comING 2023!

A Business Aviation Cabin Crewmember responsibilities may go well beyond providing premium in-flight service aboard executive business jets. The list can be endless and includes such duties as; executive chef, caterer, personal shopper, nanny, entertainment or activities director/coordinator, official greeter, cleaner, launderer, liaison, concierge, secretary, travel coordinator, baggage handler, security guard, emergency coordinator, safety watchdog, and more.

The majority of executive aircraft require only one cabin attendant onboard so you must possess the skills in order to plan, create, and serve your clients in a variety of services; casual, formal, to five-star. Preparing gourmet style meals can be challenging enough in any environment let alone preparing them in an extremely limited workspace at 41,000+ feet under time management pressures. It will benefit you greatly if you possess good planning, organizational, and troubleshooting skills. 

In the world of business aviation, there are no set guidelines or expectations to what your specific career and responsibilities will entail. You may enjoy a long-lasting career as a contract crewmember or gain successful employment.

Presenting yourself in a proper and professional manner at all times is critical. Your passengers confidentiality is and will always be your number one golden rule to adhere to. You will encounter varieties of personalities and experiences, so there are no set procedures or rules to guide you through your career. However, we do recommend obeying the following guidelines initially as a professional safeguard. 

The code of a good cabin crewmember: whatever is seen or heard from your passengers stays onboard your aircraft. One of the many perks your passengers benefit from is the ability to discuss confidential matters (business or personal) onboard a business jet. If you appear to be listening or partake in your passenger's conversations, you may have severed that comfort level which was established. You may think your input is valuable but most likely it is not welcomed. Respect their privacy and space at all times. You are required to monitor the cabin 100% of the time without hovering. The knack of anticipating every need before they request it will greatly benefit your career advancement.

You may be responsible for maintaining the inventory and possibly the budget for your trip. Overseeing all the catering supplies, toiletries, and other miscellaneous supplies required or stocked onboard the aircraft is critical to ensuring a successful trip. 

You must be willing to be away from home for possibly days or weeks at a time. Flexibility and adaptability are musts! These are some of the most important sacrifices made if you are going to be successful in business aviation. Unlike commercial airlines, corporate flight schedules are not under any on-time performance pressures. Business aviation is extremely unpredictable, flexible and can, and often does, change on a moments notice. You are flying on your passenger’s time schedules - no one else’s ... ever. 

Your duties don't end when you reach your final destination of the day. Once you arrive, you should already be planning and arranging for your next flight. Such items as planning menus, courses, meeting or contacting the aviation caterer, hotel or restaurant. Creating a shopping list of supplies needed for the return flight and so much more.

Every trip differs vastly from the previous trip. As an example; the majority of your overnight stays you will be left alone to rest and relax and enjoy the layover. However, sometimes you may need to run errands for the passengers or even become their tour guide, assistant, or travel agent. This is again where flexibility comes into play. Don’t ever assume ... anything.

Remember, you and your pilots are a team - you are not alone. Your fellow crewmembers are an excellent support and resource for you. Having good crew communication is a tremendous asset and beneficial in making each trip a success. You will need to "set the pace" as you are the one “on stage” the entire time and have the majority of the one-on-one contact with the passengers.

You have the power to make or break your passenger’s/owners experience. YOU are what the passengers see most!

There are no second chances at a first impression. Professionalism, style and presentation are to be displayed to the fullest at all times. Challenge yourself to give 100% on each and every flight. Set your personal and inflight service standards to the highest degree. Wow them with your personality, attention to detail and well organized skills. 

Every passenger should experience the “WOW! factor.”

The CFA Connection