Transitioning from A Commercial Flight Attendant to A Corporate Flight Attendant
Working as a flight attendant is an exciting and rewarding career. Flight attendants get to travel the world and meet new people. As flight attendants become acquainted with the exclusive world of corporate jet travel, some may feel compelled to make a transition from commercial airlines. While this shift presents its own set of challenges, it also brings forth remarkable benefits and rewards.
Here are some of the challenges of transitioning from commercial flight attendant to corporate flight attendant:
- Training: Although numerous skills gained as a commercial flight attendant can be applied by a corporate flight attendant, there is still a need for additional training beyond what is required of a commercial flight attendant. Corporate flight attendants often undergo specialized training in high-end customer service, etiquette, and VIP protocol. They may also receive training on the specific features and functions of different corporate jet models, as well as security and confidentiality protocols relevant to the private aviation industry.
Our Corporate Flight Attendant Masterclass set you up for success, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge you need as a corporate flight attendant. Topics include cabin crew operational duties such as catering, menu and trip planning, pre-flight; in-flight and post-flight duties, inflight service techniques, as well as key soft skills in order to create and build delightful and impactful passenger experiences. In addition, the course also includes practical simulation sessions to ensure that trainees get a hands-on experience of flight preparation and inflight service including menu planning and service techniques.
- Experience: Many corporate jet companies prefer to hire flight attendants with experience working in commercial aviation, as they possess several transferable skills that are highly valued in the corporate jet sector. These include exceptional customer service skills, safety and emergency procedures training, familiarity with cabin service protocols, and effective communication skills. This experience can help flight attendants to better understand the demands of corporate travel and develop the skills necessary to provide excellent service to their passengers.
- Job Scope: Corporate flight attendants are responsible for a wide range of duties, with a significant amount spent on pre-flight preparation, on top of delivering an exceptional VIP experience. Responsibilities often include procuring aircraft supplies, planning for meals and ordering catering to accommodate the preferences and requirements of discerning clientele, as well as the preparation of cabin setup prior to guests onboarding the aircraft. Corporate flight attendants also have to manage the cleanliness of the cabin, organizing and storing items in a accessible manner that facilitates the duties during the flight in a smooth and seamless way.
- Networking and Securing Employment: Proactive networking and building connections with fellow flight attendants and industry professionals is crucial in the realm of corporate jet travel, as it is a relatively small industry. By actively engaging with others in the field, individuals can gain valuable insights, access job leads, and even find mentorship opportunities to support them during the transition process.
Despite the challenges, there are also some great rewards to working as a corporate flight attendant:
- Pay: In general, corporate flight attendants tend to receive higher compensation compared to their counterparts in the commercial airline industry.
- Schedule: The schedules of a corporate flight attendant can be both challenging and rewarding. They offer the opportunity to travel the world and meet new people, but they can also be demanding and unpredictable, which can include both short and long trips, sometimes spanning multiple days or weeks.
- Travel: Corporate jet flight attendants often have the opportunity to travel to some of the most exotic destinations in the world. They may fly to business meetings, leisure trips, or even vacations. This gives them the chance to see new places, experience different cultures, and meet interesting people.
If you are considering a career in corporate jet travel, be prepared to put in the work. The transition from commercial flight attendant to corporate flight attendant can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.
While some skills and credentials are transferrable, adapting to the VIP experience inherent in corporate jet travel requires specialized training and a shift in mindset. By understanding the nuances of this transition, networking with industry professionals, and acquiring the necessary training, aspiring corporate jet flight attendants can embark on this thrilling new phase of their professional journey with confidence and success.
Here are some additional tips for making the transition from commercial flight attendant to corporate jet flight attendant:
- Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the corporate jet industry. This will help you to understand the requirements for jobs and to make informed decisions about your career.
Our Introduction to the Corporate Aviation Industry course sets up you in the right direction when it comes to understanding the business aviation industry and the roles and responsibilities as a corporate flight attendant.
- Network: Get involved in industry organizations and attend industry events. This is a great way to meet other flight attendants and industry professionals who can help you to find a job.
- Be persistent: Don’t give up if you don’t get your dream job right away. Keep networking, keep applying for jobs, and eventually you will find the right opportunity.