WHAT IS A PRIVATE OR CORPORATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT?

A private jet or corporate jet flight attendant, also known as a “business aviation flight attendant”, is someone who works on a private, non-­‐commercial, business aircraft. Unlike a commercial airline, a private jet crewmember does not work according to a schedule and/or roster, they are usually employed full-‐time or on a contract basis, and often, unless working on a Boeing Business Jet, will be the only crewmember on board, in addition to the pilots.

Passengers choose to fly on business jets for the convenience of flying whenever and wherever they want to. They have the privacy, anonymity and a safe luxurious comfortable space with full deluxe in-­‐flight amenities. Business aviation provides the ability to create a non-­‐structured time schedule that is changeable at any moment. This of course adds to the corporate flight attendant’s stress, as there are always last-­‐minute schedule changes, passenger count changes, cancellations and extensions of trips.
Commercial Airlines are very different, their scheduled flights/time tables do not change, unless there are unforeseen circumstances. Most of the time there is a team of crewmembers, except in the case of a small feeder airline, where one crewmember is sufficient.

As an airline flight attendant, all one has to do, is show up for work on time, be on top of your game when it come to safety, be immaculately groomed and well rested for the flight. Once on board, after completing safety checks, crew will have a few preparations in the galley to do before the passengers’ board. Everything is already provided by the airline, the menus, the meals, the drinks etc, leaving the crewmember with the task of graciously providing safety, comfort and service to the passengers, until they arrive at their destination.

The difference between the two jobs, airline verses private, is extensive. The need to be completely flexible is a must if you choose this path. Some say comparing the two careers is like comparing apples with oranges. However it is a very exciting and an ever-­‐changing work place to be in. The qualities one requires are most importantly excellent organization skills, the ability to think outside of the box, creativity, and being able to multi-­‐task. One has to be able to take direction, have integrity and personal accountability and most importantly be professional at all times, especially with confidentiality.

When you fly commercially, you’re trained to be out in the cabin talking to passengers. On a corporate jet, there is a completely different mindset. You're there to be seen and not heard. These jets are flying executive offices, and one needs to know when it is okay to interrupt, and learn how to camouflage yourself in a cabin until you are needed. The skill set of a corporate flight attendant is also completely different, from the time you're given the trip by the company's flight dispatcher, you have to design the menus, order it from the catering company, and then present it in an appealing way to your guests. You have to do a lot more creative thinking and organizing. You also have to know the personal preferences of your passengers, such as which wines they prefer and if they have any food allergies and/or food preferences. Even when the flight is over and you arrive at the hotel, there is still laundry to arrange and the next catering order to sort out. Free time down route will be spent buying stock for the aircraft, and sometimes sourcing items, such as fine wines and whisky’s as per the client’s request.

Everything in the cabin is your personal responsibility; the list is endless, from the newspapers, to the flowers, to the meals, to having the correct linen, to making the beds for an overnight flight, and not forgetting serving the flight deck. In a nutshell, you will be hosting a five star dinner party at 44,000 feet for +/-­‐10 guests aboard a luxurious flying limousine.

There are many different types of private jets and each plane has unique and special features. It is important to be very knowledgeable and know your aircraft inside and out, both for the safety and service aspects. The galleys tend to be well equipped but extremely small, serving 10 passengers a full course dinner with only one microwave, in a tiny little space can be a challenge. This is where being organized is so important.
As with any occupation, there are challenges, some days can last up to 14 hours spent entirely on your feet. There are some decidedly non-­‐glamorous aspects of the job, such as cleaning the entire cabin in preparation for a flight. However the remuneration, travel and benefits far out way the toilet cleaning.
If you choose this path for a career, important to be able to do the following;

• Effectively manage time
• Book trips, keep and maintain schedules

• Manage yourself as a business
• Interface with several flight departments
• Adapt to various flight departments’ SOPs (Standard Operating procedures) • Remain open-­‐minded at all times
• Be impeccably organized
• Perform safe and creative menu planning and food execution
• Geographical knowledge and up to date with current affairs.
• Wine and food pairing knowledge
• Maintain your safety and first aid training annually