Take off quickly at KLM Cityhopper
Anyone who starts working as a cabin attendant at KLM Cityhopper is given a great deal of responsibility from day one. But according to Gabriel (26), you get used to that quickly. When he applied, he had only flown once in his life. “I had nothing to do with aviation. If you had told me a few years ago that I’d end up working as a cabin attendant, I would have laughed at you.”
Gabriel came across the vacancy more or less by coincidence: “At the time, I was working as a delivery driver and was ready for something different. Since you don’t need any specific education or experience to work at KLM Cityhopper, the application process went pretty smoothly. People sometimes think the job is just greeting passengers, serving drinks, and handing out headphones, and therefore see it as a ‘women’s job.’ That definitely didn’t stop me.”
“And honestly, that idea couldn’t be further from the truth! First of all, why would that make it a women’s job? Second, the role is so much more than simply pushing a trolley up and down the aisle. You need to be able to do a bit of everything: in many ways, you’re a doctor, police officer, and firefighter all in one. You’re dealing with multiple things at the same time. On top of that, you have to study hard and stay fit and sharp at all times. But if you do, I can’t imagine another place where you get so much freedom and where personal development is such a priority.”
Safety comes first
As a cabin attendant, you’re not only responsible for passengers’ comfort, but above all for their safety. For example, there was a passenger who became unwell during a flight, and I was responsible for handling the situation. I quickly gave him something to eat and drink, and he recovered almost immediately. Afterwards, it turned out the passenger himself was actually a doctor.Gabriel, Senior cabin attendant at KLM Cityhopper
Gabriel feels that people don’t always fully appreciate the profession, but that doesn’t bother him much. “I have many male colleagues at KLM Cityhopper. For some of them, flying was a childhood dream, and many already had experience in aviation. Men aren’t held back because people call it ‘women’s work.’ It’s simply a great job with a lot of responsibility, freedom, and room for growth — for both women and men.”
A lot of responsibility
You become part of a team of experienced colleagues you can learn a great deal from. “It immediately challenges you to think along and act when difficult situations arise,” Gabriel says. For example, how do you stay calm when a passenger refuses to follow instructions?
“Recently, there was a passenger who flat-out refused to place his bag under the seat during takeoff. Even though it’s mandatory: in an emergency, we must be able to evacuate the aircraft within ninety seconds, and every loose bag is one too many. I explained that to him calmly, you should always avoid escalating into a heated discussion. It took a while, but eventually he listened and put his bag away.”
At KLM Cityhopper, some aircraft are staffed with two cabin crew members, while others have three. With around a hundred passengers on board, that means you are personally responsible for thirty to fifty people. “You really have to be comfortable with that,” Gabriel explains. “If something goes wrong on board, you are accountable.”
Learning young, growing fast
Career progression within the company is actively encouraged. At KLM Cityhopper, you can already become eligible for promotion after just eight months. “Together with your manager, you decide whether you’re ready for it, but it’s great that the opportunity is there so quickly.” Gabriel now works as a senior cabin attendant on the smaller aircraft.
After five years, the idea is that you transition to regular KLM flights, both within and outside Europe. “By then, you’ve built a lot of experience, including giving feedback and coaching colleagues. You also become much more confident, whether you’re dealing with a medical situation or a passenger who isn’t listening properly.”
At your own pace
Cityhopper crew members have a fixed spot in KLM’s crew center: by the window. Over the years, this tradition developed naturally and helps colleagues recognize each other easily. “Even colleagues you’ve never flown with before are happy to have a chat. Everyone is genuinely interested in one another,” Gabriel says.
By now, Gabriel understands how much influence a team leader has on the atmosphere onboard. “The mood within your team depends entirely on you. If you show up to work in a good mood and bring positive energy throughout the day, it’s incredibly contagious. That’s something you can always shape in your own way.”
The early mornings and irregular working hours can be tough at times, especially when you’re just starting out. Still, Gabriel feels the job is very manageable overall. “A lot of it depends on yourself, of course. After a demanding week, I really enjoy taking it easy during the weekend and getting proper rest. I truly need that to start a new week feeling fresh.”
Traveling across Europe
Thanks to his work at KLM Cityhopper, Gabriel gets to visit some of the most beautiful destinations across Europe. Especially with summer approaching, that’s a major perk. “You might find yourself sitting on an Italian terrace on a Monday afternoon in April, ordering a glass of wine. And it tastes even better knowing that later that same week you’ll also be visiting Nice, Norway, and Belgrade. And all without jet lag!”
