National and some international airlines recruit cabin crew by calling for applications through leading newspapers. Details of eligibility for these appointments are as follows :
Eligibility -
The national air carriers, Air India and Indian Airlines and some of the private air carriers recruit graduates in the age group of 19-25 years for training as Air Hostesses and Flight Pursers. Preference is given to Degree or Diploma holders in Hotel Management/Tourism. Female candidates from the Home science background, fulfilling other requirements, are also preferred. Some private airlines, however, have in past selected applicants after class 12 in the age group of 18 - 21 years. International Airlines recruit airhostesses in the age group of 18-35 years.
Recruitment of Flight pursers from India by International Airlines has only been initiated recently.
Good language, ability and proficiency in English, Hindi, a regional language and at least one foreign language are essential requirements for inflight crew members working for National or International carriers. Some foreign airlines give weightage to previous customer service experience and also give preference to candidates who are fluent in the language of the region in which the airline is operating, e.g., an airline operating in South-East Asia region would give preference to a candidate who has some knowledge of the language of the region.
Physical requirements -
Air Hostesses should have a minimum height of 157.5 cm and Flight Pursers 163 cm, proportionate weight is desirable. Domestic airlines minimum height requirement is 154.5 cms. Normal eyesight without glasses or a minimum uncorrected distant vision of 6/40 is acceptable. Total power of contact lenses (for correcting distance vision should not exceed - 2D minus two dioptres)
Selection -
While most airlines maitain data banks of prospective candidates suitable for cabin crew recruitment, vacancies are generally advertised from time to time. The process of selection followed by national carriers is slightly different from international carriers. The former, after careful scrutiny of applications, call candidates for written test comprising of general knowledge, mental ability and verbal ability. This is followed by an interview and group discussion. International airlines on the other hand conduct a preliminary interview during which the measurement of height and weight of the applicants is also checked.
Candidates then have to take a written test which consists of general knowledge, mental ability, language ability (including vocabulary, listening, reading, speaking test for Hindi and English). This is followed by a main interview, during which the candidates language fluency, diction, voice, communication skill, personality and reaction to adverse situations is assessed. Candidates are expected to have good knowledge of the aviation industry.
Training -
Selected candidates are trained by airlines. Each airline has a training schedule for the recruited inflight staff and this is carried out at their training centres or agencies appointed by them. Air India and Jet Airways trains its cabin crew at Mumbai while Indian Airlines at Hyderabad. International Airlines send their recruited candidates to their headquarters where the training is carried out over a span of few weeks.
During the training, recruits are taught technical, safety and interpersonal skills. They are familiarised with aviation technicalities as well as about the destinations they are expected to be flying on. Food and beverage service, emergency management and training in first aid comprise the practical skills training. Most of the practical training including flight safety exercises are carried out in mock air craft cabins. The training generally lasts for 6-8 weeks after which flight trainees are assigned to work in the economy class. During that period they also participate in progressive training and to enhance their inflight skills.
The training is conducted in Airline environment and in a mock up aircraft cabin. At various stages of training practical and written tests are taken. The course includes study in food and drink service and galley management, currency exchange, customs and immigration regulations and documentation, first aid and medical training, safety and survival and care of special passengers, personal hygiene and grooming.
The form of the course includes lectures, visits, demonstrations, discussion, films and slides and emergency procedure practice. After completion of the initial course, entrants have to go through a probationary period of on-the-job training with the airline under the supervision of experienced cabin crew for between six months to a year. Crew also retrain in safety and emergency procedures for each type of aircraft they work in.
Courses and Institutions
Air crew training
Indian Airlines Ltd., Central Training Establishment, Ferozguda, Hyderabad 500011. Duration 14 weeks. Eligibility : Graduation, Age : 19-22 yrs.
Central training establishment of Indian Airlines has extended its business to foreign airlines.
Remote access mode training for flight crew i.e computer-based training facilities will be offered with self tuition and self evaluation tools. This will offer access to trainees in India and abroad.
The institute is also planning to tie up with a university to conduct B.Sc (Civil Aviation Courses).
Delhi Flying Club Ltd., Faculty of Flight Safety Services, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi - 110003.
Sahara India Aviation Academy, 249/250, Block A, Road No. 8, Mahipalpur, New Delhi 110037.
Duration: 4 weeks. (DGCA approved syllabi) course and 3 months of mandatory training aboard Sahara Airlines, followed by an examination.
Dean Travel & Tours (P) Ltd in Bangalore has organized through their service management centre, training programmes for the service and hospitality staff of the airline industry. These programmes, are patterned after those of leading international airlines and are expected to increase the candidates efficiency and competence as air hostess/flight purser. There is emphasis on both theory and practical skills based on real-life situations. This particular three month programme admits men and women in the 18-25 age group. Unmarried males/females who have cleared written exam and interview. For further details you may write to Service Management Centre, B-203, Westminister, Cunningham Road, Bangalore-560 052.
Skyline Educational Institute, Laxman Public School Campus, Hauz Khas New Delhi-110016 offers a B.A.(Hons.) course in International Business and Tourism for 3 years, Certificate course of 1 year duration and a Diploma course of 2 years duration. Eligibility is +2 from any stream.
Selection is made after a written test. The college offers these courses in collaboration with the University of Humberside and Lincolnshire, U.K.
Flytech Aviation Academy, 102, AI-Kauser,Street No.1, Road No.10, West Marredpally, Secunderabad - 500 026 (A.P.) Tel:040-7801109, 7800331,7804963 Fax: 040-7807664 E-Mail:flytech@hotmail.com URL:www.flytechaviation.com offers Cabin Crew Service Training.
