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Author: Jacqueline Bailey
Contract flight attendants are an essential part of corporate aviation. Most people think service and safety are the only two reasons people need flight attendants, but flight attendants are a more complex addition to corporate aviation. Customers may not consider the integrity of the interior, resale factor, and catering costs that largely contribute to corporate flight.
When an aircraft is chartered and filled to capacity, spills and interior damage can occur very easily. Such mistakes can be costly, and those costs would be forwarded to the operator and/or charter customer. These expenses can easily be alleviated by having a flight attendant on board. Having someone look out for the integrity of the aircraft, assist with closing the panels and doors properly, and set up the entertainment allows the customer to enjoy the experience without having to worry about figuring out and/or breaking something on board.
Beverage and food spills are common. I’m sure most operators agree that red wine can create a love-hate relationship with flying. Customers love consuming it, while operators hate cleaning it. Trained flight attendants possess the knowledge required for pouring beverages and preventing spills from happening. If a spill occurs, flight attendants will be able to react quickly and ensure it doesn’t lead to a stain.
When pilots serve food and beverages to the customers, it creates a different dynamic between the customer and crew. Pilots are on board to fly, not serve. Aviation accidents and incidents usually unfold quickly. When a pilot is out of his/her seat for any length of time, they are not involved in the sequence of events that could lead up to an incident or accident. To brief that pilot on what has been happening, you must lose valuable time. This is another reason that speaks to the importance of having a flight attendant on board.
Flight attendants take it upon themselves to provide an exceptional in-flight experience. Generally, in-flight departments or pilots who order catering will focus on what is easiest, not what will create the best experience for the customer. However, since costs are considerably higher when catering for private aircraft, corporate flight attendants shop around and purchase the products themselves. When flight attendants have the opportunity to select the finest foods, not only will the presentation be outstanding, but the cost will be substantially less. At Sterling we say, “What you save in catering will pay for your attendant”.
Sterling Aviation Services provides flight attendant services worldwide. Currently celebrating 10 years in business, they ensure the integrity of your aircraft, and maintain a high quality of service. Louise Dunlop, president and founder of Sterling, is proud to lead a team of almost 50 executive women in business aviation.