in emergency situations. They make sure that the cabin is a safe environment for its occupants and also make sure that passengers are as comfortable as possible. They will do everything they can to make the flight enjoyable and will attend to the needs of all passengers throughout the flight. Cabin crew attendants ensure that the physical wellbeing of passengers is maintained but they also make sure that their emotional wellbeing is maintained. They provide a friendly and reassuring face for nervous passengers.

Working conditions: Cabin crew attendants spend most of their time in an aircraft but they also work on the ground, writing reports and taking part in briefings in the airport. Shifts may be long and the hours are irregular. Weekends, public holidays, and evenings will often be taken up by work. The job can be stressful, particularly if cabin crew attendants encounter a security threat whilst in the air. Long hours and jet lag can also cause stress and some individuals may find it hard working in a confined space for so long.

Educational Qualifications: There are no formal requirements for individuals who wish to start cabin crew training. Personal qualities, appearance and good health and fitness are normally more important than academic qualifications. However, individuals who hold degrees in subjects including nursing, catering, Travel & Tourism, hospitality, languages and business studies may have an advantage. Airlines prefer graduates than just 12th grade or Higher Secondary education. Experience gained within nursing, catering, hotel, tourism or travel trades is sometimes necessary. There are several courses which can be completed that will look good on a CV, including IATA course in air cabin crew services. A valid passport will obviously also be needed.

Physical Attributes: Employers often have physical requirements due to space restrictions within the galley; these may include height requirements and proportionate bodyweight. Cabin Crew is required to petite, look smart, often involving wearing a uniform and are required to undergo the rigid physical examination four times every year. Airlines expect their cabin crew to look good, professional, smart, intelligent and efficient. For this purpose, requirements of physical attributes have been strictly adhered. Flight attendants are generally expected to show a high level of personal grooming such as appropriate use of cosmetics and thorough personal hygiene.

Height & Weight: Most airlines have height requirements for safety reasons, making sure that all flight attendants can reach overhead safety equipment. Typically, the acceptable height for this is 160 to 185 cm tall. Some airlines have height requirements for purely aesthetic purposes. Regional carriers using small aircraft with low ceilings can have height restrictions. Flight attendants are also subject to weight requirements as well. Weight must usually be in proportion to height; persons outside the normal range may not be qualified to act as flight attendants. Height should be such that the crew should be able to reach safety equipment and open and close overhead bins in the aircraft from a standing position; and feet firmly placed on floor when seated on the jump seat.

Language: Multilingual flight attendants are often in demand to accommodate international travelers. The languages most in demand, other than English are French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Arabic, Hindi, German, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish and Greek. Some airlines with international routes pay an additional stipend for language skills on top of flight pay, and some airlines hire specifically for certain languages when launching international destinations.

Key skills for air cabin crew: Employers look for strong evidence of the following skills:

Good communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work well as part of a team but also use own initiative
Problem solving skills
Good literacy and numeracy skills
Confidence & Flexibility
Ability to remain calm in emergencies / dealing with difficult passengers
Diplomacy and tact
Swimming
Commercial awareness and sales skills
Time Management
Numeracy skills for handling cash, including foreign currency
The ability to work in a confined space
Assertiveness
Ability maintain cheerfulness

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Understanding Cabin Crew Career

Chapter : Cabin Crew Career & Requisites