Smile and shine

Mumbai: With the airline industry expecting a growth rate of 25 percent rate per annum, analysts predict a 7,000-8,000 plus requirement for cabin crew (air hostesses and flight pursers) in the next three years. And the supply has been there as well. “Even in smaller towns, there are easily about 150 aspirants on any given day,” says Narendra Kumar, director of a franchisee of the Avalon Aviation Academy.
The job criteria might sound simple. That is, looking good with a pleasing persona. But think of all those passengers who will be asking absurd questions and you know that it is not that simple. No wonder there are training institutes which focus on developing skills like attitude and self-control. Then there are other skills to be learnt like understanding safety norms, knowledge of first aid, dealing with emergencies situations and meeting dietary needs of passengers are some of the other topics included in the training modules.
The cost of training courses is between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh depending on the duration which starts from six months to one-year. A number of institutes also have tie-ups with banks that offer you the required amount.
As far as the salaries go, the starting pay would range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 a month in domestic airlines. International airlines would pay anywhere between Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000. The second step is usually of a chief stewardess (or a senior air hostess) in a domestic where the numbers run up to Rs 75,000 per month. After a certain age (different for different air lines), air hostesses generally shift from flying to take up other duties like that of an assistant base in-charge or a base in-charge where she would deal with logistical issues relating to the flight.
28/10/07 Dipta Joshi/Business Standard