Smile and shine as you fly, a tough job

When airline companies promise hospitality in the skies, it basically means that there will be cheerful and courteous air hostesses who make sure that you have a comfortable journey. No wonder, a large number of international and national airlines use pictures of air hostesses smiling at you from their advertising hoardings.

With the airline industry expecting a growth rate of 25 per cent 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 100,000 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. Or, you could pay in instalments. The best part is that most of these courses offer a job guarantee.

However, in spite of doing such courses, every airline will make a new employee undergo training for a certain number of flying hours (varies from airline to airline). This is because the airline wants to reflect its culture and image through its air hostesses. A number of the top airlines also train you voice modulation and wine tasting.

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. Once the promotions begin, so do the salaries. 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.

There are also other options like on the management side for the airline like that of a trainer, recruiter, route planner etc. At these levels, salaries are in the six-figure range and will rise with experience.

For those, who like a hectic schedule and seeing the world, training to be an air hostess might be the ideal job for them.

Going up the ladder