If you're looking for a new role as a cabin crew member on a private airline, becoming a private jet flight attendant could be the career for you. This prestigious position requires advanced service skills that are designed to deliver an outstanding experience for clients.
To find out more about flight attendant careers in private aviation, read on. Discover the expertise you will need, what's required of you on a chartered flight, and more in our guide to this diverse job role.
Private jet flight attendants – often referred to as cabin hosts – are an essential part of the service team on board private flights. They deliver unrivaled, high-end service to VIPs, using organization and communication abilities to meet client needs from the moment the flight departs until it arrives at the chosen destination.
The key requirements of any flight attendant are that they ensure the comfort and safety of passengers throughout the flight. On a private charter, this requires a different level of service compared to a standard commercial flight. This is because it is a five-star experience, providing clients with everything they need to feel relaxed and secure while on board.
While there is some overlap with the skills of cabin crew who work on commercial airlines, private jet flight attendants have more experience of serving Business and First Class cabins. They carry out cabin host duties for VIPs in First Class, building their skillset over a few years – most private aviation companies require a minimum of three years of corporate cabin crew experience.
There are some alternative routes into this role. For instance, if prospective private jet flight attendants have worked in five-star hotels or on luxury yachts, this experience can be considered transferable. However, in-flight experience is preferred as this lays the groundwork for private charters.
In addition, having a background in silver service is often a requirement. This is because of the high levels of service expected on board and knowing how to present food in this way meets the standard.
Other requirements include:
· Languages
Fluency in additional languages can be an asset for any cabin crew member, but this is especially the case on private jets because flight attendants are communicating with VIPs one-to-one. Being able to meet client needs is much easier if the cabin host can fully understand what they are asking for during the flight.
· First aid qualifications and training in safety procedures
This is a key requirement and essential knowledge. Should anyone on board be taken ill, being able to administer first aid until the plane lands is not only hugely beneficial but potentially lifesaving.
· Planning and organisational skills
Being able to organise service on board is a requirement. Cabin hosts must be able to work independently and as part of a team too.
· Show discretion
Clients often conduct highly confidential work during a flight. This is an opportunity to plan meetings, speak to key stakeholders, and organize contracts. As such, private jet flight attendants must be able to be discreet and trustworthy.
Paperwork and documents required include a valid passport, driving license, and medical reports.
A flight attendant working on a private jet may have a wide range of responsibilities because of the potentially varied needs of clients. Common responsibilities include:
· Preparing the aircraft before and after trips. This includes checking that everything is in order and of a high standard before the client arrives for their flight.
· Performing safety checks. This requires a full run-through of the interior of the jet, assessing areas that may need addressing.
· Ensuring the seating is to the client's satisfaction and meets their needs
· Double-checking that the plane is fully stocked and that any requests made before take-off are in place. For instance, if a client asked for a certain type of beverage or food, this must be in place beforehand.
· Following safety regulations throughout the flight.
· Working to ensure the in-flight service is of the highest quality
· Maintaining confidentiality
In return, people working in this role can expect:
· An attractive compensation package. A private jet flight attendant's salary starts at around £50,000 and can reach £100,000, depending on experience.
· Workplace and lifestyle benefits
· The opportunity to travel and work with people from around the world
With nearly 20 years of experience in the private aviation industry, we know how to always meet, and often exceed, our clients' needs. Therefore, we only hire the best people to provide an exclusive service.
If you think you could provide a stellar service for VistaJet clients, visit our private jet flight attendant jobs page to find out more about working with us as a cabin host. You will join an esteemed team that understands how to treat clients with the utmost professionalism and care.
