Air cabin crew : Training

Each airline provides its own structured training programme for new entrants, which usually lasts four to six weeks depending on the airline. The primary focus of the training is passenger safety, including aircraft’s safety equipment and emergency procedures, security and first aid.

Training also involves a series of written and practical tests on specific areas such as:

• customs and immigration regulations;
• passenger care and customer relations;
• assertiveness;
• food preparation and service;
• product knowledge;
• galley management;
• currency exchange;
• cultural awareness;
• personal grooming.

Following the basic training, the first three to six months are usually spent in a probationary period and are viewed as a continuation of the initial training, during which performance is monitored by trainers or senior crew. At the end of the probationary period, assuming all goes well, new recruits become full members of the cabin crew team.

When appointed to a new position, it is usual for air cabin crew to attend a structured training programme tailored to that position. For example, air cabin crew who have previously worked on short-haul flights but have recently obtained a job working in long haul, will attend a training programme tailored for long-haul positions. Additionally, airlines that operate a range of different aircrafts will vary the training programme to suit the type of plane. Airlines also encourage ongoing development through in-house specialist courses, in areas such as crew resource management.