By THORN MULLI
If you have ever travelled in an aeroplane or watched films with aircraft scenes, then you probably have heard announcements made in soothing voices that sound something close to “Ladies and gentlemen welcome aboard Generation Next, flight number GenerationNext@standardmedia.co.ke” uttered from a mysterious source that evoke a sense of order and authority within the cabin environment.
Those behind these voices that help put the passenger at ease, are referred to as flight attendants, air hostesses or cabin attendants, or cabin crew. Their duties are overseen by a purser, who ensures passengers are safe and comfortable.
It is far from doubt that these professionals are invaluable to the functions of the pilots just as nurses are for doctors. In fact, at one time, all flight attendants had to be registered nurses. Today, however, flight attendants are still primarily responsible for passenger safety, even without being nurses.
As imagined, flight attendants get to travel often, see the world and its wonders, get exemption from travel fares depending on the airline they work for and work in a dynamic environment. Imagine Cairo, Paris, New York, or Rome on your days off. Visits to exotic destinations like to Hawaii or Thailand with the possibility, again depending on airline, of bringing your family on the trip as well.
Most operators require a minimum age of 18 to become a flight attendant. Applicants possessing some sort of degree are usually preferred, but that is not a requirement. A high school certificate with mean grade of C – (C-Minus) or its equivalent and college certificate is, however, mandatory. Post high school training is done by the airlines, for instance Kenya Airways or the numerous aviation colleges available. The courses take four weeks to a year depending on the institution. This course allows you to pursue a career not only in the aviation industry, but also in other service industries
To add to this, knowledge of at least one foreign language is an excellent quality as is excellent communication and interpersonal skills. One should not also meet certain height specifications, which vary from airline to airline. Importantly, one has to be fit to fly and an aviation doctor will determine this. Last but not least, for one to make a good cabin attendant, a penchant for customer service is highly recommended.
On a light touch, prospective cabin crew should not be afraid of flying. It would be hilarious to have a flight attendant who is afraid of flying. You would probably be nervous when performing your duties causing anxiety and fright among passengers. Noteworthy, most airlines will probably take eligible candidates through flight attendant training courses in which they will acquire an air crew license so one has to prepare for these as well.
The aviation industry in Kenya, especially, is notably one of the highest in terms of quality and has some of the best commercial airlines in Africa. It thus, provides good career prospects for successful cabin crew students.
Regional and international airlines also offer outlets as does organisations that are wholly engaged in air transportation as well as in air travel and other related services.
