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Ready for take-off !
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As demand for manpower in the service industry increases, a plane-ride gives aspiring airhostesses hands-on training, says NANDINI NAIR
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ADDING WINGS TO LIFE Some of the students of Air Hostess Academy in New Delhi
The plane never took off but their careers are waiting to soar. One hundred and fifty students (aged 17 to 24) from Air Hostess Academy (AHA) assembled at Palam Airport, early Saturday morning, for their first in-flight exposure. It was a debut trip for many students from different northern centres. Their shiny red uniforms temporarily turned the check-in areas into a festive place.
Well-groomed and attentive, they listened carefully to the check-in procedure.
They were familiarised with baggage X-rays, check-in counters, hand-baggage screenings and frisks. Boarding cards and security instructions were also explained.
Students speak
Sonia was the pride and envy of her class. She has already been recruited by Air Deccan and will leave for Bangalore, shortly. She said AHA was responsible for her recruitment. A soft-spoken girl who smiles a lot, she said, "When I came here I was very nervous but today I am very happy and confident."
It was Rahul's first time at an airport. With striking Kashmiri looks, he said, "From childhood I wanted to be a flight captain and to fly in the sky.
Due to lack of funds, I decided to try for cabin crew." The name "air hostess academy" did not rankle him. He felt that it was no longer just a girl's job.
Piyush from Patiala said he wanted to become a flight steward because he liked, "their looks, personality and physique."
After an inordinate delay and wait at the boarding area, students were told to board the flight.
The excitement was evident as students pulled out phones and cameras to take pictures on-board. But Senior Manager-Trainer Sweta Bhardwaj told them, "Rather than taking photos, go though the safety manuals."
Students shot frequent questions to the Jet Air crew of the plane, especially chartered for AHA.
The crew patiently explained the workings of the `passenger service unit' as students pushed buttons and turned air-cooling vents.
After an hour of class on the runway, the captain announced, "Flight cancelled."
Students walked out disappointed but not defeated. They felt the flight would be rescheduled.
Practical exposure
The in-flight exposure is given to all diploma students of AHA, as it gives them a real experience of what they have learnt in the classroom.
AHA grooms and equips aspirants for the service industry. Set-up in 1997, AHA today has 25 branches pan-India, with a higher concentration in North India.
AHA provides a one-year diploma in Aviation and Hospitality Management and two-years diploma in Global Aviation and Hospitality Management.
Trainer Bhardwaj explained that the curriculum covered Aviation, Hospitality, Persona Enhancement and Business English. Students are also taught Galileo, centralised global ticketing software, and Fidelio, software used for hotel reservations.
They also avail of Red Cross Training and are instructed on international manners and decorum. On Saturday a special class, "We shall overcome (WSO)" is held for students who need remedial help in English.
The students didn't get to fly but they had a boarding card that read, `From: Delhi, To: Delhi'.
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