Job Profile - Senior Cabin Crew Flight Attendant - Manchester Airport Group

Summary

Alen Day, a senior flight attendant for Monarch Airlines in Manchester, shares insights into his role, the airline's operations, and the responsibilities of cabin crew. Monarch Airlines, established in 1968, operates both short- and long-haul flights. Alen describes the hierarchy within the crew, with seniors leading the team, and highlights the rigorous six-week training process. He emphasizes the importance of customer service, safety, and maintaining a sense of humor despite long hours. Alen loves his job, enjoying the travel and the chance to ensure passengers have a great holiday experience.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Alen Day is a senior crew member and flight attendant for Mon Airlines, based in Manchester.
• 📅 Mon Airlines has been operating for 41 years, starting as an engineering company in 1968 and acquiring its first aircraft in 1969.
• 🌍 The airline operates both short-haul and long-haul flights, with destinations such as Goa, Florida, Greece, Spain, and the Canary Islands.
• 👨‍✈️ The crew hierarchy starts with the captain and first officer, followed by senior cabin crew members including a purser, number one, and number two roles, with other cabin crew ranked numerically.
• 🛠️ Alen is responsible for managing the back galley, bars, and handling money, as well as overseeing several other crew members on larger aircraft.
• 🎭 Alen studied drama and musical theater but had always aspired to become a flight attendant, completing a six-week intensive training course with up to 30 exams.
• 😊 Key traits for a flight attendant include being passenger-focused, having a good sense of humor, and managing long working hours (up to 16 hours per day).
• 🗓️ Flight attendants work on a roster system, with varying schedules including early morning and late-night shifts.
• 💬 Speaking another language can lead to higher pay, though it is not mandatory. Alen has basic proficiency in French and Spanish.
• 💼 The primary duty of cabin crew is ensuring passenger safety, including keeping aisles clear for takeoff and landing, while also providing a positive customer experience.

Q & A

What is Alen Day's role at Mon Airlines?

Alen Day is a senior cabin crew member and flight attendant for Mon Airlines, based in Manchester.

How long has Mon Airlines been operating, and what was its original focus?

Mon Airlines has been operating for 41 years. It originally started as an engineering company in 1968 before acquiring its first aircraft in 1969.

What types of destinations does Mon Airlines fly to from Manchester?

Mon Airlines flies both short-haul and long-haul destinations from Manchester, including Goa, Florida, Greece, the Canary Islands, and Spain.

What is the hierarchy among the cabin crew on larger aircraft?

The hierarchy starts with the captain, followed by the first officer. The senior roles include the purser, the number one (another manager), and the number two (Alen's role), with up to 10 other cabin crew members below them.

What are Alen's responsibilities on a short-haul aircraft?

Alen is responsible for the back galley, managing the team at the rear, overseeing all the bars on board, handling money, and managing the onboard computers.

What training is required to become a cabin crew member at Mon Airlines?

The training is an intense six-week course, during which cabin crew members are trained on up to three aircraft types and must pass 30 exams, including first aid and safety procedures.

What skills and characteristics are important for a flight attendant, according to Alen?

A flight attendant needs to be passenger-focused, able to converse easily with people, have a good sense of humor to deal with long days, and maintain a positive attitude despite fatigue.

How does the work schedule for cabin crew members operate?

The work schedule is based on a roster system, with varying flight times each week. Crew members can work morning or afternoon shifts, with workdays lasting up to 16 hours.

Is fluency in another language necessary for the role of a flight attendant at Mon Airlines?

Fluency in another language is not a necessity, but it can be helpful and comes with additional pay.

What does Alen enjoy most about being a flight attendant?

Alen loves everything about the job, especially helping passengers have a great start and end to their holiday. He finds joy in meeting people and making their holiday experience memorable.