A flight attendant also known as a cabin attendant, air steward or air-hostess are all terms used to refer to cabin crew members. Flight attendants' first responsibility is the safety of airline passengers from the time they board the aircraft until they disembark at their destination.
Flight attendants usually report for duty an hour and a quarter before each flight. They are required to attend the captain’s pre-flight briefing and are advised about expected weather conditions, special passenger problems and other matters.
They see to it that the passenger cabin is in order, that supplies of food, beverages, blankets and reading material are adequate and that first aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order.
Flight attendants act as the airline’s hosts to the passengers and ensure their comfort and enjoyment of the journey. They welcome passengers, check their tickets and assist them in finding their seats and storing their coats and carry-on luggage. They assist passengers with special needs, answer questions and reassure nervous passengers.
Usually flight attendants demonstrate the use of safety equipment and make announcements in regard to in-flight instructions and give general information over the loudspeaker system to passengers. Assisting passengers in the rare event of an emergency is one of the most important functions of flight attendants.
During the flight they provide passengers with meals, cocktails and refreshments, hand out reading material, pillows and blankets and administer first aid to passengers when necessary. In the air, they answer questions about the flight and help care for small children and elderly persons or persons with disabilities. After landing they assist passengers to leave the airplane and thank them for making use of the services of the airline.
The working hours of cabin attendants are very irregular and the work can be strenuous and tiring. They work an average of 110 hours per month on domestic flights and 90 hours on international flights. Annual free passes by air or rail as well as reduced tariffs on overseas flights are part of the fringe benefits.
Competition for the position of cabin attendant is expected to remain very keen since the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of vacancies. A cabin attendant can progress to cabin controller and thereafter to senior cabin controller, coordinator and training coordinator.
Schooling & School Subjects
National Senior Certificate (matric)
South African Airways (SAA) at Johannesburg International Airport and the SA Airways Reservation section in Johannesburg offers practical and theoretical training. The 42-day training programme covers: passenger handling, reservations, emergency procedures, first aid, and catering.
In addition, candidates must:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
Tel: (011) 545-1000
www.caa.co.za
South African Airways
Tel: (011) 978-2469
https://www.flysaa.com/about-us/leading-carrier/cabin-crew-training
Kulula
http://www.comair.co.za/
Mango
Internship Programme
https://www.flymango.com/en/1133/mango-internship-programme?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZvkh9-S4AIVrbvtCh3YYAT-EAAYASAAEgJ5t_D_BwE
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