Flying the blue skies

Eddah Mwemba is the deputy cabin services manager at Phoenix Aviation Limited, a regional and international charter, aircraft maintenance and worldwide air ambulance organisation based at Nairobi's Wilson Airport. She talks to NELLY OBADHA.

What did you study in college and has this been your dream career?

I did a secretarial course, which included shorthand, typing and business English at the Cambridge Secretarial College.

Where did you work before Phoenix Aviation?

Previously, I worked for Safari Kenya and Air Kenya as a cabin attendant. Through working for airlines between 2000 and 2009, I gained a lot of experience and also underwent many training courses, which included safety and emergency procedures.

When I joined Phoenix Aviation a year ago, I underwent training covering the company’s specifications and safety standards. Each company has its own basic trainings that one must go through before you start working.

What does your job involve?

Most of our clients are busy and need to travel on short notice and at Phoenix Aviation we are available 24 hours a day to meet their needs. As the deputy cabin services manager, I arrange flights, aircraft and airport permits for customers and coordinate with agents at the destinations of travel. I also prepare menu and drinks lists for the passengers on board.

Besides flying business executives, stars, rich and famous people, we save lives. Phoenix Aviation, in conjunction with the African Medical and Research Foundation (Amref) Flying Doctor Service, provides medical evacuations in Africa and transports patients to Europe, the Middle East, India and the Far East. Our fleet is equipped to land in isolated airstrips in remote locations to quickly evacuate people and get them the medical attention they need.

My job requires many sacrifices. I am on call seven days a week. My suitcase is always packed ready to rush to destinations such as Seychelles, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Madagascar.

What do you enjoy about your job?

In the course of my duties, I meet famous people like celebrities, heads of states and prominent business people. I travel to many of the world’s most exotic destinations. This is the most exciting part of the job. It is also rewarding to know that my work also involves saving lives.

What challenges do you face in your day-to-day schedule and career in general?

Occasionally, we receive charter requests to some countries in Africa where obtaining landing permits and clearance is challenging. Insecurity and time differences between Kenya and other countries are other problems that can prohibit us from travelling as requested by customers. Also, personal life takes a back seat to this important work.

All these obstacles are overcome by a good working relationships and the support from my colleagues, the management of Phoenix Aviation and my family members.

What are your achievements in this career?

Even though the demands of my job can be stressful at times, the rewards make it all worthwhile. After I safely drop off important clients at their destination and they tell me they had a wonderful flight, the positive feeling I get is all the reward I need.

Our other main mission of saving lives in conjunction with Amref is the most satisfying aspect of my job because we have been able to save many lives

What does a day in your job entail?

When I am on duty, my day is spent either in the office or in the aircraft travelling with clients. When I am in the office, I file flight reports and aircraft documents, provide charter quotations to customers and respond to enquiries on the phone and emails.

When I am on flight duty, it is important to obtain the necessary information from clients in order to prepare the travel documents, liaise with our engineering department for the provision of an aircraft and to facilitate the menu. This is important because Phoenix Aviation emphasises on first class services by providing comfort in the aircraft and serving the best gourmet meals and drinks.

Has being a cabin crew opened up opportunities for you?

Yes it has. I have interacted with people from all walks of life and I have travelled to many countries. With years of experience, I have also gained confidence in customer relations and this has given me strength to handle different types of people.

What do you do to relax when you’re not on duty?

I catch up on my sleep and run my errands. I also listen to BBC Radio to keep up with the world current affairs and when I can, I exercise.

What are your hobbies?

Listening to gospel, rumba, African and hip-hop music. I am also an art and crafts collector.

What would you tell young people who would love to be in this line of profession?

Be passionate with your work, plan your duties smartly and enjoy. Have an open mind because this will help you learn more about your company and other organisations.

Regardless of your mood when you wake up everyday, you must always smile at your clients and colleagues.

What is your favourite quote that keeps you going everyday?

Happiness lies first of all in health! This is my personal mantra.