Pursers and flight attendants are essential members of the airline cabin crew, responsible for ensuring passenger safety and comfort during flights. Their roles encompass a variety of duties, including:
- Greeting Passengers: Welcoming passengers aboard and assisting them in finding their seats.
- Safety Procedures: Demonstrating safety protocols, checking the aircraft's condition, and ensuring all safety equipment is operational.
- In-Flight Services: Serving food and beverages, addressing passenger inquiries, and maintaining cabin cleanliness.
- Emergency Management: Responding to emergencies by coordinating evacuation procedures and providing first aid when necessary.
- Coordination: Pursers, who are often senior flight attendants, oversee the cabin crew's activities, ensuring that service standards are met and that all team members perform their duties effectively.
Work-Life Balance:
The work schedule for pursers and flight attendants can be irregular, often requiring long hours and overnight stays away from home. While many enjoy the opportunity to travel extensively, the job can be demanding due to time zone changes and extended periods of being on their feet. However, many airlines offer flexible scheduling options that allow crew members to manage their time effectively.
How to Become Pursers and flight attendants -
To pursue a career as a purser or flight attendant in India, follow these steps:
- Educational Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or travel and tourism can be advantageous.
- Training:
- Complete a formal training program provided by airlines or aviation schools. This training usually covers safety procedures, customer service skills, and emergency response.
- Develop Key Skills:
- Communication Skills: Essential for interacting with passengers and coordinating with crew members.
- Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent service and handle passenger requests effectively.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Critical for managing unexpected situations calmly.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding diverse cultures enhances service delivery on international flights.
- Leadership Skills: Pursers should demonstrate leadership abilities to manage cabin crew effectively.
- Gain Experience:
- Start in entry-level positions within the airline industry, such as ground staff or customer service roles, to gain relevant experience.
- Certification:
- Obtain necessary certifications from regulatory bodies (e.g., DGCA in India) that may include medical examinations and safety training.
Career Progression
Career advancement opportunities for flight attendants include:
- Senior Flight Attendant/Purser: Overseeing cabin crew activities and ensuring service quality.
- Chief Purser: Taking on more significant managerial responsibilities within the cabin.
- Management Roles: Opportunities exist in airline management or training positions for experienced flight attendants.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for pursers and flight attendants in India vary based on experience, airline, and location:
- Entry-level flight attendants can expect a salary ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month.
- Experienced pursers may earn between ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per month or more, depending on their airline's pay structure and additional benefits like allowances for layovers.
Industry Trends & Future Outlook
The aviation industry is experiencing a resurgence post-pandemic, leading to an increased demand for qualified flight attendants. The job outlook is favorable, with a projected growth rate of approximately 10% by 2030 as airlines expand their fleets and routes. The need for skilled personnel in this sector is expected to rise significantly due to increasing air travel demand globally.
Citations:
[1] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/flight-attendants-benefits
[2] https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/air-cabin-crew
[3] https://www.growthcentre.org/air-cabin-crew/
[4] https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/flight-attendant/
[5] https://www.careeraddict.com/cabin-crew-skills
[6] https://avaerocouncil.ca/assets/pdf/ccaa-0150-lm_report-eng-online.pdf
[7] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/pursers-and-flight-attendants
[8] https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=15112&context=dissertations
[9] https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1770908
[10] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/american-airlines-employment-assessment-test-76zoc
[11] https://futureflightattendant.com/united-airlines-flight-attendant/
[12] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/flight-attendant-skills
[13] https://kase.kz/files/emitters/AIRA/airap_2023_eng.pdf
[14] https://www.onecaribbean.org/content/files/CTOGuidetourismcareersmanual.pdf