SWISS Inside - Safety (Cabin Crew 4)

Nicole Kobler, Trainee Flight Attendant

This week is all about getting trained outside the classroom – challenging training moduls were waiting for us. On Monday morning we all had to tug on grey overalls, a shock to the eye after earlier having looked so good in our uniforms. ;-)

Once we were suited up, the training started. During our session in the Airbus A319 simulator, we had to activate the emergency slide. The aircraft door is equipped with a lever, which when in the “disarmed” position allows the door to open smoothly. But if the lever is put in the “armed” position, opening the door automatically activates the emergency slide, which then fills with air within a matter of seconds. Forgetting to set the lever back to the disarmed position before opening the door ranks as the most embarrassing and costly mistake a flight attendant can possibly make.

After receiving the command to “sit and slide” and “jump and slide” we had the opportunity to descend twice. While this was quite exiting to do in a training session, we all hope that we will never have to use the slide in reality.

In the afternoon we had to hit the books again to learn more about the most important topic: safety.

SWISS Inside – Uniform (Cabin Crew 3)

Nicole Kobler, Trainee Flight Attendant

Since we started wearing our uniform a few days ago we no longer look any different from our more experienced cabin crew colleagues. Wow!

When I put on my uniform for the first time I was really excited. I got out of bed almost an hour too early because I wanted to be sure that I would have enough time ;-).

While waiting at the station for the train to Zurich Airport, I repeatedly looked around to see if people noticed that I was wearing my uniform for the first time. But of course no one was aware of my sense of excitement.

When I finally arrived in the classroom I hardly recognised my classmates. How good everyone looked! The aura of pride was almost tangible and at last we all had the feeling of belonging to SWISS.

SWISS Inside – Catching the flying bug (Cabin Crew 2)

Nicole Kobler, Trainee Flight Attendant

24 hours. That’s exactly how long it took for me to catch the flying bug. Resistance = 0!

Yesterday at 08:15 marked the start of my first day at Swiss International Air Lines. I found myself together with 21 other cabin crew “newbies”. After a brief round of introductions, the initial silence was quickly broken. Particularly when one of my classmates called out: “Hey, Nicole, you’re the one from the blog!”. ;-) The ice was then well and truly broken and lively conversations suddenly broke out everywhere.

We sat down at our tables and stared in awe at the mountain of information in front of us. Binders, books, notebooks and more binders.

Our instructors explained with a smile that we would be spending the next four weeks absorbing this information. In fact, we have no choice if we intend to pass the examination! ;-)
The two-day course simply flew by (pardon the pun).

SWISS Inside - My life at the airline (Cabin Crew 1)

Nicole Kobler, Trainee Flight Attendant

The countdown has started. In less than a week from now I will start my course to become a cabin crew member, specifically a flight attendant, and will soon be working beyond the clouds!

One week in which I simply have to overcome my fear of flying ;-)). No, of course I don’t suffer from fear of flying.

My thoughts have been constantly revolving around the same subject for some time now: Swiss International Air Lines! I am looking forward to this new challenge and to becoming part of this group of smartly-dressed professionals who continue to draw inquiring looks from others at the airports all over the world, even though flying has long been a normal element of everyday life.

Soon I will be going to Zurich Airport every day and enjoying the wonderful, international, constantly busy atmosphere all around me. When the big moment comes I will have to take a deep breath and probably shake my head in disbelief that I am in fact on board. Then I will smile and start the day. I am looking forward to this different working life, one which knows no routine and which daily brings me in contact with new people and takes me to new destinations.

Your feedback and our Cabin Crew

Dear reader, passengers and fans

First of all I want to thank you for your input and ideas about our blog!

Most of you suggested that you want us to have our cabin crew staff and/or pilots talk about their job. We have now decided to do so.

Nicole, a future flight attendant, will share her experiences during her Cabin Crew Training. She will start attending classes next week and will tell you once or twice a week about the challenges she faces, and her impressions and feelings as she progresses through her training.

Please welcome Nicole as our temporary columnist. Her first article will be published on Thursday or Friday.

Best regards
Christian

David Guetta in the air

Interview: Manuela Gretener, Manager Inflight Entertainment
Photos: EMI Music

David Guetta, one of the most successful DJ’s and producers of the world exchanged the club atmosphere for once with the airline environment. He produced an exclusive music channel for SWISS and told us a bit more about himself and his music.

David, what is your biggest inspiration when creating a new track?
Everything comes from the clubs. I start creating a track and play it out to see the reaction of the people; dance music has a physical reaction and when I see arms in the air all together, I know it’s ready. Then I think of a theme for a song that suits the vibe and a voice that would compliment it. I get together with an artist or a songwriter and we work to create melodies and lyrics. Et voila!

What can the SWISS passengers expect from your self created music channel?
I’ve created an exclusive mix of some of my own records and others that I think will be the soundtrack to the fall season. No matter if you are on your way to a vacation or flying home, I hope that my channel gets you in the mood to party.

You played already live on a flight, how was that party like?
Insane! We filled the plane with competition winners and I debuted my One Love album, so it was a very special moment. When we landed in Ibiza, we partied till sunrise.