By constructing a fully operating flying taxi network by 2026, Dubai aspires to be the city that leads the future of flying taxis.

According to the Khaleej Times, an English-language newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates, the CEO of Skyports, which builds landing infrastructure for these aerial taxis, said Wednesday that he believed the city would be the first in the world to integrate a “fully-developed network” of flying taxis into its public transportation network.

EASA proposes rules for VTOL operations, including air taxis(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to a news release on its website, Skyports originally announced plans to develop the vertiports – launching pads for these airborne taxis — in February. There are plans to build four landing sites near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.

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Four vertiport sites located near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina, which are currently being considered by Skyports Infrastructure and RTA, were presented to a senior delegation which included His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These initial locations will connect four of Dubai’s most popular – and populous – areas, providing high-speed, zero-emissions connectivity.

The Lilium : World’s first all-electric flying taxi.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The air mobility exposition demonstrates the RTA and Skyports Infrastructure’s planned roadmap for developing a vertiport network in Dubai for launch by 2026, including a concept for how future vertiport infrastructure may look and how it will integrate with existing transportation, including the RTA’s Dubai Metro network and Dubai International Airport.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, Chief Executive Officer of The Public Transport Agency at RTA, said, “The RTA’s plan for aerial taxis is in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai driverless by 2030. The project aims to roll out a new mobility service driven by pioneering technology to ease the mobility of individuals across urban areas in a safe, smooth, and sustainable manner integrated with the public transport network in Dubai. The service is set to be operational by 2026.

The most significant levels of responsibility in the aviation industry belong to the cabin crew because they are in charge of passenger service and safety. However, when hiring a new cabin crew, airlines usually take that into account.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of 10 frequently asked questions about cabin crew interviews.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Answer: “I’m a dedicated and passionate individual who has always been fascinated by the aviation industry. I hold [mention relevant qualifications, if any] and have a strong background in customer service, which I believe is essential for a cabin crew role. I’m known for my attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.”

2. Why do you want to be a cabin crew member?

Answer: “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of traveling, meeting new people, and providing exceptional service. I believe that being a cabin crew member allows me to combine my passion for travel with my commitment to delivering top-notch customer experiences. I thrive in dynamic environments and love the idea of making every passenger’s journey safe and enjoyable.”

3 How would you handle a passenger who refuses to comply with flight attendant instructions during takeoff and landing?

A1: If a passenger doesn’t follow instructions during takeoff and landing, I’d kindly remind them about safety rules and explain why it’s important to comply. If they continue to refuse, I’d inform my supervisor or the pilot to ensure everyone’s safety.

4 What would you do if someone afraid of flying started panicking?

A2: If someone is scared of flying and panicking, I’d approach them calmly, offer reassurance, and try to keep them calm. I might provide information about the flight and suggest relaxation techniques. If their panic worsens, we have medical professionals on board, and if necessary, the pilot can consider diverting the flight for their well-being.

5. If two passengers were having a dispute over one seat, what would be your method for resolving the issue?

Resolving a Seat Dispute: If two passengers were disputing one seat, I would approach them calmly and politely. I’d ask them to explain the issue and listen carefully. My goal would be to find an amicable solution, which might involve checking the seat assignments, offering alternatives if available, or seeking assistance from the cabin supervisor or cockpit crew if necessary.

6. Do you feel comfortable in new environments and situations?

Comfort in New Environments: Yes, as a flight attendant, I’m trained to adapt to new environments and situations. It’s part of the job, and I’m comfortable handling various scenarios that may arise during a flight.

7. How have you resolved a challenging situation with a co-worker in the past?

Resolving Challenging Situations with Co-workers: In the past, when facing a challenging situation with a co-worker, I’ve approached the issue privately and discussed our concerns openly and respectfully. We usually find a compromise or seek assistance from a supervisor if needed to maintain a harmonious working environment.

8. What are your customer service strengths?

Customer Service Strengths: My strengths in customer service include active listening, empathy, patience, and clear communication. I aim to make passengers feel comfortable and valued during their flight experience.

9. What was your favorite flight experience?

Favorite Flight Experience: It’s challenging to pick a single favorite flight experience, as every flight is unique. However, I find joy in creating memorable moments for passengers, such as helping a nervous traveler overcome their fear or assisting with a special celebration onboard.

10. What are the first things you would do in an emergency situation in the air?

Emergency Situation in the Air: In an emergency situation, my primary focus is on passengers’ safety. I would remain calm, alert the cockpit crew, secure the cabin, assist passengers, and follow established procedures, such as initiating an evacuation if necessary, to ensure everyone’s well-being.

According to new Expedia® data, air travel is the main cause of stress for 55% of Americans, who find it more difficult than filing taxes or going to the dentist. Expedia has launched its 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, which unpacks data-backed ideas for saving money and minimizing stress as the busy holiday travel season approaches. This year’s report highlights include:

• Domestic airfare should be booked 28 days before departure; travelers saved up to 24% compared to those who booked at the last minute, surpassing the 10% savings travelers saw on average in 2022. 
• International airfare should be booked around 60 days out (and no more than 4 months out) for optimal availability and savings (around 10% on average). Last year, the sweet spot was closer to six months out. 

• Sunday remains the cheapest day of the week to book flights, while Fridays are most expensive. On average, travelers saved up to 13%.² 
• Fly before 3 p.m. to minimize the impact of delays and cancellations. Flights departing after 3 p.m. statistically have a 50% higher chance of being canceled than earlier flights.³ 
• There’s officially no bad time to book, with Expedia’s Price Drop Protection: More than a quarter (28%) of U.S. travelers continue checking ticket prices even after they’ve booked, but this new product issues a refund if the price of the ticket drops on Expedia after booking. *

The analysis also discovered that average ticket prices have remained nearly flat compared to last year, and flight cancellation rates have improved (1.7% of flights compared to 4.1% in 20223), both of which are positive trends for travellers who cite finding a good deal (61%) and worrying about disruptions (28%).

The most annoying types of airline passengers…!!(Opens in a new browser tab)

“No way should people rather get a cavity filled than go on a trip, so thank goodness a lot of the things causing travel-related stress are getting better,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “Fewer flights are being canceled and technology is helping with tools in the Expedia app like Price Tracking and Price Drop Protection that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.” 

Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is backed by an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and OAG. 

What factors influenced Go First’s decision to resume flight operations starting May 27?(Opens in a new browser tab)

“Airlines are adding capacity and increasing service to meet the sustained air travel demand we’ve seen throughout 2023,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travelers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure. Fortunately for those travelers, the cost of airfare has been below 2022 levels for most of the year.”