Lucy in the sky

Airhostess academies are sprouting like wild mushroom. Air Hostess Academy (AHA), Frankfinn Institute of Airhostess Training, Indian Aviation Acadmy (IAA), Flying Cats and Avalon are just a few. Technically, there are around 100-odd institutes but only six to seven big players. With course fees ranging from Rs 60,000 to nearly Rs 2,50,000, the one question that comes to mind is, are the courses worth the money?
Diana D’costa, an airhostess and a former student of AHA, says, “I owe it to the course because I am living my dream and flying in an international airline.” While, Prajakta Patel, an airhostess in a domestic airline says, “It was helpful as the faculty provides advice and helps with placements, but I definitely don’t think they are worth a lakh.”
The minimum academic qualification is HSC, but this may vary as some international airlines prefer graduates. Jeh Wadia, managing
director, GoAir, says, “A course from IATA is of no help if one fails to have the kind of personality required for the cabin crew post.”
“Apart from role-specific technical and functional qualifications, a passion for the industry and the confidence to resolve hurdles are necessary”, says Surajit Banerjee, vice-president HR, Spicejet Limited.
Tie-ups with airways are now coming handy in campus recruitments. While most institutes have a placement record of 85 per cent, the course fees have increased over the years. AHA HR Solutions, a sister concern of AHA, is the official recruiting agency in India for Oman Airways and Emirates while Air Deccan recruits cabin crew from Frankfinn. The latest to join the league is Kingfisher Training Academy.
Once candidates begin working for domestic airlines the salary is usually between Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 while for the international airlines it can be between Rs 35,000 – Rs 40,000 and can move up to Rs 1 lakh.
“We take students from training institutes only when there is an urgent need. Otherwise, we prefer direct recruitments, after which the candidates go through our specialised training course,” says Wadia.
31/05/07 Naomi Lobo/Expressindia.com