By Sade Williams
Cabin crew members are safety professionals whose primary duties include ensuring passenger safety, managing emergencies, and contributing to the safe operation of every flight.
Outwardly, their appearance standards combine airline branding, passenger trust and strict safety operational compliance. It is a combination of care, glamour and rules in the sky.
“But cabin crew is much more than a glamorous career, behind the uniform lies a significant responsibility.”, Tolulope Dawodu, Convener, of the 9th Explore Cabin Crew Fair, said on Friday.
According to her, while excellent customer service remains an important aspect of the role.of a cabin crew, safety must always come first. professionalism, discipline, sound judgment, teamwork, and effective communication must remain the foundation of cabin crew excellence.
This year’s theme, “Redefining Cabin Crew Excellence: Safety, Professionalism, and Career Growth in a Changing Aviation Industry,” is both timely and significant as the aviation industry is constantly evolving.
New technologies, changing passenger expectations, emerging safety challenges, and global developments continue to reshape the way we operate, therefore, these changes demand that cabin crew professionals, who are not only competent and confident but also adaptable, should be safety-conscious, and committed to continuous learning.
Dawodu, who stressed the need for career growth for flight attendants, urged them to uphold the highest safety standards in the course of their career progression.
“There must be a renewed understanding that excellence in cabin crew operations is not defined by the uniform we wear, but by the competence we demonstrate, the safety we uphold, the professionalism we embody, and the commitment we make to continuous growth.
“Equally important is career growth. As an industry, we must encourage continuous training, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities for cabin crew professionals to expand their knowledge and progress in their careers. To our aspiring cabin crew members, this is an opportunity to learn from those who have walked the path before you. Look beyond the uniform and understand the responsibility, preparation, and commitment required to succeed in this profession.
“To our serving cabin crew professionals, I encourage you to remain teachable, embrace change, uphold the highest safety standards, and continue to distinguish yourselves through excellence and professionalism.
“As organisers, our vision is to ensure that this platform goes beyond an annual gathering. We want the Cabin Crew Fair to inspire positive change, strengthen professional relationships, encourage mentorship, and contribute to the development of a more competent and empowered cabin crew community.”, she said.
Keynote speaker, Olumide Ohunayo, Secretary General, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, who identified the four pillars of redefined excellence including: Safety & Security; Leadership; Elevated Service & Professionalism and Continuous Skill Acquisition and Career Path Expansion, said for cabin crew and airlines to excell in modern aviation , they must transcend traditional service delivery.
Under safety and security leadership, he identified Threat and Error Management (TEM); De-escalation and Emergency Training and Global regulatory standards.
“There must with proactive framework to identify, manage, and mitigate hazards before safety is compromised, flight attendants must master conflict resolution techniques and scenario-based crisis simulation and must maintain continuous alignment with evolving International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and civil aviation protocols.
“Redefining cabin crew excellence means combining world-class professionalism, unwavering commitment to safety, exceptional customer service, adaptability to industry change, and continuous career development to meet the evolving demands of modern aviation.”, he said.
From Left: Tayo Orisadare, MD, Metro Aviation Limited; Chioma Usanga, representative of the Director, Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, NCAA; Hon
Festus Odianosen Ebea, commissioner for Public safety & Security, Edo state and
Ololade Adenekan-Odukoya, Aviation Professional at the event.on Friday
Also speaking, Chioma Usanga, representative of the Director, Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who said professionalism should be the watchword of cabin crew, urged them to stick to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs are formal step-by-step instructions established by airlines and regulatory bodies to ensure safety, consistency and efficiency across all operations.
Charging the cabin crew members, she said: “Anytime you are on duty, you must tell yourself they you must do your best , you must be abreast of safety and technological advancement. You must be cautions of your appearance. The cabin crew can determine how successful, professional and safety and security conscious an airline is.
“And what is your attribute towards implementing your SOPs to maintain safety, what is your attitude towards embracing g change. Aviation is facing so many scare and the cabin crew must be well equipped, you must be part of the change in the industry. Your profession isn’t about looking good but about contributing positively to the industry, you must grow from the ab initio level, develop yourself and read your manuals always”, she said.
As part of steps towards strengthening the future of cabin crew professionals in Nigeria, the Cabin Crew Fair, has over the years, provided a platform for learning, networking, mentorship, and meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges within the industry.
