“Many people are overwhelmed when it comes to safety,” Swiss cabin crew bosses warn in internal video.

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Switzerland’s new cabin crew boss Martin Knuchel, 57, vows to his team for the tasks ahead. “Fall break is coming, it won’t get any easier,” he says in an internal video made available to Blick. His appeal is addressed to 3,600 flight attendants in Switzerland.

Knuchel has been on the job since July. He started his aviation career as a flight attendant at Swissair in 1995. Today he still flies regular duty as cabinet chief. His word carries weight.

Especially when it comes to security, Knuchel addresses his colleagues with emphatic words. «I have signs that many people are becoming depressed when it comes to security. And the issue of security is sometimes neglected. “This concerns me!” says. “Safety is the be-all and end-all in the aviation industry, I don’t need to tell you that. Nothing works without security!”

Cabin crew play a central role when it comes to safety. This means they are the first to respond to emergencies. For example, to provide first aid, evacuate the aircraft, respond to onboard fires, or deal with medical emergencies. Or dealing with passengers who endanger the safety of other passengers. You also need to calm passengers in case of turbulence and announce safety instructions before takeoff. So this is a huge responsibility.

Special attention required

Therefore, employees who do not have sufficient knowledge about security should be reported. Knuchel puts it clearly: “Whether you are a crew member, cabin chef, or instructor, I recommend this to all of you: Please pay special attention to safety issues. Intervene when necessary. Be active! Feedback or in-depth evaluation of safety information is not a lethal element that harms the crew member. But this shows us where we need to support.”

Knuchel then turns to the team: “You may also need to take the final step and remove a crew member from the rotation. Note: More support is needed. I encourage you! You have the support of the line, I guarantee it.” Knuchel couldn’t have been clearer.

Many new people need time and nerves

Another problem: the use of too many new ones; It is much faster than before, especially on long-distance routes. During the corona crisis, Switzerland laid off a large number of employees. Now they are lost. And it should be replaced as quickly as possible.

This takes time and can get on the nerves of experienced people. “The high recruitment of new colleagues will certainly not decrease in the future. We train you, instruct you and set you on your way. This is rigid and not always satisfactory. “We will get through this together,” he encourages.

What does Switzerland say about the video where clear announcements are made to the cabin crew? Blick asked. “Since Switzerland is still under construction and we have a lot of new employees, after the first experience on short-haul routes it may be possible to assign cabin crew to long-haul flights faster than before Corona,” said Swiss spokeswoman Silvia Exer-Kuhn. However, this has no impact on security.

In 2023, 1,000 new cabin workers were sought and found without any problems. New employees will need the support of experienced colleagues on their first flight. “In some cases this leads to a slightly higher workload for promotional colleagues on board,” the Swiss spokesman said.

More than serving

He continues: “Martin Knuchel regularly addresses the cabin crew with management messages. “With more than 3,500 cabin crew, it is not possible to communicate with everyone face-to-face on a regular basis, so most communication takes place via text or video message.” The security issue is central. Each crew member is trained in an annual, three-day refresher course.

Steve Broghammer, media spokesman for the Kapers union, emphasizes: “Raising the security issue is nothing special.” The video was received positively by the majority of employees. The job is much more challenging than “just serving.” However, when it comes to safety, staff are well trained so they can deal with a wide range of situations. And of course, it makes a difference whether the crew consists only of experienced people or young people need to be trained as well.

Source :Blick