When thinking of the word aviation, I would hope this brings thoughts to one’s head of traveling through air. This is a very exciting experience for many as they are usually on their way to a getaway or vacation of some sort. As this is true for many, airlines also have regular passengers that use flights for business or personal reasons too. While I have many positive experience experiences on airlines, there are many who take on the responsibility to fly for their career. From flight attendants, pilots, to even those who load the luggage on the plane, all these people play an important role in the aviation industry. As safety is at the forefront of the tourism industry in general, this sector plays an important role in ensuring both the passengers and workers are always protected and prepared. After watching the film Inside American Airlines: A Week in The Life, we can see that there is a lot that comes into play when operating an airline. In the following paragraphs I will uncover my personal feelings in addition to key finding from this documentary.
As we uncover the sectors of the tourism industry, I try and picture myself in each of these scenarios as a possible career path. Knowing myself personally, I feel as if I would fit very well with a team in the aviation career. I would bring strong leadership characteristics and fluent customer service skills that would allow me to fit in with the profession. As our professor Lorie has shared her experience with Pan Am, I truly do think it would be a positive experience for me to damper with throughout my career. In contrast, I do believe that I would struggle personally with being on a plane for long amounts of time throughout the week. While the travel benefits are a plus, it would still discourage me that I would have to be cramped in the small spaces for a certain amount of time. When thinking about the lifestyle that many have to live in the career, I don’t think I’d get much enjoyment out of it even though it is an amazing opportunity. If I did dip into this sector of the tourism industry, I think it would be a position outside of the plane.
While the flight privileges would be such a great benefit to being in this field, I think the risks would also play an important factor in not joining the field. When I traveled to Mexico, I remember connecting with an attendant on the plane and she noted how much she loves her job. From strong benefits, to free travel and shares in the company, the career fit her well and she was very happy overall. It provided so many opportunities and opened so many doors for her to face new experiences on a regular basis. As many can see past the “what ifs” scenarios that could happen on the plane, I feel as if that would way heavy on my mind. While I am not one to worry or often, I do think that the always having the mindset of keeping others safe where it’s hard if an emergency did occur would be prominent on my mind. I do understand that the risks that go along are statistically small and highly unlikely, but we have seen that these emergency events do occur once in a while.
When thinking about my feelings towards the airline industry, I would say it’s a very great route to go through if you are passionate towards it. Those who have this passion will reflect on their passengers and other co-workers that will allow for a positive experience overall. I do think that the airlines are safe and provide customers with proper protocols and tools in an event of any type of emergency. While I would not personally enter this sector, I know that this would fit many looking for a startup career in hospitality and tourism. In regard to the profitability of the aviation field, I do believe that it is strong for both the company and the individual who joins the team. As an individual can start at a lower level in the company, there are many opportunities for one to move up the chain and grow in the field. In looking at company profitability, we saw that airline typically overbook and use other tactics to keep their revenue up. While this can keep profits up, there any many factors that can hurt the industry’s profits as well. For example, COVID-19 and weather factors can sway funds and even hurt this sector at times. This allows for companies to boost revenue significantly during prominent travel times and makeup for losses during weather and global crisis’s.
After learning about this sector in the tourism industry, there are many things I learned that I did not know prior. One thing in particular that piqued my interest was the amount of fuel these planes use and how much weight it accounts for on the plane. As the industry is aiming to switch to greener energy, this will continue to take time and advocates for this change need to speak up and stay on track with a plan. In addition, as I mentioned in the beginning, there are so many different parts of an airline company which allows for so many more opportunities for one to grow in these companies. If being on the plane isn’t for you, that okay! It is important to know and understand what this sector offers before ruling it out of your career path. While I do not see myself joining the aviation field, I will always leave the possibility open as it could provide a great experience for me personally. In future travels on an aircraft, I know that my appreciation has grown since learning about what goes on behind the scenes. I will always continue to respect and admire those who give their time to ensure enjoyment and safety on these planes for the sake of secure travel.
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