IKON
Nidhi Chaphekar, a Jet Airways flight attendant and mother of two, became an iconic figure after the Brussels attacks when a haunting photo of her bloodied face, shredded yellow jacket, and dust-covered hair was widely circulated. On that tragic day, Nidhi was injured in the bombing at the Brussels Airport. Her family in Mumbai received the heart-wrenching news that she was undergoing surgery for her injuries and burns. Despite the ordeal, both Nidhi and her colleague Amit Motwani, who was also injured in the blast, received medical care and have since returned to their jobs. Nidhi has been with Jet Airways since 1996 and was scheduled to staff a flight to Newark on the day of the attack.
What is this job all about?
The career of an air hostess or steward is often surrounded by glamour—meeting a diverse range of people, including celebrities, diplomats, and business leaders; wearing a uniform; earning a competitive salary; and traveling the world. However, behind the allure lies significant hard work. Air hostesses and stewards are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, often under challenging circumstances. They must remain calm, especially in emergencies, and consistently deliver high-class service with a ready smile.
Can you go for it?
Primary requisites: To succeed in this career, you must meet specific physical criteria, including height and proportionate weight, and have a pleasant appearance with a ready smile. Proficiency in at least two to three languages is essential, along with being well-read, caring, patient, and service-oriented.
Secondary requisites: You must be willing to work irregular hours, often sleeping in different countries and hotels two to three times a week. If you’re comfortable with this lifestyle, the career might be for you. In addition to being good-looking, you need a strong presence, self-confidence, and excellent public speaking and grooming skills. Joining programs like the Toastmasters Club at YMCA, Panaji, can help you develop these skills. In this role, you’ll encounter a wide variety of passengers—some savvy, some rude, and others who may be nervous first-time flyers. You must handle all situations with grace, leaving personal prejudices behind.
Is there a future in this career?
The career span of an air hostess is relatively short, typically around three to five years. Many women opt for ground-based jobs once they decide to settle down. Men may also transition to ground jobs, though some continue flying for many years.
Where to Begin?
• Preferably a graduate, with a degree in Hotel Management or Hospitality being a plus.
• Fluency in English and Hindi is a must for local airlines, with knowledge of a foreign language (such as French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, or German) required for international operations.
• You should be able to swim well and be proficient in First Aid.
Special Training:
Air India and Indigo offer dedicated training facilities for cabin crew. Several other institutes, like Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, International Institute of Aviation – www.flyiia.com and GRIFFINN Aviation Academy in Mumbai, also provide similar training, though fees vary. Big cities offer the advantage of pursuing additional courses simultaneously, such as language training, public speaking, and First Aid. Gaining experience in front-office jobs at hotels, major MNCs, banks, or embassies can also build confidence.
ONLINE TRAINING COURSES
https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/airline-cabin-crew
IATA, a leading provider of aviation training worldwide, offers a short cabin crew training course. Other online training providers include Udemy, Laimoon, Alison, and Reed. Always aim to obtain a certificate after training (usually from paid programs). It’s also advisable to learn how to participate in group discussions, a key step in the interview process. Free online training is available at Youth4work.com or the Open University.
Employment Avenues:
Employment opportunities are available with both national carriers like Air India and a host of private airlines such as Indigo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Vistara. Internationally, airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Gulf Air, Saudia Airlines, and many others offer positions.
Salaries:
Salaries in this career are excellent, with local airlines offering starting salaries around Rs. 30,000 per month, which can go up to Rs. 75,000 or more, including perks. Foreign airlines typically offer double these figures, with some paying significantly more.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024