Flight Attendants Learn Martial Arts

May 30, 2011



Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. cabin crew (n.) – an airline employee who takes care of passengers’ needs during a flight
Example: The cabin crew helped me lock my seatbelt before the flight.

2. popularize (v.) – to make something well known
Example: Hamburgers were popularized by the Americans in 1904.

3. disruption (n.) – the state or condition of disorder or trouble
Example: Lack of instructions in train stations can lead to disruption.

4. unanticipated (adj.) – cannot be seen or expected in advance
Example: The strong rain yesterday was unanticipated.

5. come in handy (idiom) – to be readily useful
Example: Flashlights come in handy during an emergency.


Article
Read the text below.

Cabin crews of Hong Kong Airlines are learning kung fu to help them handle disorderly passengers.

Hong Kong Airlines official thought about requiring crew members of a martial arts training after seeing a wing chun performance by some crew members during a company event.

Wing chun is a form of kung fu popularized by the late Hong Kong actor Bruce Lee and the famous wing chun master Ip Man. It involves short and quick movements which enable crew members to control disruption even in a small space.

These techniques also allow them to quickly react to unanticipated situations during flights. Hong Kong Airlines’ spokesperson Eva Chan relates one situation when a flight attendant had to assist an overweight and drunk passenger. Chan says that most female flight attendants usually have difficulty assisting heavy passengers. But because of martial arts training, the flight attendant was able to do her job with ease.

Twenty three new flight attendants were recently required to attend the said wing chun training. Wing chun comes in handy for flight attendants because, on average, they usually have to manage unruly passengers at least thrice a week.  



Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think it’s necessary for flight attendants to learn martial arts or any form of self-defense? Why or why not?
·         In what situations do you think is it necessary for a flight attendant to use force when dealing with passengers?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the responsibilities of flight attendants?
·         If you have a chance, would you consider becoming a flight attendant? Why or why not?

May 30, 2011