CNN Business Traveller

SHOW #87

Cabin Crew

The threat of the British Airways cabin crew strike almost spoilt the holiday season for millions last December. The 12-day strike was blocked by a court injunction, following irregularities in the original ballot of members. Passengers are bracing themselves as BA cabin crew are trying again in a fresh ballot. If they vote to strike, it will be as early as the first week of March.

This is a good opportunity to turn our attention to cabin crew - the issues they face and the life they lead. Flight attendants are the face of an airline, setting the tone and experience passengers can expect. They are our safety stewards as well as service providers.

THE CHALLENGE

Richard Quest and Ayesha Durgahee go head to head again to see who has the most potential to serve and protect up in the air.

The airline awarded Skytrax Best Cabin Service in 2009 was Malaysia Airlines. The top five are all from Asia - a region with a long history in aviation. So CNN Business Traveller has instead decided to go to the fastest growing market - the Middle East - and train. We will be training with Gulf Air at their flight academy in Bahrain with other rookie attendants, focusing on safety and service. The final assessment will be onboard a commercial flight to Dubai. Richard Quest also speaks to CEO Samer Majali about the future of the airline and the state of the industry amidst the current economic climate.

IMAGE/BRAND

Delta Airlines revamped its uniform when it exited bankruptcy in 2007, enlisting the help of British designer Giles Deacon. Some airlines change their uniform just to freshen things up. United Airlines is the latest legacy carrier to make this step. Designer Cynthia Rowley is just starting to travel round the world and meet with UA flight attendants to get their thoughts on the new look and feel. Richard joins Cynthia on one of her crew meetings in New York.

MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT (MNN) IN MOSCOW

We discover Moscow through the eyes of a Lufthansa flight attendant during her lay-over. From culture to cuisine, Hannah Schaaf shows us the best spots in the city - what to see, where to eat and what best to avoid.