Samantha Shakespeare

I teach on our Level 2 Introduction to Cabin Crew course, bringing vast experience in cabin crew and aviation operations training, onboard safety, emergency procedures, passenger care and airline customer service standards. I’m also able to support students with their assessment days and securing their first job in aviation. 

I have a strong industry experience in commercial aviation, having worked as cabin crew for airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Silverjet and Flybe, covering  long-haul operations with premium onboard services as well as domestic short-haul routes. This informs my lecturing practice, allowing me to deliver realistic, up-to-date training that links theory to real-world aviation operations, with emphasis on safety, customer service and professional standards. I use real-world examples from my professional experiences to make learning relevant, practical and engaging for my students.

A common misconception is that working as cabin crew is mainly about travel and customer service - it's actually a highly skilled safety-critical role requiring strong communication, teamwork and excellent decision-making under pressure.

Students say my classes are supportive and enjoyable in which they’re able to ask questions, share their experiences and learn. My advice to new students is to show up and get involved, even on days you don't feel like it - remember that growth often happens outside your comfort zone.

Outside of work, I'm an avid reader with a soft spot for crime and murder-mystery novels. A fun fact about me is that I once looked after astronaut Buzz Aldrin on a flight - his wife warned me not to let him in the flight deck, or we'd be headed for the moon!