When someone says air travel, one of the first thoughts that you are likely to conjure up is of a well-groomed cabin crew with a pleasant smile, welcoming guests into the aircraft. While Air India’s cabin crew is widely regarded for their warm Indian hospitality, their duties go well beyond what meets the eye. 

Very few are fully aware of the rigorous training that the cabin crew undergo before qualifying to operate a flight. For instance, did you know that they are only recognised as cabin crew after they have cleared all relevant regulatory tests? Each cabin crew must complete several certifications that equip them to ensure safe operations and also take refresher courses at regular intervals to stay up to date with all essential safety and service requirements. 

At Air India, every cabin crew undergoes multiple trainings and certifications at the Air India Training Academy. These trainings are spread across three months and equip them with the knowledge and skills to not only serve passengers onboard their flight, but also perform crucial, life-saving duties in times of need. We outline a few of these core responsibilities. 

Emergency response: Air India cabin crew undergo extensive training to respond swiftly to a range of situations that may emerge during an emergency and safeguard the well-being of passengers. As a part of their security certification, the cabin crew are equipped to identify risks and potential security threats. They screen the cabin for unruly passengers and are equipped to manage them should the need arise based on outlined security protocols. The cabin crew on a flight are also responsible for safety checks and are trained in operating all safety equipment onboard. 

The Air India Training Academy not only equips cabin crew with the theoretical understanding but also offers a practical experience through state-of-the-art mock-ups like Fire and Smoke Trainers, survival equipment, signalling equipment, Door Trainers and a lot more. 

First aid: All cabin crew mandatorily undergo training in basic first aid to address onboard medical emergencies. This enables them to understand and handle a range of issues ranging from fainting to more serious conditions like a cardiac arrest and even carry out basic emergency response as needed. Cabin crew at Air India are trained on actual equipment including first aid kits, therapeutic equipment and more.

Service delivery: To ensure that consistency in customer experience is maintained across flights, all cabin crew at Air India are given standardised service delivery training that includes voice & accent training, service procedures (inflight announcements, food and beverage etc.), familiarisation with aircraft features. Additionally, there is significant focus on building their personalities through training in leadership development, teamwork & collaboration and grooming. The specialised training infrastructure at the Air India Academy like dedicated style and image rooms, wine and presentation room etc. provide the right environment and equipment for the cabin crew to develop these skills, and eventually perform their duties well. 

Being a cabin crew offers a dynamic and adventurous career offering global travel, and exposure to diverse cultures. However, it is also a demanding profession that requires them to demonstrate dedication and resilience. At Air India, we are committed to equip our crew with the tools and resources to face any scenario onboard with confidence- be it safety, security, or service. So, on your next flight remember to greet the cabin crew with a smile while being assured that they are doing their best to ensure your safety.