She not only looks down on the world from on high every time she is on her job but she does so from a senior position satisfied that promotions rewarding her diligence have taken her high, to the top of the ladder.
Flight Purser Georgina Bugeja, from Birkirkara, joined Emirates Airline as a grade 2 cabin crew member, assigned to economy class, in September 2000 following a call for applications that appeared in The Times.
Today, almost 10 years later and several steps up the promotions ladder and as Emirates launches its umpteenth invitation for Maltese nationals to join it, she proudly speaks about her achievements, work and travel experiences and her satisfaction in working with Emirates Airline.
One might think a purser's job is easy but it is a responsible position and responsibility carries burdens. Her duties include supervision and management of the entire cabin crew in all of the aircraft cabins and on-board training for crew members that have just been recruited. A purser is also responsible for overseeing the efficient and accurate execution of the various in-flight services, customer relations and ensuring the smoothest and safest journey possible to the intended destination. Quite a tall order.
But responsibility does not scare Ms Bugeja. Indeed, she aspires for more. Ask her about her career plans and she will reply: "Moving ahead, I am aspiring to become a cabin crew instructor at Emirates Training College because I relish the prospect of the opportunity to share with new recruits and impart to them all the knowledge and experiences that I have gained."
Working with any airline has attractions, of course, and when she applied to join the Emirates team she could see the glamour of the job she wanted to have. As she herself admits, her reasons for joining were "most definitely the opportunity to see the world, meet new people from all walks of life, discover new cultures and traditions as well as work with one of the most prestigious, professional and highly-acclaimed airlines in the aviation industry".
She has not been disappointed and New York tops her list of most favourite destinations to visit. "I just love the city vibe, the vibrant melting pot of cultures, the buzzing shopping scene, the incredible sightseeing opportunities and the amazing and highly entertaining Broadway shows."
Prior to starting the job, all Emirates crew members undergo extensive training where a variety of topics are covered, some of which might not occur to everyone that they are necessary.
Ms Bugeja explains: "A very essential and crucial aspect of our role involves administering first aid to passengers in need. We undergo periodic and regular intensive training in skills which enable us to preserve and save lives. I personally will be forever grateful and appreciative of the fact of having been on numerous occasions able to significantly contribute towards passenger safety, comfort and well-being."
She sees many qualities that are necessary for the job and feels she has them. They include compassion, tolerance, patience, open mindedness, dependability, flexibility, assertiveness, perseverance, consistency and resilience, coupled with a passion for delivering quality service, meeting and dealing with people, love for travelling and a keen interest in the world of aviation.
It is, she hastens to add, what makes Emirates Airline the favourite of so many in the travelling world and an employer to be proud of.
The airline is very focused on employee recognition and, in fact, various reward programmes were specifically designed to ensure that awards are given to crew members who go beyond their call of duty, lead by example, professionally and successfully handle a challenging situation, exceed passenger expectations, save a life, etc. Employees can be nominated by superiors, peers, subordinates or even passengers.
"I myself have been the recipient of several awards namely, Crew Member of the Month, several certificates for 100 per cent achievement in my annual exams, an award for purser with highly commendable guidance, professionalism, genuine welfare and concern for crew on board, and one for outstanding duty of care extended to a colleague when hospitalised while in Malta."
Her job took her away from her country of birth, though not permanently. How does she like living in Dubai, seeing that Emirates cabin crews are mostly based there?
"Since my arrival in Dubai, 10 years ago, I have seen this city transform rapidly, becoming the cosmopolitan and exciting city it is today. It being a hub to most destinations around the world, the interesting and diverse mix of cultures it hosts and the tax free benefits one enjoys as an expatriate are some of the incentives that attract me to Dubai."
Ms Bugeja is evidently proud of her job, which has given her satisfaction. To her, the biggest achievement was having seen herself start from practically the bottom of the career ladder to gradually but steadily climb to the top. The personal development and character building opportunities and experiences that she gained along the way have helped her grow and mature.
She was emphatic when asked whether she would recommend her job to her fellow Maltese. "I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Emirates Airline as the ideal company to work for to any of my aspiring Maltese compatriots. Embarking on board the Emirates Airline family not only gives you the opportunity to have a job and earn a living but also opens doors to a life that is enriched and packed with exciting, interesting, valuable and memorable experiences."
Evidently, Ms Bugeja is not only a top purser but also a very good ambassador.
An Emirates recruitment team will be interviewing candidates during an open day at InterContinental Malta, St Julians, tomorrow, from 9 a.m. Further information can be obtained from www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.