Known to be hard-workers, Filipinos are most sought after because of their positive work attitude and cheerful disposition. In fact, over 1,100 Filipinos of which 280 are cabin crew, are employed with Emirates Airline, the world’s third most profitable and fastest growing airline.

"We are generally a happy people, we always find something to smile about," Vene Sheila Teodoro, a cabin crew of Emirates Airline, says.

Sheila, a 5’11" Pagsanjan native, is one of 280 cabin crew out of over 1,100 Filipino employees with Emirates Airline. She has just recently been promoted to the First Class cabin (FG1).

"I’ve always been interested in travelling. I experienced the Emirates Airline service on my first trip to London in 2001. I was working with a foreign embassy in Manila but I thought I’d spread my wings and explore the world. With this in mind, I didn’t need much convincing to answer the ad recruiting future cabin crew from the Philippines. This has been one of the best career choices I’ve made."

But it is no easy task. All qualified cabin crew are to undergo a five–week training course before taking on a flight.

"At first, it was a bit daunting because I didn’t have previous experience of being a cabin crew. This might have been to my advantage as I started with a fresh mind and open to learning policies and procedures specifically for Emirates." Sheila says, "Most people would think that we’re here just to serve them a meal or drinks but it is our job to ensure that they will have a safe flight with us, first and foremost."

Given the profile of the passengers and crew, Sheila has learned to respect differences and gets along with the people she works with.

"Foreign passengers usually observe this and are not surprised to learn where we are from just the smile that we give them. And being Asian, we have a serving heart and are sincere in what we do. I also serve as my country’s ambassadress with the people I meet everyday."

Emirates Airline is currently on their recruitment drive with IPAMS, the airline’s official recruitment agency for manpower requirements since 1991 for all categories of air and ground personnel and professionals in the aviation industry.

Sheila advises future cabin crew members. "It is very important for them to have a solid customer service experience and that they enjoy working with people. With the proper training, anybody can be a cabin crew but what would set you apart is when you sincerely enjoy what you do and everyone will see this with the way you work. It’s no longer a job when this happens and will help you through challenging times on board. Believe in yourself that you have something unique to contribute to the growing Emirates family, always be loyal to the organization you represent and have faith in the Lord no matter how difficult things become. Most importantly, be proud to be a Filipino wherever you are."

Emirates operates services to 91 destinations in 61 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. New routes planned for 2007 include Venice, Sao Paulo, Newcastle, Houston and Toronto.

source: The Manila Bulletin, Travel and Tourism Section