Wednesday, March 27, 2024
This week, Rylan Clark reached new heights by participating in a high-altitude training session to hone his skills as a member of Virgin Atlantic‘s cabin crew, aiming to deliver exceptional service. Despite being a renowned television presenter, radio DJ, and bestselling author, Rylan had a backup plan of pursuing a career as cabin crew, which Virgin Atlantic put to the test. Wearing the iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform, he participated in an in-flight training session at 38,000 feet, lending a hand in Economy class on a flight from London Heathrow to Miami. Rylan welcomed passengers, utilized his height to help with luggage, added his personal touch to safety demonstrations, served drinks, and distributed treats mid-flight, including kids’ packs for young flyers.
After a thorough pre-flight briefing, Rylan learned how to deliver Virgin Atlantic’s unique and personalized service under the guidance of cabin crew members Ombi Barham and James Cooper, aiming to meet the airline’s high standards. The entire experience was captured in a film showcasing Rylan’s interactions with passengers, from directing them to their seats to attempting announcements over the PA system and serving surprises like mid-flight ice lollies.
While Rylan’s enthusiasm and performance were commendable, there were areas for improvement noted during the training. Crew members observed him taking an unscheduled snack break and getting caught up with families enjoying the airline’s amenities, indicating room for growth in adhering to Virgin Atlantic’s service standards. Although Rylan showcased dedication and effort, he acknowledges that he still needs to embody Virgin Atlantic’s unique ‘red spirit’ and passion to fully match the airline’s exceptional crew members.
Rylan commented, “I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of being cabin crew, so to have the opportunity to try and get my wings with Virgin Atlantic, and be taught by the best in the business, was literally a dream come true.
“If you’ve flown Virgin Atlantic before, you’ll know how amazing the crew are and how hard they work to make everyone feel special. Now I know how to serve a signature Mile High Tea, I know who’ll be getting a copy of my CV if the TV career doesn’t work out!”
Ombi Barham, Flight Service Manager at Virgin Atlantic comments, “It was a pleasure having Rylan onboard to test out his service skills and see if he can embody our unique red spirit. We want all of our customers to feel special when they fly Virgin Atlantic – no matter which cabin they’re in – and Rylan really did go the extra mile to do that. He brought the energy, warmth and fun that our customers know and love.”
As new studies reveal, 66% of travelers emphasize the crucial role of the onboard experience in shaping their overall trip satisfaction. A positive in-flight experience is primarily influenced by a friendly and hospitable cabin crew (75%), quality food and beverages (61%), and thoughtful, personalized gestures that enhance the feeling of being valued (41%).
Moreover, 49% of respondents view the beginning of their vacation journey from the moment they step into the airport. Remarkably, 80% express that a delightful flight significantly enhances their enjoyment of the holiday, while 90% affirm that an excellent flight experience contributes to a heightened sense of relaxation.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented, “A journey truly comes to life the moment our customers step on to the plane, and we want to make sure that everyone enjoys a special experience, no matter what cabin they’re travelling in. Our customers tell us the thing that sets Virgin Atlantic apart is our people and our cabin crew are experts at making all on board feel special. Rylan has that natural warmth and amazing personality that our crew are famous for, and with a little more training I’m confident he’ll earn his Virgin Atlantic wings.”
Virgin Atlantic Economy provides three options for flying: Economy Light, Classic, and Delight. Economy Light includes only hand luggage, Economy Classic offers a 23kg baggage allowance along with hand luggage, and Economy Delight provides Premium check-in desks, priority boarding, and extra legroom on board. All Economy services feature delectable food and beverages, along with special touches like afternoon tea, organic ice lollies, kids’ packs, entertainment, and exceptional personal service.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
