Aviation For Youth
Khaled Zorai
Ex-Cabin Manager at Etihad
Topics: Career growth, aviation hospitality, cabin crew training, leadership, and travel innovation
From Dreams of Travel to a Life in the Skies
“It always starts with a love of travel.”
Khaled’s journey into aviation began long before he wore the Etihad uniform. Growing up in North Africa, he was fascinated by the world beyond his TV screen, memorising country capitals by age twelve and dreaming of distant destinations. What started as curiosity became reality when, after earning a degree in computer science, he joined cabin crew training almost by coincidence — a leap that led to a 15-year career in aviation and hospitality.
From Cabin Crew to Leadership
“It took me six years to reach the top — something almost impossible today.”
Khaled’s Etihad journey started in economy class and grew into leadership on the A380, managing up to 26 multinational cabin crew on long-haul routes. Through each role, from economy to business to first class, he learned that aviation is built on teamwork, precision, and cultural understanding. Today, he applies those lessons in hospitality management and auditing across Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels and airlines.
Skills Every Aspiring Crew Member Needs
“Before you apply, know what you’re signing up for.”
Khaled emphasises that cabin crew life demands more than glamour! Flexibility, emotional strength, and cross-cultural communication define success. From handling 24-hour flights to delivering babies midair, he believes adaptability is the foundation of aviation professionalism. “You can train for the job,” he explains, “but you can’t train passion.”
Leading Diverse Teams
“Leadership begins with emotional intelligence.”
Managing 25 people from over 15 nationalities taught Khaled that leadership in aviation starts with self-awareness. His approach to cross-cultural teams centers on empathy, clear communication, and control under pressure. “You can’t lead others until you understand yourself,” he says. “That’s emotional intelligence, and it’s what keeps teams together at 40,000 feet.”
The Future of Global Travel
“By 2025, we’ll surpass 2019 levels. The next few years will be crazy.”
Post-pandemic recovery has transformed how the world travels. Khaled predicts booming growth driven by digital check-ins, contactless experiences, and hybrid work lifestyles. He sees remote work and digital nomadism reshaping the hospitality landscape, making travel more flexible, personalised, and accessible than ever.
Advice to Youth
“Be ready to work, to adapt, and to smile — no matter where you land.”
To students dreaming of aviation careers, Khaled offers both realism and optimism. “It’s not just a job,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle that tests your patience, discipline, and empathy, but it rewards you with the whole world!”
