Did you know you could become more than just a flight attendant?
Airlines have different tiers when it comes to becoming a cabin crew member.
In this article, we will discuss how one can advance their career at Qatar Airways. We will list the different types of roles and responsibilities one can have as a cabin crew.
1. Flight Attendant (Junior Cabin Crew)
- This is the entry-level role and where you begin when you join Qatar Airways as a cabin crew member.
- As a junior flight attendant, you mainly focus on safety and customer service.
2. Senior Cabin Crew / Lead Cabin Crew
After spending a few years as a junior cabin crew member, you can now move up the ranks and become a senior cabin crew. This role involves:
- Supervising a section of the cabin during flights
- Ensuring safety and service standards are followed
- Supporting junior crew members
- Taking the lead during emergencies
Related: Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Requirements: Do You Have What It Takes?
3. Purser
The Purser is a senior cabin crew role and, in the absence of a cabin service director, they are the highest-ranking member. What do they do? Let’s have a look:
- In charge of the entire cabin on short to medium haul flights.
- Ensures smooth service delivery and crew coordination
- Acts as the communication point between the crew and the cockpit
- Reports directly to the Cabin Services Director (if onboard)
4. Cabin Services Director (CSD)
This is one of the highest ranks within the cabin crew hierarchy. The Cabin Services Director:
- Manages the entire crew on board
- Manages multiple Pursers and Senior Cabin Crew on large aircraft
- The highest-ranking crew member in the cabin on most long-haul or wide-body aircraft.
- Acts as a liaison between the crew and the captain
- Manages service logistics, timekeeping, and overall crew conduct.
- Works closely with the flight deck (pilots) and airline management.
- Completes post-flight reports and escalates issues to the airline.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Working as a Qatar Airways Cabin Crew
5. Cabin Crew Trainer / Instructor
For those passionate about teaching and mentoring, Qatar Airways offers training roles. These professionals:
- Training of cabin crew recruits.
- They will also conduct safety drills and service workshops.
- Provide ongoing learning for current crew members.
6. Recruitment and HR Roles
With experience, some cabin crew members transition into office-based roles like:
- Cabin crew recruitment specialists
- HR advisors for the cabin services team
- Performance management roles
7. Corporate and Operational Positions
There are career paths within Qatar Airways’ corporate structure, including:
- Cabin Crew Performance Manager – overseeing team efficiency and service quality
- Service Delivery Manager – ensuring excellence in in-flight service
- Operational Manager – managing flight schedules, crew planning, and logistics
8. Other Growth Opportunities
Qatar Airways supports internal transfers and career shifts through:
- Leadership development programs
- Continuing education support
- Access to global vacancies within the Qatar Airways Group (e.g., Qatar Duty Free, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Executive)
