My name is Maarit Erricker and I work for Norse Atlantic Airways. I have been involved in the aviation industry since 1987. Having started in 1987 and twenty years of absence with children, resuming my career in 2017, I have now flown for nearly 16 years.
What made you decide to join the aviation industry?
I had my first flying experience when I was seven years old, flying from Kuopio to Helsinki in Finland. I was in awe of the environment and the hugely glamorous cabin crew who were so incredibly professional and graceful. After that flight, I decided that I want to work on an airplane.
When and where did your aviation career start?
I started my career in 1987 with Cal Air, a British Caledonian charter that became Novair International shortly after. I had the privilege to fly on ex-Laker Airways DC10 aircraft. Sadly the company didn’t survive.
Lucky for me, I finally had my British passport and got through the Virgin Atlantic Airways selection process, and established my career fully from 1990-1998.
What career path did you take to become Cabin Crew?
I had no particular career path as such. I am from Finland and at the time it was nearly impossible to get anywhere with airlines without a British passport. Cal Air/Novair only required the status of the right to remain and work in the UK.
There were obvious things like customer service skills, flexibility, teamwork, fluency in languages, and fitting and looking acceptable in the uniform, which was a big thing. I had the skills and attributes required at the time so I consider myself very lucky.
What does being Cabin Crew mean to you?
I thoroughly enjoy “my office”. If there is a vocation, working on an airplane was my childhood dream and during the years of not flying, I found it very difficult at times to feel settled. I’m at home on my airplane. Aviation gets into your blood, the smell of aviation fuel..nothing compares.
I love working with like-minded people and there is a special bond between us. Lifelong friendships, it’s like a huge family. The ever-changing world of aviation is probably the most challenging, but at the same time, the most exciting industry I have worked for and over the years from when I started, it has definitely changed. Nine to five is just not for me, I need the unknown factor in my work day.
What do you love most about working as Cabin Crew?
I love the fact that no day is the same. As far as I’m concerned, every day is going to be a great day. If there are complications we’ll deal with it, simple. I love meeting new people, crew, and passengers and new challenges. Travelling the world is always a bonus.
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring Cabin Crew?
Go for it! Make sure your CV is up to date, and think about what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Think carefully about how your lifestyle would be affected, as being Cabin Crew means that your life as you know will change quite dramatically. To get to hired by airlines is a matter of getting through the selection process and exams, but to become Cabin Crew there needs to be a passion for the profession. Cabin Crew training will give you a number of transferable skills that will be useful for the future, if flying is not for you.
