For Margot Forssman, becoming an Emirates cabin crew member was never simply about seeing the world.
The 31-year-old South African had already lived in the United States (US) and the Netherlands before joining the global airline, experiences that fuelled her curiosity about different cultures and her desire to build a career centred around people.
Eight years later, Forssman is an experienced Emirates cabin crew member, flying on the airline's Boeing 777 fleet and representing South Africa on international routes connecting the country with Dubai and destinations beyond.
Her journey to the skies, however, was far from straightforward.
Forssman applied to Emirates around 12 times before finally being successful.
In September 2018, she walked into an assessment day in Johannesburg determined to make it through.
“I arrived early, stood in the bathroom doing a Superman pose and told myself, ‘Today is the day,’” Forssman said.
She made it through every round and received what Emirates applicants know as the Golden Call.
“I was shaking,” she said.
Within two weeks, she had packed up her life and moved to Dubai with her best friend, whom she met on that assessment day.
Eight years later, the friendship continues, with the pair having shared coffees during layovers around the world.
Her fascination with Emirates began years earlier when she was returning home after spending two years in the US as an au pair.
During the flight, the crew noticed that she was emotional about leaving the family she had grown close to in US.
“They checked in on me, brought me tissues, snacks and chocolates, and simply took the time to listen,” Forssman said.
That moment changed the direction of her career.
“In that moment, I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else,” she said.
While waiting to hear whether her application had been successful, her father would take her to the airport so she could watch Emirates crew walking through the terminal.
“I remember turning to him and saying, ‘One day, that is going to be me,’” Forssman said.
Her dream became reality when she began Emirates' two-month training programme, covering areas including firefighting, emergency evacuations, medical procedures, security and service.
Her first flight was to Prague at Christmas.
One of the defining moments of her career came when she was selected to represent Emirates at an ICC Men's Cricket match in Pune, India.
“Standing on the field in my Emirates uniform as South Africa's national anthem played, knowing my family were watching me back home, gave me goosebumps,” Forssman said.
“I felt so proud to represent both my country and an airline that has given me so much. And to make the day even sweeter, the Proteas won.”
For Forssman, being South African also influences how she approaches her work.
She believes the warmth and friendliness associated with South African hospitality naturally translate into the cabin environment.
“South Africans are naturally warm, welcoming and approachable, and those qualities have definitely shaped the way I look after customers,” she said.
Whether passengers are travelling for business, returning home or celebrating a special occasion, she focuses on making them feel genuinely cared for.
“Sometimes it's the smallest gestures like a friendly conversation, remembering someone's name or noticing they may need a little extra support, that makes the biggest difference,” Forssman said.
Behind the glamour of international travel, however, is a highly structured and demanding working environment.
Before a flight, Forssman checks the weather, prepares her suitcase and attends a pre-flight briefing at Emirates headquarters.
Once onboard, the crew checks equipment and catering before customers arrive. During the flight, safety remains the priority, followed by service.
“People often think the job is all about travelling, but there's so much happening behind the scenes,” she said.
“Every flight brings different people and unexpected situations that require teamwork, adaptability and quick thinking, and that's what makes every day different.”
She is now particularly excited about the arrival of Emirates' Airbus A350 in South Africa.
For cabin crew, introducing a new aircraft requires extensive preparation because every aircraft has different systems, layouts and procedures.
“While our commitment to safety and service never changes, every aircraft has its own systems, layout and procedures, so we complete extensive training before operating it,” Forssman said.
She is equally excited about the passenger experience, including Emirates' latest Premium Economy product.
“The A350 introduces a beautiful new cabin, including Emirates' latest Premium Economy product, giving customers another way to enjoy the award winning Emirates experience,” she said.
For Forssman, the aircraft represents more than a new chapter for the airline.
“As both a South African and an Emirates crew member, it's incredibly special to see my home country become part of the airline's next chapter,” she said.
After eight years in aviation, Forssman believes the career has taught her resilience, adaptability and the importance of listening to people.
“Every person has a story, and if you take the time to listen, you can learn something from everyone you meet,” she said.
Her advice to other South Africans dreaming of international careers is simple.
“Say yes to opportunities, even when they take you outside your comfort zone,” Forssman said.
“Stay curious, keep an open mind and don't be afraid to start over somewhere new.”
For someone who once watched Emirates crew from an airport terminal and imagined herself among them, Forssman's journey is a reminder that persistence can eventually turn an ambitious dream into a career that reaches far beyond home.
ashley.lechman@nationalmg.co.za