Maltese crew fly A380

Senior flight stewardess Eleonor Apap and Benjamyn Giordano, nominated as Emirates Cabin Crew of the Month - September, speak about their rewarding experiences with Emirates and what makes it so different to fly on the superjumbo Airbus A380.

Ms Apap joined Emirates in October 2002. Today, she has not only realised her dream of becoming an air stewardess with a world-class airline but is also proud to have been chosen to serve on the A380.

Mr Giordano, who joined the airline 15 months ago, was initially attracted by the prospects of travelling the world. Today, he describes his post as "serious but exciting".

For Ms Apap, flying on the A380 fills her with enthusiasm and gives her a real family feeling. "Since only a relatively small number of cabin crew members work on the A380, it gives us the opportunity to build a healthy rapport with our colleagues as we fly together several times".

The sheer size of the A380 and "the way it just ploughs through turbulence like it is not even there" impress Mr Giordano. "The only thing you feel is a pleasant rocking sensation. Additionally, the new Airbus is designed with more spacious seats, an enhanced ICE (information, communication, entertainment) in-flight entertainment system, a luxurious onboard lounge in business class and the onboard shower spas in first class."

The new generation double-decker A380 is configured in three classes, comprising 14 seats in first class, 76 seats in business class and 399 seats in economy class. The first A380s flying in Emirates' colours are deployed on the Dubai-New York and Dubai-London Heathrow routes and, as from February 1, they will also be flying to Sydney and Auckland.

"The passengers love the aircraft," says Ms Apap. "They are so impressed and it is a great feeling to be able to wow them with our product."

Both she and Mr Giordano admit that seeing a smile on a passenger's face and knowing that they contributed to making the person happy is a very rewarding aspect of their job.

Asked for advice for anyone wishing to join Emirates as cabin crew, Ms Apap says she would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes adventure and new experiences. "Initially, I only intended to sign a contract for three years but six years later I am still here. I guess that says it all."

Mr Giordano, who has now settled in Dubai as part of the cabin crew package, admits that it is a different lifestyle which requires one to be open minded and willing to accept new things.

They both enjoy living in Dubai and, comparing the lifestyle with Malta, Ms Apap comments that Dubai never seems to stop. Whereas in Malta one would work during the week and go out mostly on weekends, in Dubai restaurants, clubs and pubs are busy every night of the week. She suspects that the strong presence of cabin crew members in the city contributes to this as they get days off on what are usually working days.

In Mr Giordano's views Dubai is very diverse and multicultural. He says the city provides so many choices.

As to their work as cabin crew Ms Apap says she has thoroughly enjoyed her whole experience with Emirates. It exposed her to so many different cultures and allowed her to make many new friends of diverse nationalities, apart from visiting countries she never dreamt she would ever see.

"I think what makes me really proud is people's reaction to our presence in uniform at airports. Working for a reputable international airline such as Emirates is great," adds Ms Apap, who also aspires to progress within the A380 fleet and perhaps also go into cabin crew training.

Mr Giordano agrees: "Seeing the look on people's faces once I say I work for one of the biggest and most recognised airlines in the world is very exciting. Forming part of a prestigious brand also allows you to introduce yourself to people and be pleasantly received.

Without doubt, I am here for the long term. I love my job and Dubai."

An Emirates cabin crew recruitment team will this week be holding an open day for prospective Maltese candidates interested to join the rapidly expanding international airline. The information session will be held on Saturday at the Hilton Malta, Portomaso, St Julians at 9 a.m. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend further assessments, which will be held between Sunday and the following Tuesday.

Candidates must be aged 21 and over at the time of joining (they can be 20 at the time of application) and should present their curriculum vitae, together with a full length and passport-size photograph in business attire.

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.