Service with a Smile:
Do you have excellent interpersonal skills, a passion for service, and a desire to travel? A career as cabin crew (air hostess/flight attendant) in India offers a unique opportunity to combine these interests.[7, 35] With the booming aviation industry, the demand for professional cabin crew is steadily increasing.[36] This guide will walk you through the essentials of cabin crew training in India.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
To embark on a career as cabin crew in India, you generally need to meet the following criteria :
- Education: Passed the Class 12 examination from a recognized board . A diploma or degree in Aviation, Hospitality, or Tourism can be advantageous .
- Age: Typically between 18 and 27 years for domestic airlines, with some international airlines having slightly higher limits (up to 32 or more for experienced candidates) .
- Height: Minimum requirements vary by airline, generally around 155 cm for females and 170 cm for males .
- Physical Health: Good physical health with weight proportionate to height is essential . No visible scars or tattoos in professional attire .
- Eyesight: Clear eyesight (often 6/6 or as per airline standards), with corrected vision usually permitted .
- Communication Skills: Fluency in English and Hindi is mandatory for most airlines. Knowledge of additional foreign languages is a plus .
- Personality: Pleasing personality, confidence, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work in a team and handle emergencies calmly are highly valued .
Course Duration
Cabin Crew training courses in India vary in duration depending on the program type and institute :
- Certificate Courses: 3 months to 12 months.[35, 37, 38, 39, 40]
- Diploma Courses: 6 months to 12 months.[35, 41, 37, 38, 39, 40]
- Advanced/Specialized Programs: Up to 18 months.[41, 40]
- Crash Courses: Shorter, intensive programs lasting 45 days to 8 weeks.[7, 41, 42, 39, 40]
- Undergraduate Degree Courses: 2 to 3 years in related fields like Aviation or Hospitality Management.[35, 37, 38]
Key Subjects/Syllabus Overview
The syllabus equips aspiring cabin crew with skills and knowledge for passenger safety and service [7, 35, 43, 38]:
- Aviation Industry Knowledge and Aircraft Familiarization.[35, 43]
- Safety and Emergency Procedures (evacuation, first aid, firefighting).[35, 43]
- Passenger Handling and Cabin Service (in-flight service, managing needs, communication).[35, 43]
- Communication Skills, Customer Service, and Personality Development.[7, 35, 43]
- Professional Grooming and Etiquette.[7, 35, 43]
- Airline Operations and Air Travel Industry knowledge.[35, 43]
- Basic Computer Skills (in some programs).[35, 43]
Approximate Fee Structure
The cost of Cabin Crew training varies based on the course type, duration, and institute reputation [35, 42, 34]:
- Certificate Courses: INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000.[35, 34]
- Diploma Courses: INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000.[35, 34]
- Undergraduate Degree Programs: INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 for the entire program.[35, 34]
- Additional charges may apply for uniforms, grooming kits, and placement assistance.[35, 34]
Potential Career Paths
Completing cabin crew training primarily leads to a career as a Flight Attendant/Cabin Crew Member.[6, 35, 44] Other potential paths include [6, 35, 44]:
- Senior Cabin Crew/Inflight Service Coordinator: With experience and leadership skills.
- Ground Staff: Assisting with check-in and baggage handling at airports.
- Customer Service Agents: Addressing passenger inquiries for airlines.
- Airport Lounge Staff: Providing hospitality services to premium passengers.
- Opportunities in the broader hospitality and tourism industries.
Admission Procedures
Admission processes vary between institutes :
- Merit-Based Admission: Selection based on Class 12 examination performance .
- Interviews/Personality Assessments: To evaluate suitability for the role .
- AME CET: The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test also provides a pathway to top cabin crew institutes, with potential scholarships .
- Check the specific requirements of the institutes you are interested in .
Top Colleges in India
Numerous institutes across India offer cabin crew training :
- Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training (Multiple Locations) [35, 45]
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Multiple Locations) [35, 45]
- Aptech Aviation & Hospitality Academy (Multiple Locations) [35, 45]
- Airborne Academy (Multiple Locations) [35, 45]
- Indigo Training Academy (Multiple Locations) [35, 45]
- YWCA Women’s Training Institute [45]
- YWCA Vocational Training Institute [45]
- Parul University [45]
- SAGE University, Indore [45]
- Rayat Bahra University [45]
- Indus University [45]
- ICRI [45]
- NIMS Institute of Management and Commerce, NIMS University [45]
- New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Career Studies [45]
- VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) [45]
- School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai [45]
- Thakur Institute of Aviation [45]
- Boston College
- Skytech Aviation
- Orient Flights
- JT Aviation College
- Maverick Aviation
- DflyAbout Air Hostess Training Institute
Common Acronyms
- DGCA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation [34]
Conclusion
A career as cabin crew is an exciting opportunity for those who enjoy interacting with people and providing excellent service. With various training programs available in India, you can gain the necessary skills to embark on this adventurous career path.