From Boom to Bloom: Air Hostess Academies in Dun

Diksha Grover

DEHRADUN, October 10, 2008:

In the past few years, Dehardun’s students have had several opportunities in the field of the Aviation sector. With AHA-Air Hostess Academy, Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, Flying Cats Air Hostess Training School and All India Institute of Aeronautics creating some successful cabin crew, Kingfisher Training Academy also plans a landing here.

Some common reasons why most organizations feel that this sector is booming immensely is because of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Ritika Anand, Public Relations Manager of AHA feels, “This is a very promising career option with the vision of a smart, efficient lady in mind. One gets to travel some of the best destination in the country and abroad. Also, Liberalizations of air policies have increased the private operation of air services and this has created immense job opportunities in this field.”

With a per annum fees of Rs. 65,000 extending up to Rs. 1.25 lakh (approximately), there are not just pay-in-installment helps but also financial assistances provided through certain banks. When asked about the sudden hype in fees of such organizations; surprisingly, the two common replies were “some standards have to be maintained” and “the escalation in prices and the overall inflation”.

These organizations also provide complete job placements after finishing the course. Be it ground job or hotelier services, the high priced money makes sure, everyone gets to earn from a ‘respectable job’. According to Mr. Jitinder Chauhan,Public Relation Officer of the All India Institute of Aeronautics, “Job placement is not just about where the institute wishes to place the student, but also about how well the student is prepared for the interview. Though we have a lot of opportunities for our students, various consultancy services and sites like naukri dot com also help our students getting placed.”

With the course structure like Code of Conduct, English Language, Announcement Delivery, Cabin Familiarization, Galley Management, Airline Food and Beverage, Customer Care Fundamental, Aviation Safety Attitude Impacting Behavior, Team Building Emotions and Change Management- one needs to devote 2 hours on 5 days.

Most of these academies are affiliated with various Southern or Eastern Universities. To exemplify- AHA-Air Hostess Academy is validated by the Cambridge University's CIE (Cambridge Internal Examinations). Edexcel, UK awards the degree by Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training. Flying Cats Air Hostess Training School is affiliated with Annamalai University. All India Institute of Aeronautics is affiliated with Karnataka Open University and Kingfisher Training Academy is obviously recognized by Kingfisher airlines. Though there is enough work for everyone, respectable work continues to attract the economy.

Published in Hindustan Times, Dehradun