A Closer Look: flying high with Emirates cabin crew recruits


Sarah Forster
  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

As one of the world's best-known airlines, Emirates needs to provide a high standard of service to stay on top.

With a fleet of 220 aircraft currently in active service, it needs 16,000 highly trained cabin crew to keep things running smoothly.

However, this elite team of emergency-sliding, fire-extinguishing medical responders do not just turn up to the recruitment drive with these skills.

It takes months of training, practice, exams and recurring checks to ensure they keep their jobs in the sky.

Sarah Forster spent the day at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College to find out more, then spoke to host Rory Reynolds about the experience.

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  • An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
    An Emirates cabin crew trainee takes the plunge into cold water with a life jacket on. All photos Pawan Singh / The National
  • Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
    Trainees are taught to huddle in the cold water to conserve heat during an emergency landing on water.
  • Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
    Trainees are shown how to unravel and attach the protective orange cover for the life raft.
  • Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
    Despite being taught to stay in the inflatable life raft, trainees are asked to jump in the cold water during emergency landing exercises to learn the proper technique for keeping warm.
  • Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
    Tania Hettiaratchy, training instructor, watches her class.
  • Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
    Trainee Emirates cabin crew leave the Airbus A380 simulator using the inflatable slide.
  • A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
    A trainee opens the emergency exit in preparation for evacuating the aircraft.
  • Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
    Emirates Cabin Crew Training College is the only one in the world to have a full-sized A380 fuselage.
  • Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
    Tania Hettiaratchy lectures trainees on how to wear the life jackets for an emergency evacuation on water.
  • This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
    This cabin replica is where crew members are shown how to serve guests on board.
  • Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
    Crew serve and are served during their training so they learn to appreciate the customer experience.
  • Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
    Trainees form tight bonds with others in their 'batch' and often remain friends for years into their service.
  • Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
    Talks on the importance of skin care, including an emphasis on protection against the sun, are part of crew training.
  • At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
    At the image station, female trainees are taught how to apply their make-up and males are shown the importance of a proper manicure.
RESULTS
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Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

All Blacks line-up for third Test

J Barrett; I Dagg, A Lienert-Brown, N Laumape, J Savea; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).

Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden, M Fekitoa.

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Mobile phone packages comparison
Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

COMPANY PROFILE

Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar

Based: Dubai, UAE

Founded: 2014

Number of employees: 36

Sector: Logistics

Raised: $2.5 million

Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Score

Third Test, Day 2

New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)

Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)

Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)

Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)

Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)

Sunday

Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)

Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)

Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)

Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)

Monday

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

The%20specs
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Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:26 AM
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