Arta Uma Upmale is a 26-year-old social-media manager and part-time flight attendant at airBaltic, Latvia’s flagship carrier airline. Her journey into the world of cabin crew started in 2021 when airBaltic launched its “Office in the Sky” program, allowing office workers to undergo cabin-crew training and take flying shifts a few times a month around their full-time jobs. This opportunity presented itself as a chance for Arta to make extra income while experiencing a new and exciting role.
The extensive cabin-crew training that Arta underwent was a rigorous process that involved learning about the aircraft, handling various scenarios on board, and even participating in simulated emergency situations. Despite the challenges, Arta found the training to be both exhausting and interesting. She spent three evenings a week and every second Saturday in the training center for four months, all while receiving a stipend on top of her salary from airBaltic.
After completing her training and passing a line check, Arta began flying as a part-time flight attendant. She now flies two to four times a month, with the flexibility to adjust her schedule to accommodate her full-time job as a social-media manager. Balancing both roles involves strategic scheduling, with Arta often taking early morning, evening, and weekend shifts to ensure she doesn’t miss any commitments for her office job.
Despite the challenges of balancing two roles, Arta finds joy in being part of the cabin crew. She enjoys interacting with passengers, sharing travel tips, and earning extra income through flying shifts. The job allows her to combine her love for travel with her passion for social media, as she often works on her daily tasks as a social-media manager during free time on flights.
For Arta, the part-time cabin-crew job at airBaltic is a perfect fit. It provides her with a source of additional income, allows her to interact with people, and offers flexibility in scheduling. While the job may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who do not enjoy working with people or undergoing continuous training, Arta has found a balance that works for her.
The “Office in the Sky” program at airBaltic may be unique, but the flexibility of being a cabin crew member is universal. Many of Arta’s colleagues at airBaltic also work in other professions while being full-time cabin crew members. This flexibility allows individuals to pursue their passions and interests while also enjoying the perks of traveling and working in the aviation industry.
In conclusion, Arta Uma Upmale’s story highlights the possibilities that come with combining a full-time job with a part-time role as a flight attendant. Her experience showcases the challenges and rewards of balancing two roles, as well as the flexibility and opportunities that come with being a part of the cabin crew.
