How to become a flight attendant in South Africa?

To become a flight attendant in South Africa, you can follow these five straightforward steps. This career involves not only ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers but also requires rigorous training and a specific skill set.

Steps to Become a Flight Attendant in South Africa:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Hold a Matric certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent.
  • Be proficient in English; additional languages are a plus.
  • Pass a medical fitness test.

Step 2: Gain Customer Service Experience:

  • Work in a role that requires customer interaction, such as in hospitality or retail. This experience is beneficial for dealing with passengers and handling stressful situations.

Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Certification:

  • Enroll in a flight attendant training programme offered by an accredited aviation school. This will cover emergency procedures, first aid, and service protocols.
  • Some airlines also provide their own training once you are hired.

Step 4: Apply to Airlines:

  • Regularly check the websites of airlines for job openings.
  • Prepare a professional CV highlighting relevant experience and skills.
  • Apply for available positions and be ready to attend interviews and assessment days.

Step 5: Complete Airline-Specific Training:

  • Once hired, you will undergo further training specific to the airline’s operations and standards.
  • This training typically lasts several weeks to a few months.

Becoming a flight attendant in South Africa can be a rewarding career choice, offering the opportunity to travel and meet diverse groups of people while providing a crucial service on board. Remember, each airline might have specific requirements or additional steps, so it’s important to research the specific criteria of the airline you want to apply to.

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Places to Study

In South Africa, there are several institutions where you can pursue training to become a flight attendant. These institutions offer specialised courses that equip candidates with the necessary skills and certifications required to work in the aviation industry. Here’s a list of some reputable places to consider:

Notable Flight Attendant Training Institutions in South Africa:

  • Cranfield Aviation Training: Located in Johannesburg, Cranfield offers a range of aviation-related courses, including a comprehensive flight attendant training program. The course covers all essential areas such as safety procedures, first aid, and customer service.
  • Cabin Crew Academy: Situated in Benoni, Gauteng, this academy provides a detailed Cabin Crew Licensing course that meets the requirements set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). They focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of flight attendant duties.
  • Skyy Aviation Academy: Based in Durban, Skyy Aviation offers a Cabin Crew Member Licensing course, which includes emergency evacuation training, firefighting, and water survival skills, alongside customer service training.
  • Future Flyers Academy: Located in Johannesburg, Future Flyers provides extensive training for aspiring flight attendants, focusing on everything from in-flight service to safety and emergency procedures.
  • EPT Aviation Training: Also in Johannesburg, EPT offers a range of courses tailored to the aviation industry, including a specific course for those aiming to become cabin crew members.

When choosing a training provider, it’s important to ensure that the institution is accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), as this is a requirement for working as a flight attendant in South Africa. Additionally, visiting open days and speaking to former students can provide deeper insights into the quality and relevance of the training offered.