EL AL | Atmosphere

Meet the Crew

They welcome you with a smile when you arrive at the airport, make sure you are comfortable, and fly you safely to your destination – it’s time to get up close and

personal with the EL AL Airlines ground and flight crew. Meet Roni Mann, Station Manager at EL AL’s Miami Station

“Ready for every challenge” Name: Roni Mann | Age: 52 | Status: Married + 3 | Position: Station Manager, Miami | Years at EL AL: 23 Profile

56 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2022 an essential part of the system”. Which part of your job do you find most challenging? “The fact that you never know what challenges each specific flight will set you with. Sometimes it can be the airport What inspired you to join EL AL Airlines? “During my university years I found a summer job at EL AL - crew assignment within the operations division in New York - and went on to become flight manager and deputy station manager”. What does your position entail? It requires huge responsibility on all levels – the passengers, hotels, teams, baggage, baggage handlers, cargo handlers, laundry, quality control, ensuring food for each flight, and signing supplier invoices”. What do you most like about your job? “I like the fact that each day is different, so it never gets boring. Flights are always dynamic, and you get to meet interesting people. There’s nothing better than helping passengers and feeling part of a chain that’s all about giving people the highest quality of service. Succeeding requires total collaboration between departments – reservations, flight and ground crew, baggage handlers, cargo handlers and security – everyone is

computer system crashing, at others a passenger might feel unwell, or you’re missing a crewmember- you never know what challenge awaits you. Each flight is different and there are surprises at every turn". Any particularly unusual cases? “During the pandemic, restrictions were being imposed on foreign passengers or Israeli children traveling without an Israeli passport. There were many tough situations in which the Israeli Interior Ministry refused entrance to passengers. Thankfully, we received a lot of support from the Israeli consulate in Miami and managed to help many of our passengers - some still write in to thank us even today”. What do you do in your spare time? “After work, I usually spend time with my wife and children, cooking, eating out – but I also enjoy going to the gym, swimming, playing tennis and relaxing on the beach”. What would you be doing now had you not joined EL AL? “Had I not joined EL AL, I would probably have continued on my path as a graphic designer in the marketing and advertising industry. It’s what I was studying when I got my summer job at EL AL all those years ago”.

Tips & Recommendations “Miami is a very exciting and colorful place. It has that distinct southern ambience – in the way people talk, dress, eat, as well as in the music they listen to. My favorite spots are Wynwood and South Point. Apart from the fantastic energy, Miami has great restaurants and bars, among which the Soho Grill at the Aventura Mall for those who keep Kosher, and Fogo do Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in South Beach”.