Arta Uma Upmale, a 26-year-old social-media manager and part-time flight attendant at airBaltic, Latvia’s flagship carrier airline, shares her experience of juggling two jobs in the aviation industry. In a conversation with Business Insider, she sheds light on the unique opportunity provided by airBaltic’s “Office in the Sky” program, which allows office workers to undergo cabin-crew training and take flying shifts a few times a month around their full-time jobs.
Arta’s journey began in 2021 when she joined airBaltic as a social-media manager. Eager to explore new horizons and make extra income, she seized the opportunity to become a part-time flight attendant when the airline needed additional staff post-pandemic. Despite being an anxious flyer initially, Arta saw this as a chance to challenge herself and gain firsthand experience of the cabin-crew job.
The extensive cabin-crew training came as a surprise to Arta. Whether full-time or part-time, there are no shortcuts in mastering the ins and outs of aircraft operations and handling various in-flight scenarios. From reading training materials to practical exercises like simulating passenger rescue missions, the training was rigorous yet rewarding. AirBaltic’s support, including a stipend on top of her salary, motivated Arta to persevere through the four-month training period.
After completing her training and passing a line check, Arta embarked on her first flight as a cabin crew member in April 2023. Balancing her flying duties with her office job required strategic scheduling, with early morning, evening, and weekend shifts ensuring minimal disruption to her full-time role. Longer flights like the one to Lisbon not only allowed Arta to interact with passengers but also boosted her earnings through overtime pay.
Despite the demanding nature of the job, Arta finds fulfillment in being part of the cabin crew. As a people person with a knack for customer service, she enjoys taking care of passengers and sharing travel tips with them. The flexibility of the part-time role, coupled with the opportunity to combine it with her social-media manager position, makes it a perfect fit for Arta.
While the cabin-crew job may not be for everyone, Arta emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills, empathy, and a willingness to undergo continuous training to meet industry safety standards. The flexibility of being cabin crew allows individuals to pursue other professions simultaneously, as seen in Arta’s colleagues who work as architects, physiotherapists, and personal trainers alongside their flying duties.
In conclusion, Arta’s experience highlights the feasibility of combining flight attending with another job, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the aviation industry. The “Office in the Sky” program at airBaltic serves as a testament to the potential for individuals to explore diverse career paths while enjoying the unique experiences that come with being part of a cabin crew.
