Main entrance to OperationsCenter, near Terminal 1.
Operations Center, Zurich Airport
This is where our crews start their working day. As the name suggests, the OperationsCenter monitors our flight operations and coordinates rotations for our pilots and cabin crews. Other airlines also use the OperationsCenter.
Crew Communication Center
Using the workstations provided, cabin crew members complete their preparations. Here they see who they are working with on the day’s flights and obtain the latest information about the day’s destinations.
Briefing
One hour before the departure of a short-haul flight the cabin crew members meet for a briefing. During this session they form a team, assign individual duties for the day’s rotation, exchange information about the next flight and establish priorities. Another important aspect of the briefing is the discussion of various emergency scenarios and crew action. The pilots join the briefing at a later stage and inform the cabin crew about the flight plan.
Boarding Just like regular passengers, the cabin crew also passes through a security checkpoint, although it is separate from the ones for passengers. The crew bus then takes them directly to the aircraft.
After boarding the aircraft, crew members stow their own carry-on luggage, which consists of their individual hand luggage and a crew bag.
Safety check
Once on board, cabin crew members conduct a safety check their station. They need to make sure that nothing is missing and that everything is in proper working order. After then checking the quality and quantity of the meals loaded on boarded and other material that has been supplied, they prepare the cabin for boarding.
Passengers start boarding
At this point passengers begin boarding the aircraft. As discussed in the briefing, the first to do so are children, passengers in wheelchairs or elderly persons who require some assistance. They are followed by the other passengers.
Take off
The passengers are seated with their seat belts fastened. Hand luggage has been securely stowed away. The cabin is ready for take-off. All crew members have their own designated seat, and specific tasks to perform in the event of an emergency. Particular concentration is called for during take-off and landing.
Service on board
As soon as the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude, the cabin crew members begin another important part of their job: caring for passengers. Service varies depending on the route flown and the class of transport the passenger is in.
End of a working day
After the meal service is over, other duties need to be taken care of. These include the sale of duty free goods and the distribution immigration forms. At this point in the flight, flight attendants can deal with individual passenger wishes and also get a bite to eat.
